10 Common Mistakes for Cleaning Interior Paint

Ever walked into a room and felt like the walls were giving you the side-eye? You're not alone. Many Omaha homeowners are unknowingly committing crimes against their interior surfaces. But don't worry, we're not here to judge – we're here to help!

At Brush & Roll Painting, we've seen it all. From walls that look like they've been through a food fight to ceilings sporting more cobwebs than a haunted house. With over 25 years of experience painting and maintaining homes in the Omaha area, we've become experts in making walls look pretty and keeping them that way too.

In this article, we will spill the beans on the most common mistakes people make when cleaning their interior walls, ceilings, and woodwork. By the time you're done reading, you'll be armed with the knowledge to keep your surfaces sparkling without accidentally redecorating in the process. 

1. Forgetting to Clean Your Walls and Ceilings

Let's face it, most of us are guilty of this one. We vacuum the floors, and dust the shelves, but when it comes to walls and ceilings? They're often left to fend for themselves. A study by the National Association of Home Builders found that 68% of homeowners admit to cleaning their walls less than once a year. Yikes!

How to avoid it: Dust your walls every 1-2 months and focus on the upper areas and corners. Set a reminder to give your walls and ceilings a wash at least every six months. For high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways, aim for a quarterly cleaning. 

2. Scrubbing Walls

One common mistake is using too much force when cleaning walls, especially when dealing with stubborn marks or stains. Aggressive scrubbing can damage the paint surface, potentially removing color or leaving visible marks that are difficult to repair.

How to avoid it: Use gentle pressure when cleaning walls. Opt for a soft sponge or microfiber cloth instead of abrasive materials. Allow cleaning solutions to sit on tough stains for a few minutes before wiping, which can reduce the need for hard scrubbing. You can also look into mops made for walls and ceilings that make the job a little easier.

3. Use 1 Cleaner for All Interior Surfaces

A common error is using the same cleaning product for all surfaces in the home. Different materials and finishes require specific cleaning solutions to maintain their appearance and integrity. Using the wrong cleaner can potentially damage surfaces or leave residues that attract more dirt.

How to avoid it: For painted walls and woodwork, a simple mixture of warm water and mild dish soap usually does the trick. And for ceilings, a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment can work wonders.

4. Damaging Interior Paint with Water

More water means more clean, right? Wrong! Excessive water can lead to drips, runs, and even water damage. It's like trying to water your plant with a fire hose – overkill and potentially disastrous.

How to avoid it: Wring out your cleaning cloth or sponge until it's just damp, not sopping wet. Start from the bottom and work your way up to prevent dirty water from running down clean areas. Always have a dry cloth on hand to wipe away excess moisture.

5. Procrastinating Cleaning Interior Paint

We've all been there. You notice a smudge, think "I'll get to that later," and before you know it, that little mark has invited all its friends over for a party.

How to avoid it: Channel your inner neat freak and tackle spots and stains as soon as you notice them. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than ones that have had time to set in and make themselves at home.

6. Chemicals on Interior Paint

Mixing cleaning products might seem like a good idea to create a super-cleaner, but it's more likely to create a super problem. Some combinations can be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst.

Additionally, using the wrong cleaning methods can strip away paint.

How to avoid it: Use water, soap, and a microfiber cloth or magic eraser for gentle cleaning. If you have to try another tougher product for tough stains, stick to one cleaning product at a time. If you're not sure about a product, test it in an inconspicuous area first. And always read the labels – they're there for a reason!

7. Skipping Cleaning Baseboards

Baseboards often fall victim to the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. But these unsung heroes of your home collect dust and grime faster than you can say "spring cleaning."

How to avoid it: Give your baseboards some love every time you vacuum and mop. A quick once-over can prevent buildup. For a deeper clean, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap applied with a soft cloth can work wonders.

8. The Crown Molding Neglector

Crown molding adds elegance to a room, but it's also a dust magnet. Ignoring it is like wearing a tuxedo with muddy shoes – it kind of defeats the purpose.

How to avoid it: Invest in a long-handled duster or a vacuum with an extension wand. Make crown molding part of your regular dusting routine. For painted molding, an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth can keep it looking fresh.

9. Dismissing Painted Doors

Interior doors take a beating from dirty hands and natural wear and tear. Yet they're often overlooked during cleaning sessions.

How to avoid it: Add door cleaning to your to-do list. Pay special attention to areas around doorknobs, panels if you have them, and the frame around the door. A mixture of warm water and mild dish soap works well for painted doors.

10. Forgetting Ceiling Fans

Out of sight, out of mind, right? Wrong! Ceiling fans can accumulate an impressive amount of dust, which they're more than happy to share with the rest of the room when turned on.

How to avoid it: Make friends with your stepladder and give your ceiling fans a regular dusting. For an easier clean, try slipping an old pillowcase over each blade and pulling it back – it'll catch the dust instead of letting it fall all over the room.

Cleaning Your Interior Painted Surfaces

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to maintaining a home that looks freshly painted year-round. Remember, cleaning your interior paint surfaces should be easy. If you notice your paint failing, it may be time for a new coat of fresh, high-quality paint.

If you're looking at your walls right now and thinking they might need more than just a good clean, we at Brush & Roll Painting are here to help. With our expertise in interior painting, we can breathe new life into your home's surfaces. 

Whether you're dealing with stubborn stains, wear and tear, or just fancy a change, we've got you covered. Click the button below to get a quote!

If you’re not ready to get a quote for an interior painting project, but still want to be prepared for when the time does come, download your ultimate guide to hiring a painter. While investing in your home, you want to be sure you are making the best decisions. 

Click the button below to get your guide to be confident in the research you do, the questions you ask, and the decisions you make regarding hiring a painter in Omaha.