How Do You Clean Walls After Renovation?

Are you facing the challenging task of cleaning your walls after a recent renovation? Renovations can transform your home, but they also leave behind a mess, particularly on your walls. Whether it's layers of dust, difficult paint splatters, or sticky residue, post-renovation wall cleaning is a crucial step to restore the beauty of your space.

Walls often take the most impact during renovation work, gathering dust and dirt that can be tough to remove. This is especially true if your renovation involved sanding, painting, or installing new fixtures.

In this blog, we will guide you through the best practices for how do you clean walls after renovation, and offer tips on how to maintain your walls’ fresh look.

Why is Post-Renovation Wall Cleaning Important?

After a renovation, it is important to focus on arranging furniture and admiring your new space, but cleaning your walls is crucial for several reasons. 

Ensures a Healthy Living Environment

Renovations produce a lot of dust and debris that can settle on walls. This dust often contains particles from materials like plaster, wood, or even asbestos, which can be harmful if inhaled over time.

Cleaning your walls thoroughly helps remove these particles and ensures that your home is safe and healthy.

Preserves the Look of Your Space

Walls are a large, visible part of any room. Even minor imperfections like dust can affect the overall appearance of your newly renovated space.

A good cleaning will make sure that your walls look as fresh and new as the rest of your home.

Prevents Long-Term Damage

Dust and grime left on walls can eventually lead to staining or even damage to the paint and underlying materials.

By cleaning your walls soon after renovation, you prevent these substances from causing long-term issues that might require more extensive and expensive repairs later on.

Enhances the Longevity of Your Renovation

A thorough cleaning not only improves the immediate appearance of your walls but also helps protect your renovation investment.

Clean walls are less likely to develop issues like mould or mildew, which can undermine the integrity of your renovation work overtime.

How Do You Clean Walls After Renovation?

Cleaning walls after a renovation requires a strategic approach to ensure that you remove all dust, dirt, and any other residues left behind by the work.

Here’s how you can go about it effectively.

Prepare the Room for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning, it’s important to prepare the room. Move furniture away from the walls, cover floors and furniture with drop cloths, and ensure good ventilation by opening windows.

This will help you clean efficiently without spreading dust to other areas.

Start with Dry Dusting

The first step in cleaning walls is to remove loose dust and debris. Use a microfiber cloth, duster, or even a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently wipe down the walls.

This will prevent dust from spreading when you start washing the walls with water or cleaning solutions.

Wash the Walls with the Right Cleaning Solution

After dusting, wash the walls using a gentle cleaning solution. For painted walls, a mixture of warm water and mild detergent usually works well.

Use a soft sponge to wash the walls from top to bottom, and avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damage to the paint.

Rinse and Dry the Walls

Once the walls are washed, rinse them with clean water to remove any soap residue. Use a separate clean sponge for rinsing, and again, work from top to bottom.

After rinsing, dry the walls with a soft towel to prevent water spots and ensure a spot-free finish.

Cleaning Techniques That Works Best for Removing Paint Splatters and Stains

Paint splatters and stains are common issues after renovation, especially if painting was involved.

Use a Razor Blade for Dried Paint

For dried paint splatters on flat surfaces, a razor blade can be very effective. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and gently scrape the paint away.

Be careful not to gouge the wall, especially if the wall surface is soft or textured.

Apply a Paint Remover or Solvent

For stubborn paint stains, you might need to use commercial paint remover or solvent. Apply a small amount to a cloth and gently rub the stain.

Always test the product on a small, hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the paint or wall surface.

Use a Magic Eraser for Minor Splatters

Magic erasers are great for removing minor paint splatters and other stains. Dampen the eraser and gently rub the affected area.

This tool is particularly effective for water-based paints but should be used with caution on more delicate surfaces.

Consider Professional Cleaning for Severe Stains

If the paint splatters are extensive or if you’re dealing with specialty paints like oil-based or epoxy, it might be best to hire professional cleaners. At Perfect Clean, we have the tools and expertise to remove tough stains without damaging your walls.

What Are the Most Common Challenges in Cleaning Walls After Renovation?

Cleaning walls after a renovation can be more challenging than it first appears.

Several factors can complicate the process, and knowing how to address these challenges can make the task easier.

Dealing with Fine Dust

Fine dust from sanding or drywall work can be particularly challenging to remove. It attach to surfaces and can be easily spread around if not handled properly.

Using a vacuum with filter or a microfiber cloth can help effectively capture and remove this dust.

Removing Stubborn Adhesive Residue

If your renovation involved wallpaper or the installation of fixtures, you might face leftover adhesive residue on the walls. This residue can be sticky and difficult to remove without damaging the wall surface.

A mixture of warm water and dish soap, or a commercial adhesive remover, can help dissolve and remove it.

Avoiding Damage to Delicate Surfaces

Walls made from delicate materials, such as plaster or certain types of paint finishes, can be easily damaged during cleaning.

It’s important to choose cleaning tools and solutions that are appropriate for your wall type to avoid scratches, fading, or other damage.

Ensuring Complete Removal of Dust and Debris

One of the most common challenges is ensuring that all dust and debris are completely removed, especially from textured or porous surfaces.

Multiple passes with different cleaning tools (such as a duster, vacuum, and damp cloth) might be necessary to achieve a thorough clean.

Conclusion

Cleaning your walls after a renovation is crucial for both appearance and maintaining a healthy living environment. By addressing the common challenges and applying the right cleaning techniques, you can effectively remove dust, paint splatters, and other residues, leaving your walls looking as good as new.

If you're looking for professional assistance to ensure your walls are spotless, Perfect Clean is here to help. Our expert team specialises in post-renovation cleaning, ensuring that every corner of your home is cleaned. Contact us today to schedule your cleaning service, so you can fully enjoy your beautifully renovated space.