How to Clean and Maintain Freshly Painted Walls & Cabinets
Keep freshly painted walls and cabinets looking great with these simple cleaning techniques.
Repainting the walls and cabinets in your home can be expensive. To help keep your newly painted surfaces looking great for years to come, here are a few key care tips.
Before you begin cleaning your painted surfaces, be sure to consult the safety data sheets for the Benjamin Moore products that were used to make sure all precautions are followed.
Understanding Paint Dry Time Versus Cure Time
It’s important to know the difference between dry time and cure time because paint should be fully cured before painted surfaces are cleaned.
Dry time and cure time are two different processes paint undergoes after application. Dry paint is simply no longer wet to the touch, while cured paint is fully hardened.
For most walls, paint is typically dry within one to two hours. While the space can be used lightly after 24 hours, the paint will not be fully cured for about 30 days.
Cabinet paint is often dry to the touch in two to four hours, but the cabinets should not be used for at least two to three days after painting. They will be fully cured in approximately 30 days.
When Can You Clean Freshly Painted Walls and Cabinets?
After painting, when can you clean your walls and cabinets? You want to wait until the paint is fully cured before cleaning any painted surfaces. At minimum, allow 30 days.
If you absolutely must clean part of a freshly painted wall or cabinet sooner, you can spot clean the surface very carefully.
What Do You Need to Clean Painted Walls and Cabinets?
How to Clean Painted Walls and Cabinets
Step 1: Dust Painted Walls and Cabinets
Start cleaning your newly painted walls or cabinets by lightly dusting them. Use a microfiber cloth or brush to remove dust particles from the painted surfaces.
Step 2: Dampen a Sponge with Soap and Water
Take a sponge and dampen it with soap and water. It’s best to use a soft sponge, mild soap, and slightly warm water.
Avoid abrasive sponges like Magic Erasers and scouring pads, and don’t use a harsh cleaner such as bleach, ammonia, or alcohol.
Step 3: Clean from the Bottom Up to Prevent Streaking
Using your soapy sponge, begin washing at the bottom of the wall and work your way up. This helps prevent the cleaning solution from running down the surface and causing streaks.
Use a gentle touch, as scrubbing can remove paint. Cabinets tend to face more wear and tear than walls, so it’s important to clean them carefully, especially shortly after the paint has cured.
Step 4: Dab, Don’t Scrub
When cleaning the cabinets, use a dabbing motion instead of scrubbing. Always test the surface in a small, hidden area before cleaning the rest of the exterior.
Any spills should be cleaned immediately with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap.
Step 5: Rinse with a Clean, Damp Cloth to Remove Soap
After dabbing soap onto your wall or cabinet, rinse gently with a clean, damp cloth.
When cleaning a cabinet, it’s best to use a soft towel to avoid damaging the paint. Be sure not to hang wet towels on cabinet doors, as lingering moisture can cause problems.
Step 6: Dry Painted Walls or Cabinets with a Soft Towel
Once you’ve rinsed the surfaces, gently blot your walls or cabinets with a soft, dry towel to remove excess moisture.
How to Care For and Clean Painted Walls and Cabinets
Caring for your freshly painted walls and cabinets will help keep the finish looking its best.
Small nicks can happen to any surface, especially in the first month when the paint is still curing. If your new paint becomes chipped or damaged, touch it up with leftover paint and a small artist’s brush or foam roller. Be sure to label any leftover paint to avoid mixing up the sheen, color, or product.
Maintain normal room temperature and humidity levels, and avoid pushing furniture against the walls for the first seven to ten days after painting. To help prevent floor scuffs when moving furniture, apply felt pads to the bottoms of the legs.
More Painting Tips & How-To Guides
What painting project is next on your list? View our painting how-to guides for advice that will help you take on your next project with ease.
As always, count on your local Benjamin Moore store for help with all your painting needs.