You frequently mop your floors and vacuum your rugs, but when was the last time you cleaned the walls? Considering how much we lean against and touch them on a daily basis, cleaning painted walls is just as important as cleaning other household surfaces. Plus, over time, painted walls can accumulate stains, marks, shoe scuffs, and dust that give the surface a dull, dirty appearance.
To preserve that freshly painted look, plan to wipe down your walls regularly. However, walls with different paint types and finishes require special care when scrubbing. Before you add this chore to your whole-house cleaning schedule, read our tips to learn how to clean walls without removing paint.
Types of Paint Finishes
- Flat or Matte: This paint finish does not reflect light and has a dull, chalky finish. Flat paint does not hold up well to scrubbing, so take extra care when cleaning walls with a matte finish.
- Satin: Satin paint, sometimes called eggshell, is shinier and more durable than flat paint.
- Semigloss: This paint finish is stronger and has more sheen than satin finishes. Semigloss paint won’t easily wear down from cleaning.
- High-gloss: This is the most reflective paint finish and is tough against stains. It can endure scrubbing when cleaning walls.
Oil-Based Paint vs. Water-Based Paint
- Water-based paints (also called latex paint) dry fast and can be cleaned with basic soap and water.
- Oil-based paints create a hard coating that is extremely durable and stain-resistant. This type of paint is often used for trim and molding.
If needed, reference our handy guide to paint finishes to determine your home’s wall type before cleaning painted walls.
How to Clean Painted Walls
The first thing you should consider when washing painted walls is the finish. Whether the finish is glossy or flat will determine how scrubbing will affect the look of the wall. Then follow these instructions for cleaning painted walls.
How to Clean Walls with Flat or Matte Paint
Duller paint finishes, including flat, satin, and eggshell finishes, are less durable when it comes to cleaning. Do not use harsh chemicals or degreasers when cleaning flat painted walls. When washing with a sponge, be sure not to scrub too hard. The sponge should be wrung out almost completely before putting it on the walls.
Step 1: Wipe Walls. Dampen sponge with warm water. Wring out until almost dry. Gently wipe walls.
Step 2: Dry Walls. Wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Walls with Glossy or Semigloss Paint
Because these paints are highly durable, they’re most commonly used in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom. It’s OK to use a mild degreaser on glossy kitchen backsplashes or vanity doors. Although glossy and semigloss paint is durable, it will still scratch, so always use a soft sponge when cleaning walls.
Step 1: Mix Soap and Water. Add a drop of dish soap to a bowl of warm water. Mix together.
Step 2: Clean Walls. Dampen the sponge in the mixture and wring it out almost completely. Gently wipe walls.
Step 3: Dry Walls. Wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Walls with Latex Paint
Step 1: Mix Cleaner and Water. To clean walls with latex paint, use warm water and a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner.
Step 2: Clean Walls. Dip a clean sponge in the mixture, then wring it dry. Gently rub the wall. Pay special attention to areas that get touched often, such as around doorknobs and light switches. Rinse with a second sponge and clear water.
Take care not to wet areas around outlets, light switches, telephone jacks, and other electrical connections. If scrubbing those spots is necessary, turn off electricity at the circuit breaker box.
Step 3: Dry Walls. Wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 4 (Optional): Remove Stains with Baking Soda. For stubborn spots, such as fingerprints, newspaper smudges, or scuffs, make a paste of baking soda and water and rub the area with a nonabrasive pad.
Step 5 (Optional): Wipe Woodwork with Rubbing Alcohol. If the cleaner (or white vinegar and water) doesn’t remove the grime or stain on painted woodwork, wipe the woodwork with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol.
How to Clean Walls with Oil-Based Paint
Not all wall stains come out easily. You might need more than a little water to remedy the situation. This DIY all-purpose cleaner can be used for oil-based painted walls. Adjust the recipe as needed for the size of your wall or stain.
Step 1: Make Homemade Cleaning Solution. Stir 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap into a quart of warm water. Add 1/4 tsp of white vinegar.
Step 2: Clean Walls. Apply the mixture to a sponge or microfiber cloth; wring out until only slightly damp. Gently wipe walls. For tough stains on painted walls, let the solution sit on the stain for 10 minutes before blotting. To prevent color from transferring from your towel to your walls, use a white lint-free rag or microfiber cloth.
Texture-painted walls, such as those with a troweled finish, can be dust catchers and might require deeper cleaning. Add 1 ounce of borax to each pint of water to clean the wall.
Step 3: Dry Walls. Wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Remove Stains from Painted Walls
To clean wall stains, you’ll want to act promptly. The sooner you can wash the stain, the better chance you have of removing it. Luckily, you likely have the best product to clean walls already in your pantry.
Step 1: Mix Baking Soda and Water. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with warm water until a paste forms.
Step 2: Apply Mixture to Stain. Gently work the formula into the wall stain. Wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth. The gentle abrasive works especially well on grease wall stains.
Step 3: Dry Walls. Wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Keep Walls Clean
Maintain a freshly painted look on your walls by keeping them free of dust and spots. Practicing preventive maintenance means less time spent scrubbing walls later.
To help keep walls clean, vacuum painted walls with a soft brush attachment. Then wipe them down with a cloth-covered broom or mop (spray with a dusting agent for best results), or use an electrostatic dusting wipe. Wipe away fingerprints and other marks like sticker residue soon after they appear. Avoid using an excessive amount of water when cleaning painted walls to prevent drips.
