You vacuum your carpets and mop your floors quite a bit, but when was the last time you cleaned the walls? Paintings on walls are as vital to clean as other surfaces in the house because we touch and lean against them so much every day. Furthermore, painted walls may get dust, scuffs from shoes, stains, and scratches over time that leave the surface looking dingy and unclean.
Make sure to routinely wipe down your walls to maintain the look of newly painted walls. Scrubbing down walls with various paint jobs and finishes, however, calls for extra caution. Read our advice on how to clean walls without damaging paint before adding this task to your list of things to do when you clean your entire house.
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How to Clean Painted Walls
When washing painted walls, the finish should be your primary priority. Scrubbing will change the wall’s appearance depending on whether the finish is glossy or flat.
Different Paint Finish Types
Matte or Flat: This paint finish has a powdery, drab surface and does not reflect light. When cleaning walls that have a matte surface, exercise particular caution because flat paint does not tolerate vigorous scrubs well.
Satin: Eggshell, or satin paint, is a type of paint that is more resilient and shiny than flat paint.
Semigloss: Compared to satin finishes, this paint finish is more resilient and glossy. Paint that is semi-gloss will not readily tarnish after cleaning.
High-gloss: This paint finish is highly reflective and stain-resistant. It can withstand wall cleaning and scrubbing.
Oil-Based Paint vs. Water-Based Paint
- Latex paint, often known as water-based paint, dries quickly and is easily cleaned with a mild soap and water solution.
- Paints with an oil basis produce a strong coating that is incredibly resilient to stains. Trim and molding are common applications for this kind of paint.
Before cleaning painted walls in your home, make sure you identify the type of wall by using our helpful guide to paint finishes.
How to Use Matte or Flat Paint to Clean Walls
Eggshell, satin, and flat paint finishes are examples of duller paint finishes that are less resilient to stains. Avoid using degreasers or strong chemicals on painted flat surfaces. Take care not to scrub too vigorously when using a sponge for cleaning. It is best to wring out the sponge almost completely before applying it to the walls.
Clean the walls
Apply some warm water to the sponge. Shake well until nearly dry.
Wipe the walls gently.
Dry Walls
Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean the walls.
How to Remove Semi-Gloss or Glossy Paint from Walls
These paints are most frequently used in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom because of their extreme durability.
Mix Cleaner and Water
Use warm water and a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner to clean latex-painted walls.
Clean Walls
Wet a clean sponge with the liquid and squeeze out any excess. Rub the wall gently. Pay close attention to places that are frequently touched, such as the space surrounding light switches and doorknobs. Use a second sponge and clear water to rinse.
Dry Walls
Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean the walls.
Remove Stains with Baking Soda (Optional)
Apply a paste made of baking soda and water to areas that are difficult to remove, including fingerprints, scuffs, or newspaper smudges, and use a nonabrasive pad to rub the area.
Wipe Woodwork with Rubbing Alcohol (Optional)
If the filth or stain on painted woodwork is not removed by the cleaner (or white vinegar and water), use a towel wet with rubbing alcohol to wipe the woodwork.
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