What is the best cleanser/cleaner to use on flat paint?

Question

I usually use semi-gloss, but I'm not sure how to care for flat paint. Seems that most anything will rub the paint off. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I've had very good luck with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Below is some great information about it. Good Luck !

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

The Bottom Line
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works like a dream on flat non-glossy surfaces that need cleaning. The Magic Eraser a miracle worker for crayon and marker colored walls. Mr. Clean's newest product should always be tested in a hidden area before widespread use. Dirt and stains that would have taken scrubbing and or repainting disappeared in moments.
Manufacturer's Site
Pros
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works magic on tough dirt like crayon and marker.
Just add water to the sponge and you are ready to wipe away grime.
The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge is reusable for several uses.
Cons
Do not use on highly glossy or satin finishes.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is not appropriate for paneling or wood finished surfaces.
The Magic Eraser sponge does begin to break down after uses.
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Description
Wet the eraser with water.
Test the product in a hidden spot.
Gently rub Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the surface.
Watch dirt fade away.
Throw away after several uses.
Guide Review - Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Opening up the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, I was of course skeptical. Like many moms of young children, markings on the walls has been the bane of my existence. I also had the usual run-of-the-mill stains and spots on other surfaces of my home.
I opened up the small box to reveal two intensely white Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. Following the directions on the box, I added water, squeezed out the excess, and headed for the nearest crayon mural. With one swipe the crayon was disappearing. A few swipes later I got shoe marks off of the refrigerator. Next, I tackled pencil sketches along the baseboards. Rub marks from moving furniture were long gone when I used the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the stair railing.
After wiping down most of the house, I learned a few important things about Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
1. There are surfaces that can be stripped of their finish and gloss when you use the Magic
Eraser. Unlikely candidates for use are glossy paint and finished wood.
2. The time I saved by not using my old tried and true methods of mark removal was astonishing.
3. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is meant to begin to disintegrate beginning after the first use. Follow the directions on the back of the box to determine when the Magic Eraser needs to disappear into the trash.
Happy Erasing.

Answer 2

If your paint is powdering, to the point it will rub off on your hands, then any soap or cleaner you use will take off the paint. I usually do touchup cleaning with a Mr. Clean sponge, or one of the knockoffs on the market. If you are talking a major wall wash, and the paint is coming off, I'd suggest a regular soap/water wash and repaint after it dries. Not much other cure for it but that.

Answer 3

usually paints for concrete and walls are water-based. that would include latex paints. you could normally put the white latex on top of the existing paint except, if tere are cracks, that means that you have to resolve the situation first with the current paint or anything you put on top will also have problems i.e. cracks. try to sand the cracked paint first or even strip it if you like. just make sure you have a nice even surface before you paint or all your efforts might be put to waste.

Answer 4

How old is the paint that you are trying to clean? I use Simple Green it works well! With a little elbow grease but the best way is to spray it on and let it set before rinsing off....

Answer 5

even plain water will rub the paint off because its a water base paint

Answer 6

If you are talking about nicotine on your paint I heard of something called sugar soap. Ask or call your paint dealers or hardware stores and see if they handle this soap..