How to clean your walls before painting
Prepare your walls for painting with this step-by-step cleaning guide.
1. Dust down
To start, use a dusting brush or cloth to remove any cobwebs, dust and loose dirt – this will ensure your paintbrush and paint stay clean and free from dirt while applying your paint.
2. Remove any mould
Mould can develop in damp and airless areas, so it’s a good idea to make sure that your home is well ventilated. To remove any visible mould, wash all affected areas with Fungicidal Wash (using a brush to apply it). Leave the surface to dry for at least 6 hours. Finally, thoroughly rinse with clean water and scrub to remove residue and dead growths.
3. Remove old paint
If your existing wall surface is shiny and you’re painting it matt, you’ll need to lightly sand it down using a fine grade of sandpaper.
4. Clean your walls
Once you have removed any old paint, wash down the surfaces that you plan to paint with soap and water. If you're painting the kitchen, there may well be grease on the walls. You can also wash it down with soap and water. Make sure you rinse off any residues with clean water and leave the walls to completely dry before painting.
