Even experienced DIYers can be tempted by the appearance of neat, tidy walls, but many opt not to bother cleaning them at all and instead apply paint directly onto their surfaces. Unfortunately, the consequences of not cleaning aren’t always immediately evident; sometimes paint jobs could last years without proper prep – which makes one wonder why most paint manufacturers insist upon this step in preparation before painting.

Another contributing factor to chaos is that paint makers themselves cannot agree on which type of cleaning should be done. Generally speaking, warm soapy water with a sponge works best; fill a bucket up and begin at the bottom and work your way upwards; this will get rid of most dirt and dust, creating a smoother wall for applying paint.

The most important tip for painting is to clean out the room. If you have trash in the room, the junk removal crew can help. If you need to move furniture or clothes, container rentals are a great option.

Professional Painters Avoid Washing Walls

Painters generally avoid washing their walls. There are various reasons for this; one being that it takes away time from painting and reduces revenue. Therefore, don’t expect your painters to do any washing unless you’re willing to pay more for their services or hire a cleaner before the painting crew arrives.

Your painter may choose to lightly pole-sand flat surfaces using high-grade Sandpaper. Light sanding removes sticky dirt and debris, polishes surfaces, and reduces surface stipple.

When To Skip Washing

If you plan on painting the walls yourself but would prefer not to have to first clean them in preparation, make sure the walls meet at least some of these criteria:No dust is present There are no grease or crayon stains visible on the walls. There is no fireplace that burns wood inside the home. Walls have no contact with hand and there are no pets inside.
No need for cooking or bathing in bathrooms (meaning both bathrooms and kitchens must always be cleaned prior to painting). Only vertical surfaces (trim works and ledges) need cleaning. Rooms which could be considered non-detergent rooms without need for detergent or TSP include: Recently painted living area that doesn’t get much use. Primary bedroom used by adults only. Room for dining designed only for dining purposes rather than cooking. Home office. An attractive family room that lacks fireplace and wood burning. The powder room is only used for handwashing and toiletry activities. All of these spaces, no matter how clean they appear initially, will need some tidying up in order to remove dust particles.

When to Wash Clothing with Soap and Water

Paint manufacturers generally recommend that walls be washed using at least some water and mild detergent before painting. Even though modern paints are capable of adhering to virtually any surface, they will stick best on well-maintained, smooth areas.