A commercial painter’s main job is to paint your Tracy, CA area property and give it a newer and more updated look. But after their work is done, now it’s your responsibility to keep the painted walls in good condition.

If you regularly clean floors, windows, and pieces of furniture, why not the walls, too? Considering how essential walls are in protecting the occupants and your commercial property’s overall appearance, regularly cleaning and maintaining their appearance is only proper and reasonable. 

Things to remember about cleaning painted walls

No matter the size of your Sunol, CA area commercial property, cleaning painted walls should be a part of your regular preventative maintenance. Doing so helps your commercial property in many ways: 

• It maintains your commercial property’s professional appearance
• It enhances the paint’s longevity
• It maintains a clean and hygienic environment
• Compliance with cleanliness standards
• It helps prevent permanent stains
• It boosts employee and tenant morale

Another thing to remember is that cleaning interior walls may be different from cleaning exterior walls. 

Cleaning painted interior walls

Cleaning painted interior walls involves understanding the type of paint, its color, and its finish to ensure you maintain the look and longevity of the surface. Different paint finishes and colors require specific cleaning techniques and products to prevent damage.

1. Understanding paint finishes

The paint’s gloss level determines its durability, resistance to moisture, and ease of cleaning. Here’s how different finishes impact cleaning:

Flat or matte finish

• Characteristics: Non-reflective, velvety appearance, often used in low-traffic areas.
• Cleaning tips:
  • Be gentle; these finishes can absorb stains and show marks easily.
  • Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with water and mild dish soap.
  • Avoid scrubbing or using abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface and cause discoloration.
  • Test in an inconspicuous area before cleaning larger sections.

Eggshell and satin finishes

• Characteristics: Slight sheen, more durable than flat finishes, commonly used in living rooms and bedrooms.
• Cleaning Tips:
  • Use a damp sponge or soft cloth with a mild cleaning solution.
  • Rinse with clean water to avoid streaks.
  • A diluted vinegar solution can help with stubborn stains, but test first to ensure no damage.

Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes

• Characteristics: Reflective surface, highly durable, often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and trim.
• Cleaning Tips:
  • These finishes are highly washable and can withstand stronger cleaning agents.
  • Use warm water with a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
  • Mixing water and white vinegar or a gentle degreaser can work well for grease and grime.
  • Avoid abrasive sponges or pads that may leave scratches.

2. Considering paint colors

Light colors (white, pastels, light neutrals)

• Pros: Show less dirt but can turn yellow or discolor with age and cleaning.
• Cleaning tips:
  • Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to prevent discoloration.
  • Avoid over-wetting, as moisture can seep into the paint, especially with matte finishes.

Dark colors (deep reds, blues, greens)

• Pros: Can conceal dirt and scuffs better but are prone to streaking when cleaned.
• Cleaning tips:
  • Wipe gently to avoid creating lighter spots or streaks.
  • Use distilled water when rinsing to avoid mineral deposits that can leave marks.

Bold colors (bright reds, yellows, oranges)

• Special Note: These colors often fade with harsh cleaning products or sunlight.
• Cleaning tips:
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and use mild soap solutions instead.
  • Ensure you rinse and dry quickly to maintain the vibrancy of the color.

3. General cleaning tips for painted walls

Dust regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth or duster to remove loose dust and debris. Doing so prevents grime from building up and reduces the frequency of deep cleaning.

Spot cleaning: For small marks or stains, clean the area with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the wall, and dry immediately with a clean towel.

Tackle tough stains:

• For greasy marks: Use a gentle degreaser or a mixture of water and baking soda.
• For crayons or pencil marks: Use a magic eraser to remove the marks. However, test first on a hidden area.
• For mold or mildew: A water-and-bleach (3:1) solution can help, but wear protective gear and ventilate the area.

Avoid over-cleaning: Frequent or aggressive cleaning can wear down the paint, especially on flat or matte surfaces.  Be sure to carefully clean walls with wallpaper as well.

Repainting considerations: If frequent cleaning has dulled the finish or left streaks, consider touch-ups or repainting with a more durable finish in high-traffic areas.

4. Tools and supplies

Tools:

• Microfiber cloths or sponges
• Soft-bristle brush for textured walls
• Step ladder for high spots

Cleaning solutions:

• Mild dish soap mixed with warm water
• White vinegar diluted with water (1:4 ratio)
• Store-bought wall cleaner (check compatibility with paint type)

5. Precautions

• Always test cleaning solutions on a hidden section before applying them widely.
• Avoid soaking the walls or allowing water to drip, as it can cause bubbling or peeling paint.
• For textured walls, use a soft brush to clean crevices gently.

Cleaning painted interior walls effectively requires knowing the specific type of paint and its finish, using appropriate cleaning methods, and ensuring regular maintenance to preserve the walls’ aesthetic and durability.

