Stop. Before scrolling any further, the first step of washing walls is identifying the material and type of paint finish that you'll be cleaning. Don't use water on walls made of unsealed wood, untreated brick, or plaster. Make sure that any wallpaper is washable.
Cleaning painted walls also commands additional warnings: For painted walls, the best surface finishes in heavy-use areas are semi-gloss, high-gloss and oil-based paint. These can take a deeper cleaning so even stubborn stains aren't too much of a problem. Eggshell or satin finish, water-based or latex paints need to be treated more delicately and with extra care but they can be washed. Matte or flat-finished walls really can't take more than a thorough dry dusting because it will show every scuff mark, and a fresh coat of paint is better than damaged walls. Got it? Carry on.
Materials and Tools You'll Need to Clean Painted Walls
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Bucket
- Clean towels or cloths
- Step ladder or step stool (if necessary)
- Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
- Microfiber duster or soft-bristled brush
Step 1. Confirm the Paint Type
Double-check that you are washing a washable paint type. Any wall can benefit from dusting and a dry towel, but not every surface is moisture-friendly.
Step 2. Dusting Off Surface Debris
- Begin by removing surface dust and cobwebs from the walls using a microfiber duster or a dry cloth. Some fingerprints can be removed with a light touch and a cleaning rag.
- Pay close attention to corners, door jams, and around light fixtures. Getting down low will reveal spots and grime left by your shorter family members.
- A soft brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner running gently over the walls and baseboards will collect loose dirt and debris.
Step 3: Preparing the Cleaning Solution
- Fill a bucket with warm water and add a drop or two of mild detergent or dish soap.
- Mix the solution thoroughly until the soap is dissolved. It should be very diluted.
Step 4: Testing in an Inconspicuous Area
Before proceeding, test the cleaning solution with a barely damp sponge on a small, inconspicuous spot on the wall to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration.
Step 5: Washing the Walls
- Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution, then wring out any excess water.
- Starting from the top of the wall, use light pressure to rub the surface in a wide, circular motion, working your way downwards. Working from the top down will prevent dusty drips from affecting your cleaned area.
- Avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent streaking or damage to the paint finish. *Be particularly gentle with latex paint and eggshell or satin finishes.
Step 6: Drying the Walls
- Once you've cleaned the entire wall surface, use dry towels or cloths to dry it thoroughly.
- Pay attention to any remaining moisture in corners or crevices, ensuring they are completely dry to prevent mold growth.
FAQ
Can you clean walls painted with flat paint?
Surfaces painted with flat wall paint have a warm, velvety finish that are unfortunately prone to damage from moisture and abrasion. This is why they are generally used in low-traffic areas and on ceilings. Cleaning flat finishes is a delicate process. If you are contending with ceiling greasy fingerprints from some sort of smoke detector or lightbulb replacement, avoid any wet cleaning methods. Instead, put on rubber gloves and use a dry microfiber cloth or dry nonabrasive sponge to gently buff away any marks on these duller finishes.
How often should you dust your walls?
Dusting your walls should be a part of your regular cleaning routine. Location dependent, every one to two months should do. Factors such as indoor air quality, pet dander, and household activities impact the amount of built-up grime and thus the frequency of dusting. Observing your walls regularly helps you notice marks and stains sooner for a spot cleaning rather than undertaking a deep cleaning more than once a year. The less you have to scrub your walls, the better they will hold up in the long run.
