How to Clean Painted Walls

Over time, painted walls can gather dust, dirt, and marks.

Cleaning them can make your home feel fresher and brighter.

But do you know how to clean painted walls?

Cleaning painted walls requires care to avoid damaging the paint or finish.

Different types of paint need different cleaning methods.

In this article, we’ll explore how to clean different types of painted walls safely and effectively.

Different Types of Painted Walls

There are several types of painted walls, each with its own characteristics and cleaning needs.

The main types include:

Gloss

Gloss paints are highly reflective and shiny, making them easy to clean.

They are commonly used in areas exposed to heavy wear, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Satin

Satin finishes have a soft sheen that provides durability while being less shiny than gloss.

They are often used in living rooms or hallways, offering a balance of ease of cleaning and aesthetic appeal.

Eggshell

Eggshell paint has a low sheen, providing a soft, matte look with some durability.

It’s commonly used in bedrooms or other areas where a subtle finish is preferred.

Matte

Matte finishes have a flat appearance with little to no sheen.

While they hide imperfections well, they are more prone to staining and harder to clean.

How to Clean Gloss Painted Walls

Cleaning gloss-painted walls is straightforward due to their durability and smooth, shiny surface.

Here’s how to do it:

Dust the Walls

Start by removing dust and cobwebs using a microfiber cloth or duster.

This prevents dirt from scratching the surface during cleaning.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner.

Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

Clean the Wall

Dampen a soft sponge or cloth with the cleaning solution and gently wipe down the wall.

Work in sections and avoid soaking the wall.

Rinse and Dry

After cleaning, use a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue.

Dry the wall with a towel to prevent water marks or streaks.

For tougher stains, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.

Always test cleaners on a small area first.

How to Clean Satin Painted Walls

Cleaning satin-painted walls is simple and effective due to their smooth finish and moderate sheen.

Follow these steps for optimal results:

Dust the Walls

Begin by dusting the wall with a soft microfiber cloth or duster to remove any loose dirt or debris.

This prevents scratching during cleaning.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner.

Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they may dull the satin finish.

Clean the Wall

Dampen a soft sponge or cloth with the cleaning solution and gently wipe the wall.

Work in small sections to ensure thorough cleaning without over-wetting the surface.

Rinse and Dry

After cleaning, use a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue.

Then, dry the wall with a soft towel to avoid streaks.

For stubborn stains, use a gentle cleaner or spot clean with a baking soda paste.

How to Clean Eggshell Painted Walls

Cleaning eggshell-painted walls requires a gentle approach, as this finish has a subtle sheen and is more prone to damage than glossier finishes.

Follow these steps:

Dust the Walls

Use a microfiber cloth or soft duster to remove dust and cobwebs from the walls.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap or a gentle all-purpose cleaner.

Avoid harsh chemicals that could dull the eggshell finish.

Clean the Wall

Dampen a soft sponge or cloth with the cleaning solution and gently wipe down the wall.

Be cautious not to scrub too hard, as this could cause the paint to fade or damage the surface.

Rinse and Dry

Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any soap residue.

Dry the wall with a soft towel to prevent water marks or streaks.

How to Clean Matte Painted Walls

Cleaning matte-painted walls requires extra care, as the flat finish can be more prone to absorbing dirt and harder to clean than other finishes.

Follow these steps for gentle cleaning:

Dust the Walls

Start by dusting the wall with a soft microfiber cloth or duster to remove loose dirt.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.

Avoid using strong chemicals, which could damage the finish.

Spot Clean

Rather than cleaning the entire wall, focus on spot cleaning any stains or marks.

Use a soft cloth dampened with the cleaning solution and gently blot the affected area.

Rinse and Dry

After cleaning, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

Dry the wall with a soft towel to prevent water marks.

Should You Hire a Professional to Clean Painted Walls?

Hiring a professional, like us here at ECMS, to clean painted walls can be a good choice in certain situations, such as a business premises.

If your walls are heavily soiled, have stubborn stains, or are difficult to clean, a professional can provide the expertise and equipment needed for a thorough clean.

They can also safely clean delicate finishes, such as matte or eggshell paints, which may require special care to avoid damage.

Professionals are equipped with specialised cleaning products and tools, which can help maintain the paint’s integrity.

If you have high ceilings or hard-to-reach areas, a professional will have the right ladders or equipment to clean safely and efficiently.

However, for routine cleaning or minor touch-ups, DIY methods are often sufficient.

If you’re confident in your ability to clean your walls carefully and without damaging the paint, hiring a professional may not be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision depends on the extent of the cleaning required and the type of paint on your walls.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Painted Walls

While cleaning painted walls, there are some things you should avoid to protect the paint and maintain its appearance:

Harsh Chemicals

Avoid using strong chemicals like bleach or ammonia on painted walls.

These can strip away the paint or damage the finish, causing it to fade or peel.

Abrasive Cleaners

Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, such as steel wool or rough sponges.

These can scratch the paint, leaving permanent marks or damage.

Excess Water

Too much water can seep into the paint, causing it to bubble, peel, or discolour.

Always use a damp cloth rather than soaking the wall.

Scrubbing Hard

Scrubbing too aggressively can damage the paint surface, especially with delicate finishes like matte or eggshell.

Always clean gently and avoid applying too much pressure.

Ignoring Stains

Letting stains sit too long can make them harder to remove and may cause permanent damage.

Clean stains promptly to maintain the wall’s appearance.

Conclusion

You should now have the knowledge on how to clean painted walls.

Cleaning painted walls is an easy task if done correctly, but can be trickier than trying to get paint out of carpet.

The type of paint finish on your walls will determine the best cleaning method.

Gloss and satin finishes are durable and can handle more vigorous cleaning, while eggshell and matte finishes require more gentle care.

Remember to always dust your walls regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.

When cleaning, use mild cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the paint.

If you take care of your painted walls, they will continue to look fresh and vibrant for years to come.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can keep your painted walls clean and well-maintained without risking damage

For more information, get in contact with us here at ECMS.