Hey everyone! I recently took the plunge and painted my living room with American Clay’s natural clay paint, and I’m absolutely in love with the texture and depth it’s added to the space. However, I’ve hit a bit of a snag. My toddler decided that the wall was the perfect canvas for their crayon masterpiece. Now, I’m faced with the challenge of cleaning the walls without ruining the beautiful, matte finish of the clay paint.
I’ve heard that natural clay paints are more delicate than conventional paints, and I’m a bit nervous about using the wrong cleaning method. I’ve previously used EcoSoy’s soy-based cleaner on other surfaces around the house with great success, but I’m not sure if it’s suitable for clay-painted walls. Has anyone else dealt with cleaning walls painted with natural clay paint? What products or methods have you found effective that don’t compromise the paint’s integrity?
Also, I’m curious about the long-term maintenance of clay-painted walls. How often do you find yourself needing to clean them, and are there any preventative measures you take to keep them looking fresh? Looking forward to hearing your experiences and tips!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, congrats on the new paint job! I’ve been using American Clay for a few years now and absolutely love it. For cleaning, I’ve found that a soft, damp cloth works wonders for most marks. Just make sure to wring it out well so it’s not too wet. For crayon, you might need a bit more elbow grease, but I’d avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the finish.
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I’ve had good luck with a mixture of water and a tiny bit of Dr. Bronner’s castile soap for cleaning my clay-painted walls. It’s gentle enough not to harm the paint but effective at removing marks. Just test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to be safe!
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Thanks @GreenThumb88! I’ll give the damp cloth a try. I’m a bit nervous about scrubbing too hard, but I guess gentle is the way to go with natural paints. Appreciate the advice!
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I’m curious, has anyone tried using EcoSoy’s soy-based cleaner on clay-painted walls? I’ve used it on other surfaces and it’s been great, but I’m not sure if it’s too harsh for clay paint.
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@SustainaBill, I’ve used EcoSoy on my clay-painted walls and it worked fine, but I always dilute it more than the bottle suggests. Better safe than sorry with these delicate finishes!
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For long-term maintenance, I’ve found that keeping the walls dust-free with a soft brush attachment on my vacuum helps a lot. It prevents dirt from building up and makes cleaning any marks much easier.
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That’s a great tip, @ArtisticSoul! I hadn’t thought about using a vacuum. I’ll definitely start doing that to keep the walls looking fresh. Thanks!
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I’ve heard that applying a natural wax finish over the clay paint can make it more durable and easier to clean. Has anyone tried this? I’m considering it for my next project.
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@DIYQueen, I’ve used a natural wax finish on my clay-painted walls and it does make a difference in terms of durability and cleanability. Just make sure to apply it evenly and let it cure properly. It adds a bit of sheen, so if you’re going for a matte finish, you might want to test it first.
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I’ve been using natural clay paint for years, and honestly, the best method I’ve found is just a damp microfiber cloth. No soap, no fancy cleaners. Just water. It’s gentle and doesn’t mess with the paint’s finish. For tougher stains, I’ll lightly dab with the cloth, but never scrub. It’s worked wonders for me.
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That’s interesting about the Dr. Bronner’s castile soap. I might give that a try next time. I usually just use a bit of vinegar mixed with water. It’s natural and doesn’t leave any residue. Plus, it’s great for getting rid of any odors. Just make sure to dilute it well and test on a small spot first.
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I’m a bit nervous about using any kind of soap on my clay-painted walls. I’ve heard that even natural soaps can leave a film or change the texture. Has anyone experienced that? I’ve been sticking to just dusting them with a soft brush and using a dry sponge for any marks.
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For those worried about soaps, I’ve found that a magic eraser works pretty well for tougher stains without damaging the paint. Just go lightly and don’t press too hard. It’s been a lifesaver for me, especially with kids and pets around. Just make sure to follow up with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
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I think the key with clay paint is to avoid harsh chemicals and scrubbing. I’ve used a mix of baking soda and water for stubborn spots, and it’s worked without harming the paint. Just make a paste, apply gently, and wipe off with a damp cloth. It’s also great for keeping the walls looking fresh over time.
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I’ve actually tried the natural wax finish on my clay-painted walls, and it does make a noticeable difference. It adds a bit of a protective layer that makes cleaning crayon marks and fingerprints a lot easier. Just make sure to apply it evenly and let it dry completely. It’s a bit of extra work upfront, but it pays off in the long run.
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I’m a bit skeptical about adding anything over the clay paint. I’ve heard that it can alter the texture and the natural look of the walls. I’ve been using a damp microfiber cloth for cleaning, and it works pretty well for most marks. For tougher stains, a bit of mild soap in water does the trick without damaging the paint.
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Long-term maintenance is key with clay-painted walls. I’ve found that dusting them regularly with a soft brush attachment on my vacuum keeps them looking fresh. For cleaning, I stick to water and a soft sponge. I’ve avoided using any cleaners, even eco-friendly ones, just to be safe. It’s all about being gentle to preserve that beautiful matte finish.
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