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How to clean painted walls without damaging them?
Facts & Stats • 21 Days ago


Essential guide to cleaning painted walls and protecting your paint coating

The walls are often neglected in home cleaning routines, even by the most diligent homeowners. Investing a little time and effort in cleaning your walls can significantly brighten your space, showcasing your carefully curated decor without the distraction of cobwebs, grime, and scuff marks. It's essential to approach wall cleaning with care, as using the wrong products or techniques can harm the paint coating and detract from your walls' appearance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods for cleaning painted walls without causing damage and provide valuable tips for maintaining your paint coating. If you find that your walls need more than just a clean, professional painting services can help refresh and restore your space beautifully.



Know the paint type and choose the right products


Before cleaning your painted walls, select your products with care. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as they can weaken latex paint. Knowing your paint type is essential: flat and eggshell finishes are delicate and need gentle handling, while satin, semi-gloss, and glossy paints are more durable but still require caution.

Latex paint is sensitive to abrasives, whereas oil-based paint can withstand mild cleaners. Flat and matte finishes are the most vulnerable, while eggshell and satin offer slightly more resilience. Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are ideal for moisture-rich areas. For flatter coatings, use a damp cloth; for glossier finishes, avoid abrasives to protect the paint coating.

If you’re unsure about your paint type, test your cleaning method in a hidden spot first. This ensures you maintain the integrity of your paint while achieving the best results. However, for particularly stubborn stains, consider reaching out to professional deep cleaning services to restore your walls to their best condition.

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Dust before cleaning your walls


Before wet cleaning your painted walls, start by dusting to prevent loose particles from spreading. Use a step ladder to reach the crown molding and clean it with your vacuum's brush attachment. Remove any hanging decor if possible, then use a dust mop to wipe the walls from top to bottom in a vertical motion. Finally, vacuum any dust from the baseboards. This preparation ensures your cleaning solution works effectively.



Make your own wall cleaner


A homemade cleaner is the ideal choice for cleaning painted walls. Fill a bucket with warm water, then customize your cleaner based on your paint coating. For latex-based paint, use non-abrasive all-purpose cleaners. For oil-based paint, mix in liquid dish soap and distilled white vinegar. Be sure to have a second bucket filled with clean water to rinse off the cleaner, which will help preserve the integrity of your paint coating.



Wipe down your walls with the cleaning mixture


To clean your painted walls, start by wearing gloves. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into your homemade cleaning solution and wring it out until it’s damp but not dripping, especially important for flatter paint coatings, as excess moisture can cause streaks or damage.

Using a step ladder, begin at the top of the wall and clean in circular motions while working your way down. Re-dip and wring out the sponge frequently to maintain the right moisture level, ensuring you protect the paint coating as you clean.



Rinse your walls thoroughly


Next, take a clean sponge or cloth and soak it in the clear water from your second bucket. Just like before, wring it out thoroughly until it’s damp but not dripping. Use this sponge or cloth to wipe away any soap residue from the entire wall. This final rinse is essential for ensuring that your painted surface remains clean and free of any lingering cleaning solution, helping to maintain the quality of your paint coating.



Address stubborn stains


It’s possible that some of the toughest stains on your walls remained after rinsing. Smudges and marks in high-traffic areas, such as around light switches, outlets, thermostats, and doors, often require a bit more effort to remove you find that your walls are excessively dirty or the paint is damaged, professional wall painting services may be the best solution to refresh your space effectively.

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