Hey everyone! I’m in the middle of renovating my living room and decided to go with a lime wash paint for that beautiful, breathable finish. I’ve been using Earthborn Lime Wash and absolutely love its natural texture and eco-friendly credentials. But before I apply it, I need to clean the walls. I’ve heard vinegar is a great natural cleaner, but I’m wondering if it’s safe to use before applying lime wash? Has anyone tried this combo?
I’ve previously used Eco Paints for a different room, and while I loved their low VOC content, I’m really excited about the mineral-based pigments in lime wash. My walls are plaster, and I’m aiming for a finish that’s not just beautiful but also kind to the planet. I’m curious about how vinegar interacts with lime wash—does it affect the adhesion or the final look?
So, my main question is: Can I use vinegar as a natural cleaner before applying lime wash, or should I look for another eco-friendly cleaning solution? Also, if you’ve used lime wash before, what was your experience with surface preparation? Any tips or alternatives you’d recommend? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, great question! I’ve used vinegar as a cleaner before applying Earthborn Lime Wash and it worked perfectly fine. The key is to dilute it properly—I usually go for a 1:1 ratio with water. It’s great for removing any grease or dirt without leaving harmful residues. Just make sure to rinse the walls with clean water afterward and let them dry completely before applying the lime wash. This method has never affected the adhesion or the final look for me. Happy painting!
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I’m a big fan of using natural products around the house, and vinegar is definitely a go-to for me. However, when it comes to preparing surfaces for lime wash, I prefer using a mild soap solution. I feel it’s gentler on the walls and equally effective. Just my two cents!
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely try the 1:1 vinegar solution. Do you think it’s necessary to rinse the walls after cleaning, or is it okay to apply the lime wash directly after the vinegar solution dries?
@EcoPainterJane I always rinse the walls after using the vinegar solution, just to be on the safe side. It ensures that there’s no vinegar residue left that might interfere with the lime wash. Plus, it gives the walls a fresh start, which I think helps with the adhesion.
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I’ve been experimenting with different natural cleaning solutions for my home projects, and I found that a mix of baking soda and water works wonders for preparing walls for lime wash. It’s slightly abrasive, so it’s great for removing tougher stains without damaging the surface. Just a thought for those looking for alternatives to vinegar!
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@NatureLover101 That’s an interesting alternative! Do you rinse the walls after using the baking soda solution, or do you apply the lime wash directly?
@EcoPainterJane Yes, I always rinse the walls thoroughly after using the baking soda solution. It’s important to remove any residue to ensure the lime wash adheres properly. After rinsing, I let the walls dry completely before applying the lime wash. It’s a bit more work, but I think it’s worth it for the best results.
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I’ve also used vinegar before applying lime wash and it worked great for me. Just like @EcoPainterJane said, diluting it is key. I went with a 1:3 ratio, vinegar to water, and it did the job without any issues. The walls came out looking fresh and the lime wash adhered perfectly. Make sure to give it a good rinse and let it dry, though. Can’t stress that enough.
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Interesting to hear about the vinegar solution. I’ve always been a bit hesitant to use it, fearing it might affect the lime wash’s performance. Instead, I’ve used a mild soap solution for cleaning the walls before applying lime wash. It’s eco-friendly and does a great job at removing dirt without any risk. Maybe something to consider if you’re looking for alternatives.
I tried the vinegar method once and it was a disaster. The smell lingered for days and I felt like it affected the lime wash’s adhesion. Maybe I didn’t rinse it well enough or let it dry properly. Since then, I’ve switched to using just plain water and a microfiber cloth for cleaning. It’s simple, effective, and no risk of any chemical reactions. Plus, it’s as eco-friendly as it gets.
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I’ve used vinegar for cleaning before applying lime wash and it worked fine for me. Just make sure to dilute it properly with water. The key is to let the walls dry completely before you start with the lime wash. This way, you avoid any potential issues with adhesion.
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I’m with the mild soap solution camp. Vinegar is great, but I worry about its acidity affecting the lime wash over time. A gentle soap doesn’t leave any residue and prepares the wall just as well. Plus, it’s less of a gamble with the final finish.
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Honestly, I think it depends on the condition of your walls. If they’re really dirty or have grease spots, vinegar might be the way to go for a deeper clean. But for just regular prep, a mild soap should do the trick. It’s all about what you’re starting with.
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I’ve heard some people use a borax solution as an alternative to vinegar. It’s natural and effective for cleaning walls. Might be worth looking into if you’re concerned about vinegar’s acidity. Just another eco-friendly option to consider.
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I used vinegar before my lime wash application and didn’t have any issues. The walls turned out beautifully. I think as long as you rinse the walls well after cleaning and let them dry, you should be fine. It’s all about the prep work.
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Has anyone tried using a steam cleaner for wall prep before lime wash? I’m curious if that’s a viable option. It seems like it would be effective and eco-friendly, but I’m not sure how it would affect the lime wash application.
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I’ve used vinegar before applying lime wash and it worked fine for me. Just make sure to dilute it properly with water. The key is to not leave any residue that could affect the lime wash adhesion. After cleaning, I always rinse the walls with clean water and let them dry completely.
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I’m a bit skeptical about using vinegar because of its acidity. I’ve read that it can sometimes react with the lime in the wash, altering the final color. Maybe test it on a small, inconspicuous area first? I personally prefer using a mild soap solution for cleaning walls before lime wash.
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Baking soda and water mix is a great alternative, as mentioned. It’s gentle yet effective for cleaning without risking any chemical reactions. Plus, it’s super eco-friendly. I’ve used it for my lime wash project and the results were fantastic. Just make sure to rinse well.
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