Decorative plaster gives a wall a distinctive touch and improves a room’s visual appeal. But over time, grime, dust, and debris can gather on these plastered surfaces. Maintaining decorative plaster’s longevity and beauty requires knowing how to clean it properly.
To prevent damaging the intricate designs or textures, specific techniques and tools are needed for cleaning decorative plaster. Knowing the proper cleaning techniques will help maintain the plaster’s appearance and guarantee that it keeps improving your space, regardless of whether you have a subtle finish or a more intricate pattern.
This post will discuss several methods for cleaning ornamental plaster walls. You’ll find helpful hints and advice to maintain the best-looking walls, ranging from basic cleaning solutions to more sophisticated techniques.
There are various efficient methods for cleaning decorative plaster on walls, each specifically designed to address different kinds of stains and finishes. To keep your plaster looking beautiful and lasting a long time, you need to know the proper cleaning technique whether you’re dealing with general dust, stains that won’t go away, or a particular kind of dirt. This guide will go over the best ways to maintain the vibrant and new-looking appearance of your decorative plaster walls, from mild cleaning agents to more involved methods.
How to properly wash decorative plaster
The majority of plaster finishing materials are resistant to being wet cleaned. As such, regular water can be used to wash them. But this needs to be done with caution, adhering to general hygiene guidelines. Furthermore, you need to consider the type of finish. Certain species are intolerant to mechanical stress or even mild detergents. In other words, you cannot apply pressure or use a sponge to rub them against the surface.
The use of chemical solvents, hard brushes, and abrasive materials is also prohibited. They demolish the surface’s color and texture.
When cleaning, there is a general sequence of steps to follow. Follow these steps to clean the plaster:
- Wet a small area of the wall with water. You can also use a soap-based solution or a weakly diluted washing powder, dishwashing detergent and other compounds permitted in a particular case.
- Wait about 10 seconds.
- Use a clean cloth or a regular sponge to remove the remains of the cleaning agent. Wipe the surface, but do not press on it.
- Allow the material to dry completely and see if the dirt has been completely removed.
- If stains remain, repeat the procedure again.
Wet cleaning may not be able to remove the most tenacious dirt. These are typically old stains that have developed over time. Many attempt to clean them using harsh chemicals and a stiff brush. However, given the high risk of damage, this is not advised.
Plaster used for decoration is very brittle. Chips, dents, and color changes are caused by severe mechanical impact.
It is advised to use additional impregnations, fixatives, wax, and antiseptics to lessen the possibility of damage during subsequent cleaning. They improve resistance to physical shock and moisture.
In certain situations, you can use other cleaning agents in place of water or soapy water:
- for glass;
- for washing dishes (removing grease);
- for furniture and floors.
On the other hand, you should select mild compounds rather than strong ones. Before using such products, make sure to test them on a location where they won’t be as noticeable.
Always use a fresh napkin to wipe the wall after wet cleaning. To get rid of the dirt completely, this is required. If not, they will dry out and possibly develop yellow spots and streaks. It is advisable to wipe the surface dry at the final step. In this manner, streaks will be less likely.
What products can and cannot be used to wash decorative plaster
Additionally, there are restrictions on what products should be avoided and what can be used to wash the decorative element. Solvents and coarse abrasives are not tolerated by the finishing material. They may cause structural damage, which will cause the walls to deteriorate from their original appearance. Consequently, you should carefully read the cleaning agent’s instructions before beginning any cleaning.
Soda ash-containing compositions will encourage the growth of any yellow spots. It is not advised to use them in the battle against dirt.
Furthermore, substances like vinegar or alcohol can degrade the material’s structure. The color will also fade in situations where the walls are brightly painted. Therefore, it is not advisable to use folk remedies that contain vinegar and alcohol.
Although it’s not required, you can buy a specialized delicate product to take care of the plaster. Minor dirt can be cleaned away with a standard soap solution. Traces can be safely and effectively removed with laundry soap.
If grease residue is seen on the walls (in the kitchen, for instance), use a gentle cleaner to get rid of it.
But remember that you should test the product on a tiny patch of plaster first. It is preferable to do this in a discrete location. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJlJ12h6wJU
| Method | Description |
| Dry Dusting | Use a soft brush or a duster to remove loose dust and dirt from the surface. |
| Vacuuming | Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently clean the plaster without damaging it. |
| Spot Cleaning | For specific stains, use a damp cloth with mild soap to gently clean the area, then dry with a clean cloth. |
| Steam Cleaning | Apply steam to the plaster surface to loosen dirt and grime, then wipe with a clean cloth. |
| Special Cleaners | Use cleaners designed for decorative plaster according to the manufacturer"s instructions. |
The type and finish of decorative plaster dictate the specific cleaning method that needs to be used. Whether your plaster surface is painted or has a textured finish, it’s important to use the proper cleaning technique to prevent damage.
For routine maintenance, a soft cloth and a light dusting or a vacuum with a brush attachment work well enough. A gentle soap solution applied with a soft sponge can effectively remove more difficult stains. To make sure a cleaner won’t alter the texture or color, always test it on a small, discrete area first.
It may be necessary to hire professional cleaning services when there is a lot of dirt or grime. They have products and tools made specifically for deeper cleaning without endangering the plaster.
Maintaining the beauty of your decorative plaster and making sure it continues to be a standout element of your interior design can be accomplished with timely cleanings and regular maintenance. By following these instructions, you can preserve the best-looking walls for many years to come.
