If you are painting your own Walls, then save yourself the trouble of going out and buying an industrial chemical cleaner because you can use water-vinegar solution and get the job done just as easily. And the acidic nature of vinegar makes it the perfect organic cleaner for your home, office and other places. So let’s see how to wash walls before painting using vinegar.
Benefits of Using Vinegar
But why do we have to use vinegar? Well, the acidic nature of vinegar is fairly powerful; it can dissolve mineral deposits, remove dirt, oil, and grime from any surface. Vinegar kills all the bacteria and cleans off any harmful substances as well. In a home hygiene study, GotAbout found that the vinegar is organic and is healthy for the home environment. Where store-bought chemical cleaners leave you with a harmful and uncomfortable odor, vinegar cleans well, is organic and the odor fades away just as quickly after cleaning. As a cherry on top, vinegar is a very useful household substance that is also cheap at a cost that makes it absolutely budget-friendly. Hence, there is no reason you shouldn’t use vinegar.
Accessories Needed:
- 1:1 water-vinegar solution
- Spray bottle
- Soft cloth
- Broom/duster
- Large Paper sheets or large cloth
- Stable Ladder.
- Spray washer
- Sponge
How to Wash Walls Before Painting Using Vinegar?
Before using the vinegar solution on walls, you have to prepare the surface for proper cleaning. You will need a broom or duster and paper sheets to lay it on the grounds so that it does not get dirty. Using the broom/duster, you have to clean up all the loose dust, spider webs and other debris clinging to the wall. Dust every inch of the wall and it is really to be cleaned by the water-vinegar solution. You have to keep the windows of the room open for proper ventilation as well. And you will have to remove any fragile to acid accessories like lamps, wall painting, curtains and wall clocks from the room for safekeeping. If the wall is wet for any reason, let it dry out first then you can continue to the next level.
Step 1: Using the Vinegar and Water Solution.
Now finally we have come to the point where we wash the wall with vinegar. but do you know how to make the perfect solution for the purpose? Let’s clear that out first.
Vinegar-Water Solution Recipe: Take the same amount of vinegar and lukewarm water then combine them in the spray bottle and shake the mixture well. You have to use the mixture while it is still warm for better results. Which amount of vinegar needed for the solution depends on how large the wall is.
Now, using the spray bottle, spray every inch of the wall with the solution thoroughly. Make sure you have made enough solutions to cover every bit of the wall. When you successfully cover the entire wall with the solution, let it sit for about five minutes. Then it will be ready for the final wash-up. You can use an easy climb ladder to reach the top and corners. The solution would neutralize the grim and grease, so it will be ready to wash off easily.
Step 2: Washing Off the Solution
This is the final step of the process. Now if it is an exterior wall then washing it off is easy and fun because you can use the spray washer used for cars and other machines. Using the spray, thoroughly wash the wall and all the dirt and grim would come off. Use a sponge while washing to get the best results. But if you are working with an interior wall spray wash or water hose wash is not an option. In that case, you just have to take a soft wet cloth and slowly wipe the solution off the wall. The dirt will come off. If the wall gets too dry, then spray some water all over then wipe everything off. An important thing to keep in mind is to use a stable ladder to reach every bit of the wall while spraying and cleaning.
Step 4: Drying the Wall
This is the final step of the process. You certainly can not paint over a welt wall. You can use an air blower to dry the wall if you are in hurry to get the painting done. If not, you can keep the windows open and make sure there are ample ventilation systems active in the room. Then it will dry itself over the night. But if the humidity levels are way high in your area, then the air blower/dryer is the best option for you.
Cautions:
There are some things you have to be careful about. While using the ladder, you should take in a helping hand. Also, always remember to use protective gloves and goggles while working. Because there is nothing called being too careful. As you are working with dust, vinegar brooms and paint, it is needless to say that you must wear a face mask at all times while working. A face mask is a must. These are personal safety precautions. You note that using a scraper in the washing process is not ideal. The acidic element of vinegar can remove any dirt and grimness. You won’t be needing a scraper. Finally, do not forget to lay down plastic or paper sheets on the floor or a cloth. You have to cover every corner of the floor for better protection. They will protect the flooring from damage and prevent mess.
Bottom Line
Washing the wall before painting will get rid of all the unnecessary substances off the surface and paint will spread smoothly. But you need something stronger than water that would get all the grime and debris off effectively. That’s where vinegar stands out. Painting your walls by yourself is a great money saver and also efficient as you can customize it as you want. And using vinegar as the cleaning element before painting is just as budget-friendly and convenient. And the process of how to wash walls before painting using vinegar is so susceptible that anyone can do it.