Walls often go overlooked—until you spot fingerprints near the light switch, a smudge from some unidentified spill, or a grimy film that dulls the whole room. It’s easy to forget that walls, like countertops and floors, need regular cleaning too.
The benefit? No anxious scrubbing and risking paint or wallpaper damage. With the right techniques, you can get your walls to look like new again without lifting the finish. Whether you’re taking out a difficult stain or just providing the space, this guide will walk you through the process of washing your walls safely and successfully.
When Should You Wash Your Walls?
Sometimes the signs are obvious—smudges, scuff marks, greasy fingerprints, or mysterious spots that weren’t present last week. But even when your walls seem to be okay, routine cleaning can make an enormous difference in the way your home feels fresh and allergen-free.
Here’s a rough guideline:
- Moderately used rooms: clean the walls every 6 months.
- Less-used areas: clean them gently at least once a year.
How to Clean Different Wall Finishes
Different finishes and materials need different care. Here’s how to clean your walls correctly based on what they’re made of.
How to Clean Oil-Based Painted Walls
Oil-based paint is more durable than other finishes, so you have a little more wiggle room.
Steps:
- Dust the wall with a dry microfiber cloth or duster to remove loose dirt.
- Mix a small amount of gentle dish soap with warm water.
- Dip a soft sponge in the solution, wring it out well, and wipe the wall in a circular motion.
- Rinse with a damp, clean cloth to remove soap residue.
- Pat dry with a soft towel.
Tip: Never soak the wall—excess moisture can cause even oil-based paint to blister.
How to Clean Latex and Water-Based Painted Walls
Latex paint is the standard in most homes and is more susceptible to damage than oil-based finishes, so gentle cleaning is the key.
Steps:
- First, dust the wall with a microfiber cloth.
- Mix dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
- Clean the wall with a damp (not wet) cloth under light pressure.
- For stubborn areas, apply a soft sponge with the same solution and gently rub in circles.
- Dry the surface with a clean, dry towel.
- Don’t scrub hard or use abrasive sponges—latex paint will lift or discolor with too much pressure.
How to Clean Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is washable and durable, but still needs care to avoid scratching.
Steps:
- Wet a soft sponge with a mild soap and water solution.
- Wipe the surface gently—no scrubbing!
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to aid in the removal of soap residue.
- Pat dry with a soft towel.
Warning: Vinyl is fine with moisture but scratches easily, so never use abrasive materials.
How to Clean Non-Washable Wallpaper
Sensitive or non-washable wallpaper needs to be completely dry when cleaning.
Steps:
- Dust the surface dirt off using a dry microfiber cloth or a feather duster.
- For small marks, try a dry cleaning sponge that removes dirt without water.
- Avoid all water-based forms of cleaning—water can cause warping, bubbling, or tearing.
Let Us Help You Keep Every Surface Sparkling
Feeling a little daunted, or just want a pro to take care of it? Our team is here to take cleaning off your plate. We specialize in keeping homes fresh from top to bottom, including the spots most people forget—like your walls.
Book with us today and give your entire home the polished look it deserves!
