KEEP IT FRESH

Who doesn't love the look of a fresh coat of paint? Especially one that you applied yourself. With a little care and a few smart choices, you can keep your walls looking as fresh as day one for years to come.

Basic Maintenance

• Wipe down walls regularly with a damp cloth or sponge to keep dirt from accumulating and becoming permanently embedded in the paint film. This is especially important for walls in kitchens and high traffic areas.
• When washing walls or removing stains, do only the minimum amount of cleaning, using the lightest pressure necessary. This will help avoid burnishing (aka shiny spots).
• Always use the least-aggressive cleaner, such as a mild soap solution, and perform a test on a small area first to be sure the cleaner will not cause fading.
• After cleaning, always rinse your walls with warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue, which can attract dust and dirt.

Stain-Specific Tips:

Crayon & Washable Markers

• For the most severe marks, use a high strength multi-purpose cleaner. Be sure to follow instructions on the label and apply it sparingly to avoid paint removal.
• For less severe marks, use a mild general household cleaner.
• For stubborn marks, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and rub gently in a circular motion.

Kitchen Grease

• Add 2 oz. liquid household ammonia to 1 gallon of TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution.
• Start washing at the bottom and work your way up. This prevents the cleaning solution from running down the dirty part of the wall and causing hard-to-remove streaks.

Scuff Marks, Pen & Pencil Marks, and Dirt Around Doorknobs and Light Fixtures

• For more severe marks, use a high-strength multi-purpose cleaner. Be sure to follow instructions on the label and apply it sparingly to avoid paint removal.
• For less severe marks, use a solution of dishwashing detergent or TSP with warm water.
• For stubborn marks, add non-gel toothpaste (a mild abrasive) to a damp cloth and wipe marks away.
• For the most stubborn marks, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe marks away.
• For scuff marks and pencil marks, try using an art gum eraser.
• For ballpoint pen marks, spray with alcohol and wipe off, or mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1⁄2 tablespoon of salt. Put the solution on a damp rag and gently wipe off. Excessive pressure will cause paint to burnish.
• For oily smudges and dirt around door knobs and light switches, use a high-strength multi-purpose cleaner on a wet rag. Be sure to follow instructions as well as strong solvent warnings on labels as applicable.

Permanent Marker

• These marks are difficult to completely remove. To lessen the severity of the marks, try using a solvent-based cleaner. Be sure to follow instructions as well as strong solvent warnings on labels as applicable. Be advised: using any of these solutions will likely result in some damage to the finish.
• Try to carefully spot-clean areas with a non-gel toothpaste.

Gum

• Hold a plastic bag filled with ice on the gum to harden it. Scrape off excess gum with a spatula or dull knife. Then use a high-strength multi-purpose cleaner to remove the residue. Be sure to follow instructions on the label and apply it sparingly to avoid paint removal.

Wax

• Melt the wax with a hair dryer and wipe away the excess; ironing a paper towel over the wax can work too.
• The greasy mark left behind can be removed by wiping with a weak solution of vinegar.

Mildew

• Be aware of mildew growth on surfaces that tend to be moist. This includes laundry, basement, bathroom and kitchen areas.
• Mildew should be treated and removed, never simply painted over.
• To distinguish dirt from mildew, test the surface by putting a few drops of household chlorine bleach on it. If the surface has mildew, the color will be bleached out in just a few minutes.
• Apply a 3-to-1 mixture of water and household bleach to the area using a rag or sponge. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves. With colored paints, test a small area first to be sure the bleach solution will not cause fading.
• Allow the mixture to remain on for 20 minutes; add more as it dries. Rinse the area thoroughly.
• For severe mold and mildew issues, seek professional guidance on how to best handle it.