How to Clean Painted Walls

If you have been wondering the best way to clean painted walls, without harming the finish, look no further. If you are just wanting to do some light spring cleaning or you are trying to avoid major redecorating, you’ve come to the right place. Clean Heart Maids are the experts when it comes to all commercial and residential cleaning techniques including how to clean painted walls. 

There probably hasn’t been a need for you to know this skill, as it isn’t a task that needs to be done all that often. Painted walls, however, need occasional cleaning like the rest of your home. If walls aren’t cleaned and spruced up from time to time, scuffs, smudges, fingerprints, food, drinks, and other unwanted marks will start to diminish the beauty of your walls. This article will help you to clean painted walls with caution. The last thing you want is to hurt the finish! 

Directions on How to Clean Painted Walls

Time requirement: 2-4 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Your painted walls might have lost their brilliance and luster over time, but that may not be a reason for repainting. Consider cleaning your walls instead. If a good wall cleaning is done about once every year, they can continue to brighten and enhance your home. The most important thing to remember is selecting the right cleaning product for the type of paint that is on your walls. 

Tools and Materials to Clean Painted Walls

• Microfiber Cloths
• Rubber Gloves
• Sponge Mops
• Cleaning Rags
• Pails
• Sponges
• Dish Soap
• Degreaser
• Vinegar and Oil

What type of paint is on the walls?

Depending on the finish of your walls, you need to pay particular attention to the method for cleaning them.

• Flat, satin, or eggshell paints are generally less durable and tend to rub off with vigorous scrubbing or if the cleanser is too abrasive. It is best to avoid chemicals that are too harsh to clean painted walls. Instead, use mild detergent and water.
• Gloss and semigloss paint, usually found on kitchen walls, are durable enough for degreasing products.
• Latex should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaning product and warm water.

If the wall is newly painted, allow two weeks for it to dry thoroughly before applying any cleaning product. 

Washing the Walls

You can wash your walls by just using warm water. If there are marks or stains on the walls, add a little mild detergent to the water (especially if your children love to mark everything with their Crayons). Remember to wear rubber gloves, and follow the directions below when washing the walls. 

1. Fill a pail with mild detergent and water. Also, keep another pail of rinse water on hand. Use a soft sponge. 
2. Before using the solution on the painted wall, perform a test by cleaning a small patch of the wall, maybe behind a sofa or piece of art. Make sure it doesn’t discolor or streak.
3. Begin at the top and gently wash the walls from side to side and with a circular motion. 
4. For very tall walls and ceilings, use a ladder or a long-handled sponge mop.
5. Do not use colored soaps or dyed sponges.

Removing Crayon Marks from the Walls:

Materials:

• Soft cloth
• Dull knife
• Dry towel
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Mild detergent
• Water

The Process:

1. Gently use a dulled knife for removing any crayon marks from your wall.
2. Rub the wall with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. You will notice the crayon lift right off.
3. With the detergent and water mixture, gently rub the crayon marks until they wash away.
4. Towel dry the wall.

Removing Ink and Marker from the Walls:

If you are fortunate enough that the marker was washable, then a baby wipe or wet towel should remove it with ease. If not, follow the steps below to remove ink and marker in order to clean painted walls.

Materials:

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Toothpaste
• Hairspray
• Paper towel

The Process:

1. Try attacking the marking with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Use their heavy-duty alternative for textured walls.
2. If the stain still isn’t coming off, try spraying it with hairspray.
3. Gently rub the spot with a towel
4. Do this several times, but be gentle so as to not hurt the painted finish.
5. If it still remains, cover it with toothpaste.
6. Wipe clean after 10 minutes.

Wine, Coffee, and Other Beverages:

Drink spills and splatters can be easily removed if you clean them right away before the stain has a chance to dry. But even if the stain has set, you can still clean it.

Materials:

• Mild detergent
• Bucket
• Warm water
• Soft cloth
• Dry towel
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (can you tell we like this product?)

The Process:

1. Fill a pail with warm water.
2. Add the mild detergent. 
3. Agitate the water to produce a few bubbles.
4. Wet your cloth and rub the stain very gently.
5. Rinse and repeat.
6. If the drink stain is still there, dry the area and use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser over the stain.

Cleaning Stains and Spots:

Cleaning a spot is easiest if you see it sooner, rather than later, and are able to clean it right away.

1. Dab the spot with a sponge (non-abrasive).You may not even need soap or another cleaning product.
2. Using a damp cloth, stick it in a box of baking soda and water.
3. Rub the mark gently
4. You might try a stronger chemical cleaner. Again, test it first.
5. When finished, use a cloth for removing any cleaning product residue. 

Paint Touch Ups

If your wall has tough stains or marks that cleaning won’t help, you might want to touch up the paint. 

• Use paint from the original can of paint from the last time it was painted. Also use the same type of applicator (brushed, rolled, whichever). If more paint is needed, buy exactly the same color and sheen. 
• Roll or feather the dirty area with touch-up paint, then let it dry thoroughly. 

Other Advice on How to Clean Painted Walls

• Never over-soap the wall. The soap residue will actually retain dirt and grime.
• Baby wipes work great for messes on the walls. Just remember to test a small spot before resorting to harsher chemicals.
• If you are planning to wash a large portion of the wall, begin at the top and clean side to side.
• Cut the toes out of an old pair of socks, pull them over your hands, and scrunch them around our wrists to avoid the water from dripping down your arms.
• Rubber gloves are your friends. Use them.
• Chemicals can be strong. Open the windows and ventilate the room with a fan.

To conclude, remember to also clean your walls before a new paint job. Bottom line: When washing painted walls, take it easy, be gentle, and go slowly. Knowing the methods for how to clean painted walls will leave your home looking fresh and free of stains and marks. Clean Heart Maids is always here to help with tips and tricks on keeping your home clean and beautiful. Visit our website to learn more!