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Use These Tips To Keep Your Wall Paint Looking Bright
By CAROL BENTON
Dust Walls
Dust builds up on your painted walls, eventually hiding the luster of the paint. To keep them looking fresh, dust your walls and remove cobwebs once a month.
An efficient way to clean your walls is with the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. You can also use a microfiber cloth or an old towel draped over the head of a broom.
Wash
You should wash your walls at least once a year using the right products. For flat, eggshell, and satin finishes, use warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint finishes hold up to
more vigorous scrubbing
and products formulated for degreasing. Some latex paints are specially formulated
as washable paints.
Quickly Clean
A stain or scuff becomes more permanent the longer it stays on the wall. You can usually remove them with a soft cloth and a mix of warm water and dishwashing liquid.
The key to success is to wring out the excess water and gently wipe the affected area as soon as possible. When the smudge is gone, rinse with clear water and dry with a towel.
Keep Items Away
Any item that touches your wall over a long period can leave a mark. To preserve the beauty of your paint, place furniture a few inches away from the wall.
Avoid using decor pieces that lean, opting to hang artwork and mirrors with picture hooks or Command Strips. Also, be aware of the black soot from candles and oil lamps.
Avoid Ghosting
Faint black streaks on the walls in the vicinity of air ducts and vents come from
a phenomenon known as "ghosting," and it can obscure the color of your paint.
If you observe considerable dark smudging, take steps to fix insulation problems, eliminate cold spots, and remedy the causes of excess humidity and condensation in your home.