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After putting in the time and money to repaint, we know you want to keep your walls looking clean and fresh as long as possible. With a little care, it’s easy to remove the average wear and tear to enjoy your space longer between touch-ups and repaints. Below are a few preventative steps you can take to protect your paint and keep it looking clean.

WHEN PAINTING - SELECT THE RIGHT GLOSS LEVELGloss and semi-gloss paints are easier to clean than flat paints because of their smoother surface. If a flat or low sheen finish is desired, we recommend SUPREMA^® Premium Interior Flat and Low Sheen Paints. Better quality paints are more durable, wash and clean up easier—and last longer.

KEEPING FRESH PAINT CLEAN

• Wash dirt from painted walls before it accumulates. This not only improves the appearance of the walls, it reduces the chance of dirt becoming permanently embedded in the paint film.
• Check for dirt periodically. Look for it near cooking areas (airborne cooking oil) and on areas that are touched frequently. Spot clean where necessary. 

EASY DOES IT

• When washing walls or removing stains, do only the minimum amount of cleaning, using the lightest pressure necessary, in order to avoid eroding the paint or creating any shiny spots (also known as burnishing.)
• Always use the least aggressive cleaner, such as a mild soap solution.
• Wet a sponge before use to prevent excessive surface abrasion. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR STAIN REMOVAL Crayon and Washable Markers

• For the most severe marks, use Krud Kutter^® (a high strength multi-purpose cleaner.) Be sure to follow the directions on the label. NOTE: Krud Kutter^® is available at all Dunn-Edwards stores.
• For less severe marks, try using a wet sponge with dishwashing detergent or Nature’s Orange^® (a heavy-duty cleaner/degreaser.)
• If a mark is stubborn, sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on a damp sponge and rub gently in a circular motion.
• Spray the area with WD-40^® (a solvent cleaner) and gently wipe with a soft cloth.
• To remove lubricant residue, dampen a sponge with a solution of 2 drops mild dishwashing liquid to 1 cup water. Squeeze out the sponge and rub gently in a circular motion. Then rinse the area with water and dry with a clean cloth. 

Greasy Kitchen

• Add 2 oz. liquid household ammonia to a gallon of TSP solution. 

Gum

• Hold a plastic bag filled with ice on the gum to harden it. Scrape off excess gum with a spatula or dull knife. Then use either Krud Kutter^® or Nature’s Orange^® to remove the residue.

Mildew

• Be aware of mildew growth on surfaces that tend to be moist. This includes laundry, basement, bathroom, and kitchen areas.
• Mildew should be treated and removed—never painted over.
• To distinguish dirt from mildew, test the surface by putting a few drops of household chlorine bleach on it. If the surface has mildew, the color will be bleached out in just a few minutes.
• Apply a 3 to 1 mixture of water and household bleach to the area using a rag or sponge. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves. With colored paints, test a small area first to be sure the bleach solution will not cause fading. Allow the mixture to remain on for 20 minutes; add more as it dries. Rinse the area thoroughly. For more information, see our “Mold and Mildew” brochure. 

Permanent Marker

• These marks are very difficult to remove completely. Try using Krud Kutter^® for lessening the severity of the marks.
• Try careful spot cleaning with a non-gel toothpaste.
• Try hairspray (used for ballpoint pen) or WD-40^® (used for crayons.) 

Scuff Marks, Pen and Pencil Marks and Dirt Around Doorknobs and Light Switches

• For more severe marks, use Krud Kutter^® or Nature’s Orange^®.
• A solution of dishwashing detergent or TSP with warm water can be used for less severe marks.
• For really stubborn marks, pour some baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe marks away or try a non-gel toothpaste (a very mild abrasive) on a damp cloth to wipe marks away.
• For scuff marks and pencil marks, try using an art gum eraser.
• For ballpoint pen marks, spray with hairspray and wipe off, or mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Put on a damp rag and wipe off.
• For oily smudges and dirt around door knobs and light switches, use household spray cleaners (Formula 409^®, Fantastik^®) on a wet rag. 

Wax

• Melt the wax with a hair dryer and wipe away the excess. The greasy mark left behind can be removed by wiping with a weak solution of vinegar and water. 

RESIDUAL STAINS AND PREPARING TO TOUCH-UP PAINT

It is not always possible to wash off all stains (e.g., permanent markers) and so you may need to touch-up the paint.

Stubborn stains may show through new paint, so if you think some stains may bleed or show through when painted, consider applying a high quality, stain-blocking primer, such as BLOCK-IT^® (BIPR00-0), before painting. If cleaning or other burnishing has left the surface shiny in some areas, the primer will also give a consistent look.

Disclaimer: This content page is provided as suggestions for cleaning and stain removal as a service to you. We cannot guarantee or be responsible for the results obtained by these procedures. Before attempting to use any of these methods, test the procedure on an inconspicuous area to be cleaned.