How to Clean Your Painted Surfaces Without Damaging Them

Keeping your painted surfaces in top shape doesn’t have to be complicated. With some simple care and the right products, you can preserve the beauty of your interior and exterior without risking any damage. This guide will walk you through some safe cleaning practices — especially helpful in our harsh climate in the Denver metro area!

1. Choose the Right Cleaning Supplies

• Use Gentle Cleaners: For most surfaces, a mild soap mixed with warm water will do the trick. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as these can strip the paint and leave behind stains. We like using Simple Green. 
• Select Soft Materials: Opt for a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Hard scrubbing materials like scouring pads can cause scratches, especially on satin and matte finishes. 

2. Spot-Clean When Necessary

• Tackle Spots Individually: For minor marks, spot-cleaning is the way to go. Gently dab (don’t rub) the area with a damp sponge and a drop of dish soap.
• Avoid Over-Saturating: Too much water can weaken the paint film, especially on matte surfaces. Be very careful with the amount of water you use and try to keep moisture to a minimum.

3. Dust and Wipe Down Interior Surfaces Regularly

• Routine Dusting: Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, making painted surfaces look dull. Use a microfiber cloth or a dusting wand to lightly go over walls and trim every few weeks. 

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  Vacuum Tips: If you have pets or live in a dustier area, a vacuum with a soft brush attachment can be especially effective for keeping walls free from build-up.

• Focus on Baseboards: We see the most common dirt build up on baseboards and trim. Regular focus on cleaning these areas will help your house and painted surfaces feel clean and new. 

4. Be Mindful of High-Traffic Areas

• Kitchens and Bathrooms: These rooms often see grease splatters or watermarks. For tougher stains, a mix of vinegar and water works well, but be sure to follow with a damp rag afterwards to eliminate any acidic residue.
• Entryways: The dry air in Denver and use of salt/sand on during storms means our shoes bring in lots of mud, salt and dust. Regularly cleaning entry ways with mild soap and water can prevent buildup from affecting the finish.

5. Exterior Painted Surfaces: Handle with Care

• Rinse with a Hose, not a Power Washer: Pressure washing may be tempting, but it can damage paint, especially if the pressure is too high. A gentle rinse with a hose and a soft brush is usually sufficient. If a hose is not sufficient, hire an expert to power wash your exterior. 
• Seasonal Maintenance: The freeze-thaw cycles in Denver can put extra stress on exterior paint. Check for peeling or bubbling each spring and fall, and address any issues promptly.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

• No Abrasive Cleaners: Anything gritty can wear down the paint over time.
• Limit Sun Exposure: While not a cleaning tip, UV exposure fades paint. Use UV-resistant paint where possible and close curtains or blinds on hot days.

Keeping your painted surfaces clean will make them look great and help them last. If you’re in the Denver metro area and need advice on paint-friendly cleaning or a fresh coat of paint, our team at Helix Painting is here to help! Contact us for a consultation or quote today.