How to Clean White Walls

Looking for effective tips on cleaning white walls? You’re not alone. Keeping white walls spotless can be a challenge, as they showcase dirt and stains more visibly than any other color. Whether you’re dealing with dust, scuffs, or more stubborn stains, this guide provides you with everything you need to know about maintaining the pristine beauty of your white walls.

How hard it is to clean your walls depends on the type of paint finish you have and how much they’re marked. Walls with shiny paint are easier to clean without taking off the paint, but walls with a matte finish are harder to clean.

Here’s the best way to clean your white walls.

Essential Supplies for Cleaning White Walls

To start cleaning your walls, you’ll need to collect the following items:

• A duster or microfiber mop with a fresh pad
• A bucket
• Some dish soap
• A few microfiber cloths
• A gentle sponge
• A Magic Eraser

Before you begin, know the type of paint finish you have

Paint sheen is about how shiny paint is, which affects how much light it bounces back. For instance, semi-gloss paint is shiny and smooth, making it easy to clean because it forms a tough layer. Flat paint, however, is not shiny and does a good job hiding wall flaws, but it doesn’t clean well.

You can use any type of paint finish in any room, but kitchens and bathrooms usually have semi-gloss or satin finishes because they’re easier to clean, and living rooms and bedrooms often use matte or flat paint for a softer look.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning White Walls

Before you begin cleaning, take down any pictures from the wall and move furniture aside. Then, do the following:

Step 1: Remove dust from the walls

The first step in cleaning walls is to dust them. Washing walls without dusting first will leave streaks.

Begin by using your duster or microfiber mop to get rid of cobwebs. Next, dust the walls from the top down, making sure to cover the whole room.

Step 2: Clean and Dry the Walls

Now that the dust is removed, it’s time to clean the walls.

• For walls with semi-gloss and satin finishes, fill a bucket with a gallon of water and add a tablespoon of dish soap. Stir to mix.
• For walls with flat and eggshell finishes, just use water without any soap.

Soak your microfiber cloth in the mixture and tackle small areas at a time, from the top to the bottom. Use gentle, circular movements to avoid removing paint from the wall.

If you’re cleaning walls with a satin or semi-gloss finish, after washing, wipe the area again with a cloth soaked in just water. Then, dry the cleaned spot with a new microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Remove stains and marks

After cleaning your walls, the next step is to tackle any stains. Before you start, test your cleaning method on a small, hidden area to make sure it won’t harm the paint.

To handle grease stains and accumulated grime, moisten a sponge and add a bit of dish soap to create suds. Gently scrub the wall in circular motions with the sponge until the stain disappears. Then, rinse the area with a microfiber cloth soaked in water and dry it with a clean towel.

To get rid of scuff marks, wet a Magic Eraser and gently use smooth, consistent strokes over the marks. Be careful not to press too hard, as this could take off the paint.

To remove crayon marks from the wall, start by using a sponge and some dish soap. If that doesn’t work, a Magic Eraser is your next best choice.

Step 4: Put items back up on the wall

Once the wall is dry, you can rehang artwork and photos, and move your furniture back to its original spot.

How often do you need to clean white walls?

To keep your white walls looking bright, clean stains and marks right away. Dust your walls and ceilings every few months, or more often if necessary. If your curtains get dirty and touch the walls, wash them every 4-6 months to stop dirt from spreading to the walls.

Based on how dusty your home gets and how active it is, you should plan to wash your walls with soap or water every 3 to 6 months.

FAQ

Can I use vinegar to clean white walls?

If your white walls are semi-gloss or satin, vinegar can help clean and freshen them. Mix a gallon of water with three tablespoons of white distilled vinegar. First, try it on a small, hidden part of the wall to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage. If it looks good, use a microfiber cloth soaked in the mixture to clean the walls from the top down. Make sure to dry the walls as you clean.

Can I use bleach on white walls?

The best cleaner for white walls is a combination of dish soap and water. If you’re dealing with mold on your walls and wish to use bleach, make sure to dilute it first and test it on a small, hidden spot. Also, be careful when using bleach on walls with matte paint, as it can damage them more easily.

Is it possible to clean white walls with Pine Sol?

You can clean walls using Pine-Sol, but first, do a small test to make sure it won’t harm the wall. If it’s safe, mix ¼ cup of Pine-Sol with 1 gallon of water. Wipe the walls from top to bottom, rinse with a cloth only wet with water, and then dry the area.

How do you clean white walls with baking soda?

When cleaning walls, use baking soda mainly for tough stains. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Gently rub this paste on the wall in small circles. After you’re done, wash off the baking soda with water and dry the wall. Baking soda is slightly rough, so it’s good at scrubbing away hard-to-remove food and dirt.

Can I use Dawn Powerwash on my walls?

Cleaning a whole wall with Dawn Powerwash isn’t needed, but it works well for removing stains on walls with semi-gloss or satin finishes. Spray the Powerwash directly on the stain, gently rub it in with circular motions, rinse the area thoroughly, and then dry it off.

Conclusion

White walls make a room look brighter but also show dirt more easily. To keep your white walls clean, dust them a few times each year, wash your curtains regularly, and take care of any stains right away.

A mild mix of dish soap and water works well for cleaning most walls. Use just water if your walls have a flat paint finish. For tough stains that don’t come off, you might need to apply a new coat of paint.

With these tips, cleaning white walls becomes a simple task that can transform the look and feel of your space.