We are moving and want to wash down our walls from hand prints etc before we decide what needs to be painted. What do you recommend using that is safe on paint? Thanks!
Assuming it's not flat paint, my paint store said to use fantastic on a sponge and gently remove spots. I don't think I'd wash a whole wall. If it's high gloss, then just a damp cloth.
I highly recommend TSP. IT makes my walls and tile floors look brand new and it gets out dirt that isn't even visible. It's easy to use and good for large surface areas - just wipe on, let sit for 10 minutes or so, and wipe off. No scrubbing. Magic eraser does work too but you would have to go through quite a few of them for a large surface area and scrub. My sister and all my friends now use TSP, too.
Hands down, its magic erasers.
Magic erasers have never damaged my paint, and they will get anything off!
They are also great for cleaning the crud out of your oven. (Found that out after spending 3 hours scrubbing the oven in the apartment I moved into... Then I decided to give he magic eraser a shot and it took 20 minutes to have the oven looking brand new.)
What kind of paint finish is it?
ie: flat/matte paint? Satin? Semi-gloss? Gloss? etc.?
Then depending on that, you can wipe it down or not.
With flat or matte paint, you cannot "wash" it down.
If it is satin or glossy type paint finishes, you can, wipe it down with a damp sponge etc.
Matte or flat paint finishes, if you get it wet or try to "wash" it, it will absorb the water and it will stain or the stain will spread and/or the paint will rub away.
Or just ask your local hardware store what to use.
In the future, to paint walls and since you have kids, do not use a "flat" or matte paint. Because these paint finishes, get stained easily and cannot be removed unless you repaint over it.
So use, at least, a "satin" finish when you repaint. Because satin or gloss finishes, can be wiped down. And does not stain as easily.
Ask your paint store.
We often use something called TSP. I think it stands for something like trisodium phosphate. It's readily available at any paint store. It's a powder that is dissolved in water and you wash the wall with it. It strips the wall of all grime, dirt, oils and other stuff. You'll need to then rinse the wall with plain water. Do make sure to read the instructions first.
We also use TSP for smaller painting projects like bookshelves, small chests, rocking chairs, etc.
I would suggest though, that you go to a good paint store and ask for advice. They should be able to give you some sound advice.
Another suggestion (I know you didn't ask for this, and you may know this already). If you are painting your current house prior to selling, you may want to consider either just washing the walls and leaving them as is (the buyers may well want to paint the house themselves) or you may want to choose a neutral color for the paint (so potential buyers aren't thrown off by unusual colors in the house).
Good luck on your painting job! Have fun!
I always soap and water. Like Mr. Clean. Gain liquid dish-washing detergent. Any good liquid cleaner should be fine.
The paint people at Home Depot said to use the Magic Eraser as well as the builders of our house. That being said, test it in a small area. The builders used such a cheap paint on our walls, that even a wet cloth takes off the paint.
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.
Magic eraser is NOT safe on paint! It'll take layers of paint off and force the repainting issue, whether you want it or not. I used magic eraser on the beadboard in our bathroom. Within a month, it removed the paint on all the edges and water and steam ended up swelling the wood and damaging it. We had to replace sections of bead board as a result.
Read this as an explanation: http://tipbusters.com/2011/mr-clean-magic-eraser-–-is-it-...
Just searching magic eraser painted walls will give more examples of problems. And if it's gloss or has any sheen, it won't when you're done with magic eraser.
Vinegar and water or just soap and water and a soft cloth.
we went with a semi gloss on all of our walls she they are essentially washable with soap and water. Only if it is flat or matte paint you cant. Other wise give it a go.
I have used magic eraser on painted walls without a problem - especially if it's a one time think like cleaning up when you are moving. You might want to give it a try in some inconspicuous place first if you have concerns.
I also recommend just a sponge with some dishsoap or even a babywipe for lighter cleaning.
