Fingerprints by the light switch, crayon in the hallway, splatter behind the stove: painted walls get dirty. Many homeowners are afraid to clean them because they have seen paint rub off, turn shiny or leave a lighter spot. The good news is that washing painted walls will not ruin them, as long as you use the right method for the type of paint. Here is how to clean walls safely, and when it is time to repaint instead.
It depends on the finish
The sheen of your paint decides how much cleaning it can take.
- Flat and matte: the most delicate. Use only a damp cloth and gentle dabbing. Scrubbing can remove paint or leave shiny “burnished” spots.
- Eggshell: handles light wiping with mild soapy water.
- Satin: very washable; fine for regular cleaning in kitchens, baths and kids’ rooms.
- Semi-gloss and gloss: the toughest. Can be scrubbed and handle mild degreasers, which is why they are used on trim, doors and cabinets.
Not sure what you have? Look at the wall from an angle in good light. If it barely reflects, assume it is flat and be gentle. Our guide to selecting the perfect paint finish explains each sheen in detail.
How to wash painted walls safely
1. Dust first. Wipe or vacuum walls to remove loose dust. Otherwise, you will just turn it into muddy streaks.
2. Use the mildest cleaner that works. Start with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Avoid abrasive powders, scouring pads and harsh chemicals such as ammonia or undiluted bleach, which can dull or discolor paint.
3. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Wring it out well. Walls should be damp, never soaked, since too much water can soak into drywall seams and loosen paint.
4. Test in a hidden spot. Try your method behind furniture or inside a closet first.
5. Wipe gently, then rinse. Use light, overlapping strokes rather than hard scrubbing in one spot. Follow with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove soap residue, then dry with a towel.
How to handle tough stains
- Crayon and scuffs: a melamine sponge (magic eraser) works, but it is mildly abrasive. Use it lightly, and never on flat paint.
- Grease in kitchens: a dish-soap solution or a gentle degreaser on satin or semi-gloss finishes.
- Ink and marker: a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth, tested first.
- Mildew: a mildew cleaner in bathrooms, then improve ventilation so it does not return.
Wait before washing new paint
Paint feels dry within hours, but it takes two to four weeks to fully cure and harden. During that time, avoid scrubbing or using cleaners; only gently spot-clean if you must. After it cures, it will be far more resistant to washing.
When cleaning is not enough
If stains keep coming back, the paint rubs off on your cloth, or cleaned areas look shinier or lighter than the rest of the wall, the paint has reached the end of its life. Water stains and smoke damage also need a stain-blocking primer, not just cleaning. See the signs your home needs a fresh coat of paint and how long will your new paint job last?
Tips for easier cleaning next time
- Choose eggshell or satin for busy rooms, and semi-gloss for trim and doors.
- Use quality “scrubbable” paint lines in kitchens, hallways and kids’ rooms.
- Keep a labeled can of leftover paint for touch-ups, and touch up with the same sheen.
- Clean walls before you repaint, too. Read should I clean my walls before painting?
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a magic eraser on painted walls?
Yes, lightly and on eggshell or higher sheens. Melamine sponges are mildly abrasive and can leave dull or shiny spots on flat paint, so test first.
How soon can I clean newly painted walls?
Wait two to four weeks for the paint to cure fully before scrubbing. Gentle spot-cleaning with a damp cloth is fine before then.
Why did a spot get shiny after I cleaned it?
That is called burnishing. Rubbing polishes the paint surface, especially on flat finishes. Touching up with the same paint and sheen usually fixes it.
Ready for walls that are easy to keep clean?
Ssay Painting and Remodeling uses durable, washable paints and careful prep so your walls look great for years. We repair dents and cracks with tape and bed work before painting. Explore our interior painting service, request a free quote or call (214)-317-6275.
Keep reading
- Guide to Selecting the Perfect Paint Finish
- How often should the interior of a home be repainted?
- Add Dimension to Your Home with Crown Molding
