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Paint expert warns homeowners to be cautious when carrying out new viral Tiktok cleaning hack
The Paint Shed
We all love a cleaning hack that makes life a little easier and whilst there are many useful cleaning hacks on social media, there is one hack that paint experts are advising us to be cautious about.
Wall mopping has become a popular painted wall cleaning hack, with videos on TikTok containing the hashtag wall mopping racking up over a million views. The hack simply uses a mop to clean dirt and dust from walls.
Despite its potential to save time, particularly when cleaning hard-to-reach areas, The Paint Shed advises homeowners to exercise extreme caution and to do their research before attempting this cleaning hack.
Just as you would regularly clean your work surfaces or floors, it is important to pay attention to your walls as well. However, the type of paint and finish on your walls will dictate the most effective method for cleaning them.
If the paint you have used is not washable paint, and you have opted for a flat or matt finish then you need to be extra cautious when cleaning your walls due to these paints being more susceptible to the finish being damaged or scratching off the paint. It’s therefore crucial that when washing your walls, you avoid any harsh chemicals and instead stick to warm water and a cleaning solution.
How to clean your walls without damaging the paint
Check your paint is suitable for being cleaned
Before you start cleaning your wall, it’s important to know if the paint you bought and applied is suitable for being cleaned. Certain paints such as Crown Clean Extreme and Benjamin Scuff X can be scrubbed clean without damaging the finish, even if the paint has a chalky or matt finish, however, this is not true for all paint brands. Make sure you do research into the durability, brand and characteristics of the paint you have used before attempting any cleaning.
Consider your paint finish before you get started
If you have a flat or matt finish and you have not used a washable paint, then you should not be using water or a mop to clean your walls. Flat-finished walls do not mix well with water, do not use harsh chemicals or excessive pressure when cleaning as you will be more likely to scratch or peel away the paint.
If your walls have a satin or eggshell finish, they are a little more durable and can withstand cleaning better. Nevertheless, you should still refrain from using high-pressure cleaning methods, like mops, abrasive cleaners and avoid drenching the walls with water.
Only semi-gloss and high-gloss can be cleaned with the harshest chemicals such as detergents or a degreaser. Nevertheless, you should always spot-test this before, beginning with a small part of the wall.
Dust them instead
If your walls are looking a little dull and in need of cleaning, you should try dusting first rather than washing, alternatively, use your vacuum and its brush attachment. This approach is an effective method for every type of paint finish without damaging them and will allow your paint's appearance to remain fresh.
Spot-test your cleaning solution first
Although some paint manufacturers will include cleaning instructions on the back of the tins, you should still always check your cleaning solution is gentle and safe to use on the paint before attempting to clean your walls. We would recommend you perform a spot test on a small section of the wall before cleaning the entire surface. This step is particularly crucial if your walls have a flat or matt finish. Using a cleaning solution that is too strong may cause light-coloured streaks and stains to appear.
Use a light touch
When cleaning your painted walls, it’s vital to use the appropriate tools. You should use soft sponges and dry microfibre cloths only. When washing with a sponge, be sure not to scrub too hard to avoid scratching the surface of your paint. The sponge should also be wrung out almost completely before putting it on the walls.
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