How To Mop Walls Without Removing Paint?

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How To Mop Walls Without Removing Paint?

By : Mikaela Perrin

Have you been looking at your walls and thinking it would be great if you could clean them without removing the paint? Yes. Then you’ve come to the right place. Over time our walls can end up accumulating a lot of dust, fingerprints and scuff marks and like most people you’d want to clean them. But when you go over it with a mop the paint seems to be coming off or you’ve accidentally discoloured a patch of the wall. Panic not. You may be using the wrong technique.

Cleaning walls isn’t really complicated if you know how to go about the task. This article will cover practical tips and tricks that you can follow very easily to get your walls cleaned safely. This will go over things like choosing the correct cleaning solution, using gentle mopping techniques, the correct tools, etc., so that you can avoid the mistakes that most people make when doing this task. But if you don’t have time or you feel you’re walls are far too delicate for you to handle it on your own, you can always hire cheap bond cleaning Gold Coast services to get the job done.

1. Prepare The Walls Before Mopping

Before you begin mopping your walls, you must first prepare the surface. Use a dry microfiber cloth or an extendable duster to get rid of dust and cobwebs from the walls. This prevents grit from scratching the paint when moisture is introduced during cleaning.

Move all of the furniture away from the walls to make room, and place some old towels at the base of the walls to catch any drips before they hit the floors. These easy actions can make your cleaning process more efficient and safe.

2. Choose The Right Mop And Cleaner

A soft, flat microfibre mop is ideal for cleaning painted walls. You must absolutely avoid any stiff bristled brushes or abrasive pads, as these can scuff the paint quite badly and can even remove the finishes sometimes. Now, in terms of the cleaning solution, a gentle one will be your best friend.

Get yourself a bucket of warm water and mix in a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid in it. You can now use this diluted solution for the purpose of wall mopping. If there are any greasy areas, add a splash of white vinegar to the mixture. But as a rule of thumb, always do a spot test before you go all out with any solution. This will ensure the paintwork remains safe.

3. Steps To Mop Walls Without Damaging Paint

Close-up of mop against white wall

Now that you have all the tools and cleaning products at ready, it’s time to get on with the actual cleaning. Follow the steps below:

  • Dip the mop in the solution and wring it out till it’s only slightly damp. You do not want excess moisture to be there as this could damage the paint.
  • Begin at the top of the walls, i.e., start with cleaning the areas near the ceiling, and then gradually move downwards towards the floor. What this does is that, it helps prevent the already cleaned areas from becoming dirty again.
  • Avoid scrubbing the walls. You should always use gentle vertical strokes, with a light enough pressure that is able to lift the dirt without harming the surface.
  • Make sure you are rinsing the said mop frequently. To prevent dirt from spreading, dip the mop in clean water and wring it out.
  • After this, use a dry microfiber cloth or towel to remove any remaining moisture and protect the paint finish.

These procedures will help you get your walls clean in no time. If you don’t want to perform the cleaning yourself, you can call expert bond cleaning Gold Coast services to do the job for you.

4. Removing Stubborn Marks On Walls Safely

Some stains, such as fingerprints, grease spots, or crayon traces, require considerable work to remove. To handle these properly, use a small sponge dipped in a stronger but still delicate mixture of warm water, vinegar and a pinch of baking soda. To avoid harming the paint, use gradual circular strokes and apply mild pressure.

If the marks refuse to budge even after a few gentle attempts at removing them, it’s better to just touch up the area with paint. It’s safer than scrubbing the area too hard. For situations when the stains on the walls are more widespread, it’s better to call in the professionals to tackle the job.

5. Consider the Different Paint Finishes

Not all wall paints respond in the same way to the cleaning methods. You will need to adjust your mopping technique according to the particular finish of your walls. In the case of flat or matte finish you need to be extra delicate. Use a lot of caution and stick to lightly damp cloths for cleaning whenever possible. For eggshell or satin finish, you will still need to use gentle mopping techniques although they are more durable in nature.

Semi gloss or gloss paint is the most washable in terms of all finishes. These are generally used in rooms like the kitchen or bathrooms. By knowing the particular finishes of your walls, you’ll be able to understand how to address issues like stains without having to stress too much about them. But if in doubt, always do a spot test beforehand or consult expert bond cleaning Gold Coast for some tailored advice.

6. Common Wall Mopping Mistakes To Avoid

When mopping walls, some mistakes can lead to some very costly damages to the paint. Hence it’s best to avoid the following:

  • Do not use too much water as it can cause bubbling and peeling.
  • Don’t ever scrub aggressively, you could chip or create dull spots accidentally.
  • Never skip a patch test before applying a solution to the walls.
  • Don’t forget to dry the walls after cleaning so as to not leave streaks behind.

By avoiding these mistakes, your walls will stay fresher for longer without compromising the paint finish.

Infographic For Mopping Your Walls Without Removing Paint

Infographic For Mopping Your Walls Without Removing Paint

Wrapping Up

To mop walls safely without removing paint, all you need is gentle cleaning methods. Take the above tips to heart when cleaning your walls and you’ll be able to ensure your efforts are effective and give you fruitful results. And if ever in doubt do not hesitate to call in the professionals. Happy Cleaning!