When it comes to cleaning your space, dusting, hoovering, bleaching the toilet might all be on your to do list, but what about your walls? And are you taking extra care to clean the hard surfaces around your home?

They may have been forgotten about or you might be worried about causing damage, so we’re here to help! Here’s a guide on how to clean your walls and hard surfaces.

How to Clean Your Walls

First of all, it’s important to know what kind of paint has been used on your walls to ensure you don’t cause any damage. The different types of painted walls include flat/matte, satin and semigloss, and high-gloss and latex.

Flat/Matte Paint Walls

This paint has a dull and chalky finish which makes it less durable when it comes to cleaning. There is a simple approach for cleaning flat or matte painted walls which is to dampen your sponge with warm water, wring it out until it’s almost dry and gently wipe the walls. Once completed, run over them with a dry, microfibre cloth.

Remember: Do not use harsh chemicals, scrub too hard or use a sponge that’s too wet.

Satin & Semigloss Paint Walls

These paints are most commonly found in the kitchen or bathroom as they are durable and tough. To clean this type of wall, mix washing up liquid into a bowl of warm water then dip the sponge in before wringing it out almost completely. Gently wipe the walls then dry with a microfibre cloth.

Remember: Even though they are more hardwearing, they are still susceptible to scratches so use a soft sponge.

High-gloss & Latex Paint Walls

These are the most durable paints and can withstand non-abrasive all-purpose cleaners. All you need to do is to mix warm water with the cleaner and dip the sponge into it, wringing it dry after. Gently wipe the entire wall and dry with a microfibre cloth to finish.

Remember: Still pay extra attention to scratching the paint, just because it can handle stronger chemicals doesn’t mean it needs more force.

You also need to be aware if you’ve used oil-based or water-based paint when it comes to cleaning your walls. Water-based can be cleaned with basic soap and water, but oil-based requires another mixture.

Oil-based Paint Walls

Oil-based is a lot more hardwearing that water-based, so is more stain-resistant and can handle more force when cleaning. In order to clean these types of walls, you will need to mix washing up liquid with warm water and ¼ teaspoon of white vinegar. Dip your sponge and wring out until almost dry before wiping the walls. If you have tough stains, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before blotting. Then, wipe dry with a microfibre cloth.

How to Keep Walls Clean

In order to keep on top of wall maintenance, dust the walls regularly when you are performing your other dusting duties and wipe them clean when you notice any scuffs or marks. This way, a deeper clean will only be required every so often and you will have peace of mind that your wall is always in tip top condition.

How to Clean Hard Surfaces

Hard surfaces are similar to walls as you have to take great care to avoid damaging their appearance. Here are some of the most common hard surfaces you find around the house and how to clean them.

Stone Surfaces

Found in kitchens and bathrooms as countertops or floors, use a damp cloth and a mild soap and water solution to wipe down stone surfaces; do not use abrasive cleaners. If you require a deeper clean, there are specific stone cleaners you can use that will protect the stone.

Tiles

Found in both kitchens and bathrooms, there are different ways to clean the tile surface and the grout that joins them. Either use a soap and water solution or a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner to clean the tiles with. Using a damp cloth to clean and buff them dry with a dry cloth.

For the grout, use a soft bristle brush and a grout cleaner to scrub away any dirt or stains. Rinse thoroughly and clean regularly to avoid mould or mildew building up.

Glass Surfaces

Found in the bathrooms and of course your windows, you can normally find special glass cleaner to use. Spray and use a microfibre cloth to wipe the glass with and rinse clean, drying with a dry microfibre cloth after. Avoid using any abrasive materials that may scratch the glass such as kitchen roll.

Stainless Steel Surfaces

Usually found around your kitchen appliances, they are renowned for leaving streaks or grease. Wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in warm water or white vinegar and towel dry immediately to avoid streaks or marks. For more stubborn stains, use a kitchen cleaner designed to dissolve them without causing any damage.

Marble Surfaces

Found in kitchens or bathrooms as countertops, it’s best to clean up spills or stains straight away and use a specific marble cleaner. Gently wipe using a microfibre cloth and dry afterwards; avoid abrasive sponges so you don’t damage the surface.

Do you need help to keep on top of your cleaning? Our deep clean includes washing tile walls and our cleaners always take the best care of cleaning all surfaces. Whether you require a one-off clean or end of tenancy, we can help. Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.

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