How to Clean Painted Walls

You're proud of your newly painted walls. It's important to start good cleaning habits that will keep your walls looking their best and extend the life of your paint!

Watch this video to learn how to clean painted walls. Get tips on the types of cleaners to use to remove minor scuff marks as well as those hard to remove stains. Also see how to properly perform minor touch ups with paint in a way no one will ever notice once it has dried.

4 Tips for Cleaning Painted Walls

You can’t stop walls from attracting dirt, but you can preserve their newly-painted beauty and extend the life of your paint with a few good cleaning habits. Check out our suggested resources and tips below for the best ways to clean painted walls.

Supplies for This Project

  • Vacuum cleaner with dust brush attachment
  • Tack cloth/cheesecloth
  • Wash bucket
  • Mild household cleaner
  • Grease-cutting dishwashing soap
  • Baking soda
  • Cloth rags
  • Touch-up paint
  • Plastic mixing container
  • Mini paint roller and roller cover
  • 2" or 2½" angled bristle brush

Dusting

Regardless of paint type or sheen, regular dusting is in order. So before you do any washing, run the dust brush attachment of your vacuum over ceilings and walls, and wipe your walls down with a tack cloth or cheesecloth.

General Washing

Wait at least two weeks after painting before using any water or cleaner on your walls.

Typically it’s best to use a soft cloth or sponge with mild, soapy water.

Wipe by applying gentle pressure in a circular motion.

Rinse with a clean, damp cloth afterward to remove any leftover cleaner. Too much water can ruin your paint finish, so remember to thoroughly wring out your cloth.

Spot Cleaning

For spot cleaning a scuff mark or stain, try mixing a paste of baking soda and water instead of cleaner for walls.

Gently rub your solution over the problem area. Then rinse with a sponge. And dry with a soft cloth.

For hard-to-remove stains like grease splatters on kitchen walls, try a grease-cutting dishwashing soap mixed in warm water.

Follow the label instructions to make sure the cleaner won’t harm your paint finish.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to test your cleaning solution and technique to make sure it doesn’t damage your paint finish. Pick an inconspicuous spot on your wall to perform your test. If the paint still looks bright and there are no water marks left after drying, you’re good to go.

Touch-Up

Follow these guidelines for nicks or scrapes in your walls that require touch-up painting.

If possible, use paint from the original can. If you need to buy more, make sure it’s the same color and the same sheen.

If you’re touching up walls where the paint was originally applied with a roller, use a small trim roller. If the paint was originally brushed on, use a brush.

Apply a small amount of your touch-up paint and gently roll or feather-brush the area.

Have more questions? Ask the experts at your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store and you’ll come clean with all the right answers!

Click here for a printable materials checklist and step-by-step guidance.

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