Homemade Degreasers for Painting

Reasons for Using a Degreaser

• Although it may be tempting to simply paint over a greasy wall or piece of furniture, leaving oil and grime on the surface can produce a lower-quality finish because it prevents the paint from properly adhering. Degreasing may be especially needed in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, particularly walls near the stove, and in kids' bedrooms, hallways and in family rooms.

Common Ingredients

• Ingredients for homemade degreaser vary. The most basic recipes consist of mild dish soap and water. Dish soap works well because it's typically gentle on surfaces but does cut through oil effectively. For another mild degreaser, mix vinegar with water, or simply wipe down the surface with pure vinegar, so long as it's not a marble surface. Baking soda also cuts through grease. Mix it with water to form a watery paste.

Cleaning the Surface

• Since you're going to the paint the surface you degrease, it may not seem like you need to worry about keeping the surface intact, but areas with paint rubbed off can take paint unevenly. The paint also can adhere to the cleaning rag and cause the process to take longer. Gently rub in a circular motion using a non-abrasive sponge or rag and let the degreaser do most of the work. Begin at the top of walls and surfaces, working your way down so you can clean up any drips as you go.

Keeping the Painted Surface Clean

• The type of paint you choose affects ease of cleaning later on. Semi-gloss paints are typically favored for high-traffic areas because the smooth surface can be wiped with less chance of damage. Flat paint, on the other hand, chips and peels more easily when repeatedly cleaned. Once you've painted and sealed the wall or furniture, regular cleaning with mild, homemade solutions keeps grease from building up over time. Use diluted versions of your preferred homemade degreaser for frequent cleaning.