Keeping walls looking fresh after they’ve recently been painted can be an endless task, especially if you have children in your home. However, a home improvement expert has shared how you can keep your paint looking perfect by following an easy cleaning hack.
By following this weekly task, you can keep your painted walls pristine without using any harsh cleaning products. And all it takes is one household product that you probably already have stored in your cupboards.
So, instead of scrubbing fingerprint marks and everyday grime, which will damage your painted walls, try this gentler approach that stops dirt from accumulating.
“After years of working with various paint finishes and helping customers maintain their properties, I’ve found that prevention beats deep cleaning every time,” says Dale Smith, founder of Fence Guru.
He shares his secret weekly maintenance tip to keep painted walls clean and professional-looking long after they’ve been painted.
The dryer sheet method
There’s no complicated science behind Smith’s method; it simply involves using a dryer sheet. He recommends wiping painted walls once a week with a standard sheet to lift settled dust while creating a light static layer that actively repels grime and airborne particles.
“Most people don’t realise that dryer sheets are designed to attract and capture dust particles,” explains Smith. “When you run one across your painted walls, it picks up all that fine dust that settles daily without requiring any moisture or cleaning products that might damage the paint finish.”
I’ve used a similar technique to clean my baseboards, although it also involved a vacuum cleaner.
How does it work?
As the dryer sheet moves across the wall surface, it reduces static, preventing future dust from sticking. The benefit is that you’re walls won’t need cleaning as frequently.
“Think about how dust clings to your television screen or computer monitor,” says Smith. “Painted walls face the same issue, especially in high-traffic areas or homes near busy roads where there’s more environmental exposure.”
Apart from stopping dust from settling, the gentle friction of the dryer sheets lifts embedded particles, without the need for abrasive cleaners that can damage the delicate paintwork.
Which type of paint responds the best?
This dryer sheet method works on most painted surfaces, but it's particularly effective on satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss paints, whose slight sheen allows the dryer sheet to glide smoothly without catching or tearing.
“These finishes already have some durability built in, so they can handle the light friction while maximising the anti-static benefits,” notes Smith. “Flat or matte paints can still benefit, but you’ll want to use an even lighter touch.”
Which areas in your home should you prioritize?
If you can’t spare the time to clean all of your painted walls, stick to high-traffic areas. And Smith suggests cleaning around windows, air conditioning vents, and exterior doors, where dust circulation is higher. He also recommends cleaning hallways, living rooms, and children’s bedrooms, as they tend to accumulate dust faster, especially if you have pets or live in a dusty environment.
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