What should I use to wash the walls in my kitchen prior to repainting them?

Question

I am repainting the walls in my kitchen. I am sure grease has accumulated. The instructions say to "wash the walls", but do not say what with.

Should I use vinegar, Clorox, Tide, ...?

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Aug 11 '13 at 22:14

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I would use a grout sponge that has a course side. What you use depends on how dirty the walls are and can range from soap to bleach. There isn't a perfect solution because soap is fine in most cases (dawn or something similar).

answered Aug 11 '13 at 22:14

DMoore

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score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 11 '13 at 22:33

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If the sheetrock has paint on it already I would use TSP (trisodium phosphate) it is a general purpose cleaner available in hardware stores. Use the grout sponge as @DMoore suggested, rinse frequently.

answered Aug 11 '13 at 22:33

mikes

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score 1 · Answer 3 · edited Aug 12 '13 at 14:49

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All painters I've spoken to always use sugar soap to wash walls before repainting.

(This might be a regional thing, though? I'm in Australia...)

edited Aug 12 '13 at 14:49

Tester101

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answered Aug 12 '13 at 01:37

MGOwen

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What should I use to wash the walls in my kitchen prior to repainting them?

3 Answers3