Cleaning painted exterior walls

Cleaning painted exterior walls of a Fremont, CA area commercial property requires careful planning and execution, as different colors, finishes, and levels of dirtiness affect the cleaning process. Here’s an in-depth discussion of the considerations and steps for effectively cleaning these walls:

1. Considerations based on paint color

Light colors (e.g., white, beige):

• Tend to show dirt, mold, and stains more visibly.
• Cleaning methods should be gentle to avoid discoloration, especially for bright whites or pastel tones.
• Pressure washing with moderate settings is usually effective, but avoid harsh chemicals that might bleach the paint.

Dark Colors (e.g., navy, deep red):

• May hide dirt but are prone to showing streaks or chalking after cleaning.
• Use soft brushes or sponges and rinse thoroughly to prevent water spots or streak marks.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch or dull the surface.

Vibrant Colors (e.g., yellow, green):

• It can fade with frequent harsh cleaning or prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Choose mild soaps or detergents to maintain vibrancy.

2. Considerations based on paint finish

Glossy finishes:

• Resist dirt and stains better, making them easier to clean.
• Use non-abrasive cleaners and avoid scrubbing tools that can dull the shine.
• A microfiber cloth or soft brush is ideal to prevent scratching.

Semi-gloss finishes:

• Similar to glossy but slightly less reflective.
• Moderate scrubbing is possible without much risk of damage. However, avoid harsh abrasives.

Satin finishes:

• More forgiving than glossy but still relatively easy to clean.
• Use a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent to prevent dulling the sheen.

Matte or flat finishes:

• Highly absorbent and prone to trapping dirt.
• Requires gentle cleaning to prevent smudging or uneven wear.
• Use a soft sponge with mild soap and avoid pressure washing directly on the surface.

3. Cleaning based on dirtiness level

Light dirt (dust, pollen):

• A garden hose with a spray nozzle can remove loose debris.
• Use a mild detergent with water for spot cleaning with a soft brush or sponge.

Moderate Dirt (Grime, Smudges):

• Use a pressure washer at low to medium settings, keeping the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the wall.
• A mixture of water and a non-abrasive household cleaner works well for hand cleaning.

Heavy Dirt (Grease, Mold, Algae):

• Use a stronger cleaning solution, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP) diluted in water, but test it on a small area first to avoid damage.
• A water-and-bleach (3:1 ratio) solution is effective. Rinse thoroughly to remove residues.
• Consider professional cleaning for extensive buildup.

4. Cleaning process

Preparation:

• Clear the area of obstructions like plants, outdoor furniture, or signage.
• Cover nearby landscaping or features with plastic sheets to protect them from cleaning agents.

Initial rinse:  Start with a gentle rinse using a garden hose or pressure washer to remove loose dirt and debris.

Apply cleaning solution:

• Mix an appropriate cleaning agent based on the type of dirt and paint finish.
• Use a pump sprayer or a soft brush to apply the solution evenly.

Scrub as needed:  For stubborn stains: Use a soft-bristle brush and gently scrub in a circular motion. Avoid applying too much pressure, especially on matte finishes.

Rinse thoroughly: Rinse off all soap and cleaning agents completely to prevent streaks or residue.

Inspection and touch-up:

• Inspect the surface for missed spots or damage.
• If the paint has been worn away, consider touch-ups with matching paint.

5. Additional tips

Frequency of cleaning:

• Commercial properties in urban areas or near heavy traffic may require more frequent cleaning (every 6–12 months).
• Properties in rural areas or low-traffic zones might only need annual cleaning.

Weather considerations:

• Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or during extreme heat to prevent rapid drying and streaking.
• Choose a cool, overcast day for the best results.

Safety precautions:

• Use ladders or scaffolding with proper safety measures when cleaning tall walls.
• Wear protective gear, especially when using chemical cleaners.

6. Environmental impact

• Use eco-friendly cleaning agents whenever possible to minimize environmental harm.
• Ensure proper disposal of runoff water, especially if using harsh chemicals, to avoid contaminating local water sources.

Considering the type of paint, finish, and level of dirtiness ensures your cleaning is effective, preserves the paint’s integrity, and enhances your San Ramon, CA property’s appearance.

Parting words

You don’t need complicated tools or techniques to keep the painted walls of your business looking clean and fresh. However, the job can be time-consuming, especially if you own a larger commercial property or a property with heavy foot traffic. If that’s the case, hire professional cleaning services.

Many commercial painting companies also offer cleaning services, but they’re usually part of preparing the surfaces for the new paint.

For inquiries or to request a free estimate for your paint job, call Custom Painting, Inc. at 925-294-8062 or use our contact form to send a message.