Steaming glossy painted walls, Digi Mart USA News: Steam cleaners are often used on hard floors, shower screens and grout, but according to a House Digest article, they can also be used to clean and freshen walls under certain conditions. The publisher says the method works only on surfaces finished with gloss or semi-gloss enamel paint.
Walls can collect dirt, dust, finger marks, scuffs and odors over time. The article says steaming is often recommended because it uses no chemicals and may require less effort than washing walls by hand with a sponge and soapy water.
It also says the heated vapor may help loosen grease and dirt and may kill bacteria and mold spores.
Not every wall is suitable. The article warns that flat or matte paint can bubble or show water marks when exposed to heat and moisture, and that steam can lift wallpaper from the wall.
Because the type of paint may be unclear, it recommends testing the steamer on a small, inconspicuous spot and allowing about 15 to 30 minutes of drying time to check for problems.
When cleaning suitable walls, the article advises against staying on one spot for long, since concentrated moisture could wet the drywall behind the paint. It suggests using a dry-vapor setting with a temperature of around 240 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping the nozzle a few inches from the wall, and working from ceiling to floor.
Water should be wiped away promptly with a clean microfiber cloth. The article also warns that steam is hot and users can burn themselves, so the steamer should be directed away from the body and protective clothing and headgear should be worn.
