Few people find scrubbing fun, but the time you spend cleaning the surface is worth it, because paint adheres better when no dirt comes between the paint and the surface.
Interior Surfaces
Use these methods for cleaning patches of dirt, mildew and stains.
Tip: Only use new sponges. Old sponges can transfer dirt or grease to your wall.
General Cleaning and Removing Mildew
1. Mix the appropriate cleaning solution and water in a plastic bucket. For general cleaning, TSP substitute works best. For mildew, mix 1 part household bleach to 4 parts water.
2. Fill a second bucket with clean water only. Use a different sponge for each bucket to avoid contamination.
3. Use the sponge to dampen the surface lightly with clean water.
4. Apply the cleaning solution to the dampened surface — be sure to keep the surface wet. Scrub severely stained surfaces with a stiff plastic bristle brush or non-woven scrubber.
5. Rinse the surface thoroughly with the clean water. Repeat if necessary to remove all cleaning solution residue.
6. Wipe away any excess water using a dry, lint-free cloth.
Tough Stains
1. Mix a solvent-based degreaser in a bucket with a new sponge, following the label instructions.
2. Fill a separate bucket with clean water. Use a new sponge for each bucket to avoid contamination.
3. Use the sponge to dampen the surface lightly with clean water.
4. Apply the solvent-based degreaser solution, scrubbing any stubborn crayon, grease or oil stains. Keep the stained areas wet with the cleaning solution for 5 to 10 minutes for best results.
5. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if necessary to remove all cleaning solution.
6. Remove any excess water with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Exterior Surfaces
Clean exterior surfaces when there's no wind, to keep blowing dirt from sticking to the wet surface.
Small Projects
For small exterior paint projects, use the methods for interior cleaning, above.
General Cleaning
1. Close all vents, windows and doors.
2. Using a pressure washer or a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle, spray the area, working from the top down in a side-to-side motion, completing a section at a time. Allow 24 to 48 hours to dry.
Removing Mildew
1. Wet the mildewed area with water using a garden hose or a pressure washer.
2. Saturate all areas surrounding the working areas with clean water to prevent the soil and vegetation from absorbing bleach. To protect delicate shrubs or other plants, cover them with plastic or canvas drop cloths.
3. Using a pump sprayer, apply a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part bleach to the mildewed area. Wait 10 to15 minutes.
4. Rinse the surface thoroughly with pressure washer or garden hose and allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Removing Chalking
1. Using a garden hose or a pressure washer, wet chalky areas with water.
2. Using a pump sprayer, apply a solution of TSP substitute and water to the surface. Dilute the TSP substitute according to label instructions.
3. Scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush (use a wire brush on masonry) saturated with the TSP solution.
4. Using a garden hose or pressure washer, rinse the surface thoroughly with a strong stream. If chalk remains, wash again. If chalk remains once the surface dries, you might need to use a bonding primer.
Tip: If washing leaves stains on the bricks, scrub them with a stiff brush and detergent and then rinse with a garden hose. If the brick is slightly discolored, rub a piece of brick of similar color over the area.
Removing Efflorescence (mineral leaching on masonry)
1. Using a wire brush or scraper, remove any loose or peeling paint from the damaged area.
2. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water in a 5-gallon bucket or pump sprayer.
3. Wet the area with a clean water-dampened sponge or garden hose and then apply the vinegar solution with a sponge or a pump up sprayer. Using a scrub brush, lightly scrub the area.
4. Allow the vinegar solution to remain on the surface for a couple of minutes, and then rinse the surface thoroughly with a hose or clean sponge. Allow the surface to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
2008 Dutch Boy Group