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, ...?

What type of paint is on the walls? Eggshell? Satin? Semi-Gloss? If you have a glossier finish, I would consider a light sanding to rough it up to get better adhesion, this would actually eliminate the need for soap as the grease would get mostly get removed. You could then just wipe down the walls with a damp cloth — John Smith, Aug 11 '13 at 23:36

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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Bleach disinfects but doesn't cut grease. A grease cutting soap, followed by a clean rinse should do it. – bib Aug 11 '13 at 22:29

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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TSP is the US equivalent to sugar soap http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_soap – MGOwen Jan 29 '18 at 06:06

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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sugar soap is really good for removing grease – user14502 Aug 12 '13 at 14:42
First I've heard of sugar soap. Interesting. – Sherwood Botsford Jan 28 '18 at 02:33

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

3 Answers3