Hey everyone! I recently took the plunge and repainted my living room with ECOS Paints, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The color is vibrant, and knowing it’s low-VOC and eco-friendly gives me peace of mind. But now, I’m facing a new challenge: keeping these beautiful walls clean without harming the natural paint finish. I’ve tried a few eco-friendly cleaning products in the past, like Bioshield’s all-purpose cleaner, which worked wonders on my kitchen cabinets, but I’m not sure if it’s the best choice for painted walls.
I’m particularly curious about what methods or products you’ve used to clean walls painted with natural paints. Have you found a gentle yet effective solution that doesn’t compromise the paint’s integrity? Also, how do you handle tougher stains or marks? I’m all ears for your tips and experiences, especially if you’ve worked with ECOS Paints or similar brands like AFM Safecoat or Earthborn Paint. Let’s share our knowledge and help each other maintain our eco-friendly homes beautifully and sustainably!
Hey EcoPainterJane! I’ve been using ECOS Paints for a couple of years now, and I’ve found that a simple solution of warm water and a few drops of castile soap works wonders for regular cleaning. It’s gentle on the paint and eco-friendly. For tougher stains, I sometimes add a bit of baking soda to the mix for extra scrubbing power. Just make sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first!
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@GreenThumb88 That sounds like a great solution! I’ll definitely give the castile soap and baking soda mix a try. Do you have a particular brand of castile soap you recommend?
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@EcoPainterJane I usually go with Dr. Bronner’s. It’s widely available and comes in various scents if you’re into that. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
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I’ve used AFM Safecoat in my home, and for cleaning, I stick to microfiber cloths and plain water for dust and light marks. It’s surprisingly effective and leaves no residue. For anything more stubborn, I’ve had success with a vinegar and water solution. Just be cautious with the vinegar concentration; too much can affect the paint’s finish over time.
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@NatureLover101 Thanks for the tip! I hadn’t considered using vinegar. What ratio of vinegar to water do you find works best without risking damage to the paint?
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@EcoPainterJane I usually go with a 1:4 ratio of vinegar to water. It’s strong enough to tackle most stains but gentle on the paint. Always do a spot test first, though!
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I painted my kids’ room with Earthborn Paint, and let me tell you, it’s been a lifesaver with all the crayon marks and fingerprints. For cleaning, I use a damp sponge with a tiny bit of eco-friendly dish soap. It’s gentle and effective. For crayon marks, a magic eraser works wonders, but use it sparingly to avoid wearing down the paint.
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@SunnyDaysAhead That’s a great tip about the magic eraser! I’ll have to keep that in mind for any future crayon incidents. Thanks for sharing!
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That’s a solid tip about using castile soap and warm water. I’ve been using a similar method but with a microfiber cloth to avoid any scratches. It’s amazing how well it works for everyday smudges and fingerprints. For anyone worried about the soap residue, just make sure to wipe it down with plain water afterward. Keeps the walls looking fresh without any buildup.
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I’ve tried the baking soda trick for tougher stains, and it does help, but I found that vinegar diluted with water can also be effective for those stubborn marks. Just a light spray and a gentle wipe does the job. Plus, it’s all natural and doesn’t leave any harsh chemical smells behind. Always remember to spot test first though, just to be safe.
Interesting to hear about the castile soap method. I’ve been a bit hesitant to use anything but water on my ECOS painted walls, fearing I might damage the finish. But knowing that others have had success with gentle soaps gives me the confidence to try it out. Maybe I’ll start with a very diluted solution and see how it goes. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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I’ve been using ECOS Paints for a while now, and I agree that keeping the walls clean without damaging the finish can be a bit of a challenge. I stumbled upon using a steam cleaner on a low setting, and it’s been a game changer. It’s great for deep cleaning without the need for any cleaning products. Just make sure to keep the steam moving to avoid any water damage. It’s a bit of an investment, but totally worth it for the eco-conscious homeowner.
I’ve been using ECOS Paints for a while now, and I’ve found that a damp microfiber cloth does the trick for most of my cleaning needs. For tougher stains, I mix a little bit of castile soap with water. It’s gentle on the paint and eco-friendly. Just make sure to wring out the cloth well so it’s not too wet.
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Interesting approach with the vinegar and water solution. I’ve been hesitant to try vinegar on my AFM Safecoat walls, fearing it might dull the finish over time. Maybe I’ll give it a go on a small, inconspicuous area first to see how it holds up. Thanks for the tip!
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I’ve had good luck with a baking soda paste for tougher stains on my Earthborn Paint walls. Just mix a bit of baking soda with water to make a paste, apply it gently to the stain, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. It’s been effective without damaging the paint.
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Has anyone tried steam cleaning on walls painted with natural paints? I’m curious if it’s safe and effective for deep cleaning without harming the paint’s finish. I’ve heard mixed reviews, so I’m a bit on the fence about trying it myself.
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I’ve been using ECOS Paints for a while now, and I’ve found that a simple solution of warm water and a few drops of castile soap works great for general cleaning. It’s gentle on the paint and eco-friendly. For tougher stains, I sometimes use a baking soda paste, but I always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t affect the finish.
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That’s a good tip about the magic eraser, but I’d be careful with it on natural paints. I used one on a small spot in my hallway painted with AFM Safecoat, and it did take off the crayon but also dulled the paint a bit. Maybe it’s better to stick with the damp sponge and dish soap method for most things and only use the eraser as a last resort.
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I haven’t tried ECOS or Earthborn yet, but I’m curious about how they hold up over time. Do you guys notice any fading or wear in high-traffic areas? I’m thinking of switching to a natural paint for my next project but want to make sure it’s durable enough for my busy household.
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