Drywall is what the majority of homes utilize to construct the interior walls and ceilings. It’s smooth, flat, and can be painted easily. But as with all else in your home, drywall requires care to remain free from dirt, strong, and unblemished. Below are some easy and proven tips to assist you in maintaining your drywall the proper way.

1. Avoid Water from Getting in Contact with Drywall:

Drywall doesnt get along with water with water. Wet drywall will soften, weaken, and even develop mold.

What You Can Do:

• Repair roof leaks and dripping pipes immediately.
• Don’t allow steam from the bathroom or kitchen moisture to accumulate — use exhaust fans.
• Clean up spills of water immediately so it doesn’t seep into the walls.
• If you reside in a humid climate, use a dehumidifier to lower air moisture.

Tip: Wet drywall must be dried in 24–48 hours to avoid mold.

2. Clean Your Drywall the Correct Way:

Dust, dirt, and fingerprints may dull your walls with time. Cleaning drywall the right way keeps it clean without harming the surface.

How to Clean It:

• Gently wipe away dust using a soft cloth, microfiber duster, or dry sponge.
• For stains or smudges, dampen a sponge with mild dish soap and water.
• Don’t rub too hard, or the paint may come off.
• Avoid applying harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing pads.

3. Repair Small Cracks, Dents, or Holes Immediately:

In time, you might find yourself with cracks, nail pops, or small holes in your drywall. They typically occur from temperature shifts, house settling, or shifting furniture.

How to Repair:

• Wipe the area carefully with a dry cloth.
• Fill the hole or crack with spackling paste or joint compound with a putty knife.
• Allow it to dry thoroughly (read the product instructions).
• Sand it lightly to smooth it out.
• Touch up the area with paint if necessary.

Tip: Keep some spare paint from your wall color on hand for simple touch-ups.

4. Inspect for Mold and Mildew:

Mold is serious and can develop if drywall remains wet or damp for an extended period. Mold causes health problems and ruins the wall.

Symptoms of Mold:

• Black or green patches on the wall.
• Sour or musty odor.
• Bubbly or peeling paint.

What to Do:

For minor mold patches, use vinegar or mold remover spray.

Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning mold at all times.

If mold is covering a large area, or continues to reappear, have a professional inspect it.

5. Don’t Hang Heavy Objects Without Support:

Drywall alone is not strong enough to support heavy objects such as large mirrors, shelves, or TV mounts.

Safe Hanging Tips:

• Use wall anchors or toggle bolts when hanging on drywall alone.
• Better still, locate a stud (a wooden frame behind the drywall) to screw into.
• Use a stud finder device to assist in finding studs behind the wall.
• Never use standard nails or screws for heavy objects — they will tear through the drywall.

6. Guard Walls When Moving Furniture:

When moving tables, chairs, or heavy objects, take care not to bump or scrape the walls.

How to Prevent Damage:

• Don’t pull furniture across the floor.
• Use moving pads, sliders, or blankets on corners and edges.
• Request assistance while relocating heavy objects.
• Minor scratches or dents from furniture are unavoidable but can be easily avoided with caution.

7. Touch Up Paint When Necessary:

Drywall is usually painted, and with time, paint can become discolored, chip, or become soiled.

Tips for Touch-Up:

Store additional paint in a dry place at room temperature for future touch-ups.

• Wash the wall before painting and fill in any holes or cracks.
• Use a tiny roller or brush to hide marks or pale spots.
• Mix the paint thoroughly with the rest of the wall.
• Even small paint touch-ups can restore your wall to look new.

8. Look for Pest Infestation:

Termites, mice, and other rodents destroy drywall from the inside out. Catching them early, you can prevent it before it becomes worse.

Warning Signs:

• Small tunnels or holes in the drywall.
• Soft walls or walls that sound hollow, with sawdust or droppings found at the base.

What to Do:

• Call a pest control professional if you suspect termites or other insects.
• Seal cracks and holes around the house to keep pests out.

Final Thoughts:

Taking care of your drywall may seem small, but it makes a big difference in how your home looks and lasts over time. Regular cleaning, quick repairs, and preventing water or pest damage will help your walls stay strong, smooth, and clean for many years. 

Just a little time and attention now can save you from big repairs later. With these simple tips, you can keep your drywall in great shape and your home looking its best.

FAQ: Proven Tips for Your Drywall Maintenance

Q: How do you maintain drywall?

A: Keep it dry, clean with a soft cloth, fix small cracks early, and avoid heavy wall hangings without support.

Q: How do I know if my drywall needs replacing?

A: If it’s soft, sagging, has mold, big cracks, or water damage, it may need replacing.

Q: Is drywall reusable?

A: Not usually. Once removed, it breaks easily and is hard to reuse.

Q: Can you clean drywall with water?
A: Yes, but only lightly. Use a damp sponge, not too wet, and avoid soaking it.