What is a good way to clean walls prior to painting?

It's the perfect time to add some color to your bathroom or kitchen. Before you break out the paint brush and the rollers you should give the desired surface an extensive cleaning.

What's the most effective method to clean walls prior to painting? Learn how to scrub your walls prior to painting.

How to clean walls prior to painting?

Are you unsure whether you should or need to prepare your walls prior to painting? Although it might seem like a chore, it is essential since paint adheres best on a clean surface and will last longer. The best method to prepare the surface for painting is often based on the state that the material is in.

Exterior surfaces are generally more robust and are able to withstand the force of a pressure washer, whereas the wood paneling, drywall, and stucco, as well as other indoor materials, must be handled more delicately.

Here are ways to prepare the walls for painting:

Give it a good basic scrub and rinse

In many cases, the use of warm water and a sponge are all you require to make an interior wall ready for painting. Rub the wall with the sponge, and make sure you clean the corners thoroughly. However, add a detergent that cuts grease to the water to get rid of the smears and scratches. Clean it with a moist towel, and then allow the drying process to complete prior to painting. This easy cleaning is ideal for adding a new coat of paint to an area that has already been painted.

Get rid of mold and mildew

If there remains dampness or mold (possible in the event of repainting a basement, bathroom, or another space with humidity), use an aqueous solution, composed of three parts water to one part bleach. If you don't follow this procedure and the mildew is not treated, it could spread through the paint and harm the new coating.

A Chemical Clean

In the event of a major renovation in which the particles, chemicals, and other materials could compromise the strength of your drywall, it's recommended to thoroughly clean the walls with a cleaner that is stronger. Utilize a commercial cleaning solution like Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) to ensure that the walls are thoroughly cleaned. TSP eliminates grime, dirt, and scuffs, as well as soot and any other type of soil. It's a little more expensive, but it will provide you with an area that is as clean as it can be.

Sanding to create a smooth finish

In the case of an old surface that has chipped paint, smooth or uneven areas are crucial. Use fine-grain sandpaper or a sanding block to smoothen out any imperfections or bumps and clean dust using a cloth. Paint will stick better to smooth surfaces.

Exterior Preparation

If you're planning to paint the exterior of your house, there are two methods to wash the surface. The first and the least labor intensive is to use an electric power washer to blast all over the house. The power washer will do an excellent job of getting rid of mildew, dirt, and other things; however, it can leave out some more intricate details or harm siding if not used properly.

Another option is to scrub manually using a TSP solution to make sure that the surface is clean. It is less expensive than hiring a power washer, but it's time-consuming and labor-intensive.

How do you clean your walls prior to painting?

Here are the least- to most-intensive types of products needed for painting prep:

• Sponge and warm water
• Warm water and sponge, with an added detergent
• Bleach solution to fight mildew (3-parts water, 1 part bleach)
• Chemical cleaner or TSP
• Power washer (exterior wall/siding only)