Walls often escape our regular cleaning routine, quietly accumulating dust, dirt, and germs over time. With the festive season or a move-in date approaching, now is the perfect time to refresh your living space. Here is a handy guide from Infinity Housing on how to clean walls effectively without removing paint, helping you prep your home for a spotless look.
1. How to Clean Walls Without Removing Paint?
Clean walls instantly brighten a space and make rooms feel more spacious. A gentle wash does not require any special wall cleaner—just mild household items.
🧼 Supplies You’ll Need:
- Clear liquid hand or dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft cloths or rags (e.g., microfiber)
- Two buckets (one for soap, one for rinse water)
- Vacuum with a soft dust brush attachment
- Paper or towels to protect the floor
📝 The Gentle Cleaning Steps:
- Protect the Floor: Spread paper or towels across the floors and near the baseboards to catch drips.
- Dust the Walls: Use the dust brush attachment on your vacuum, or wrap a dry mop head with a clean rag, and dust the wall from top to bottom to remove loose debris.
- Prepare Solutions: Fill one bucket with clean warm water for rinsing. Mix clear liquid hand or dish soap with warm water in the second bucket to create a mild cleaning solution.
- Test First: Soak a cloth in the soap solution and wring it out well. Test a hidden portion (behind an appliance or painting) to ensure the paint is not damaged or discolored.
- Wash Gently: Wipe the walls using a light circular motion. Start at the top and work your way down. Avoid applying excessive pressure.
- Rinse: Soak a separate cloth in the clean water bucket and wring it out well. Wipe the washed sections to rinse away the soap residue.
- Dry: Run a clean, dry cloth over the walls to blot and dry the surface. Keep windows open to help air dry the walls faster.
2. Stain Removal Guide: Pencil, Marker, and Oil Marks
Wall stains require a targeted approach. Always start with the mildest method first.
How to Remove Pencil Marks from Walls ✏️
Pencil marks are common with kids around. Start gently to protect the paint.
| Method | Application | Key Tip |
| Eraser | Gently rub the mark with a soft eraser using circular motions. | Test the eraser in a hidden spot first to ensure it doesn’t smear or damage the paint. |
| Baking Soda Paste | Mix baking soda and water to form a thick paste. Gently rub the paste into the mark with a soft cloth. | Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then wipe off with a damp cloth. |
| Toothpaste | Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste directly onto the mark. Rub gently with a clean cloth. | Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth once the mark is gone. |
How to Clean Permanent Markers Off Walls 🖊️
Permanent marker stains are tough. Use these methods with caution and in a well-ventilated area:
- Rubbing Alcohol: Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently dab or wipe the stain. Follow immediately with a wipe from a clean, damp cloth.
- Hairspray: Spray the mark with hairspray, let it sit for a moment, and then quickly wipe with a clean cloth.
How to Clean Oil Marks Off Walls (Kitchen/Grease) 🍳
Kitchen walls are prone to oily and greasy stains.
- Mild Soap Solution: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of dish soap with a cup of warm water. Apply to the stained portion, scrub gently, rinse with water, and dry with a clean cloth.
- Vinegar Solution (For Stubborn Grease): Mix 1/3 cup white household vinegar with 2/3 cup water. Spray or apply the solution to the grease stain. After a few minutes, rinse with water and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cleaning your walls with mild solutions and soft tools will not damage high-quality latex or oil-based paint if done correctly. The damage usually occurs when using abrasive sponges, harsh cleaners, or excessive scrubbing pressure. Always dust first and perform a spot test.
A. Vinegar is generally safe for walls if diluted, but it can be harsh on certain finishes. For stubborn stains like grease, a diluted solution (1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water) is effective. For everyday cleaning, a mild dish soap solution is safer as it has a neutral pH.
You should perform a quick dusting of your walls and baseboards once a month. A thorough washing (the top-to-bottom method) is recommended once or twice a year, or before and after major events or holidays.
The best thing to clean painted walls with is a solution of clear, mild dish soap and warm water. This combination effectively removes dust and grime without stripping the paint or leaving residue. Baking soda paste is the best natural spot cleaner for tough stains.
Yes, you can use clear liquid dishwashing detergent. Ensure it is non-abrasive and does not contain bleach or strong degreasers. Use only a few drops mixed in a bucket of warm water to create a very light sudsy solution.
Ready to start your cleaning project? If you have specific, difficult stains, I can search for specialized cleaning tips. Would you like me to find targeted solutions for mold or mildew stains?
