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Interior walls take a beating. Furniture scuffs, marker stains, and even sink splashes can discolor and mark up your walls, no matter what color paint you have. If you have small kids, forget it—your walls probably look more like the high chair tray than you'd like to think about, especially in the kitchen. Deep cleaning probably includes freshening up your garbage disposal and descaling your Keurig, but do you even know how to clean walls? It's one of those tasks you probably don't think about doing, but it can make a big difference in how bright and clean your home feels.
The best way to clean walls without damaging paint is by using a soft-bristled vacuum cleaner attachment to remove dust and debris, and then wiping them down with warm water and a soft cloth. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser definitely can remove scuff marks—the black marks bicycles and cardboard boxes and even bags leave behind. They actually make quick work of them. That's because they're essentially made of super-fine sandpaper-like material, and they can take off the top layer of your paint too. You may not notice it until you step away and see a difference between the finish in that spot and the area around it. That might not bother you, or it could really drive you nuts. We recommend trying something gentler unless you plan to touch up the paint there as well.
However, sometimes the just-water method isn't enough for the more stubborn marks. Ahead, Octave Villar, a paint expert at Behr, walks us through the best way to clean your walls without the need for any fancy storebought materials, and how to keep the painted surface looking brand new for as long as possible.
How Often Should You Clean Your Walls?
Turns out, cleaning your walls at least once a year is the best way to maintain your paint job. It's as easy as wiping walls down with mild soap and water, keeping in mind that certain paint finishes are more durable against stains and cleaning.
Villar tells House Beautiful, "Renovating with a higher-sheen paint is preferred for safeguarding walls, especially for families with young children. An eggshell finish is a superior choice because it provides both durability and scrubbability while also offering a sheen that won't highlight wall imperfections."
What You Need To Get Started
Don't forget to turn off the electricity if you are washing a wall with an outlet or electrical switch!
How To Clean Walls
First, lay dry towels along the baseboard of the wall you're cleaning to catch excess water. Mix 1 tablespoon of soap per 4 cups of water in a bucket or bowl. Using one of the soft sponges, wipe down the wall and work the soap into the dirt. Once the wall is covered, use the clean sponge to rinse with water. Wipe away excess water with a clean, dry towel.
Repeat the steps above until your space is fully clean.
Don't want to go through the process of making your own cleaner? Gentle cleaning wipes, like Behr Swipes Interior Wall Wipes, are safe for cleaning walls quickly without the risk of stripping off existing paint.
How Do You Clean Marks off Painted Walls?
Children's markers and scuffs might need more than a wipe down. After you've cleaned your walls with wipes or a soap solution, spot clean with a stronger cleaner like vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Rinse with a clean sponge and water.
Stubborn marks may need a gentle abrasive that won't scratch off paint finishes. Villar expresses the need for extra caution with non-gloss finishes: "Harsh chemicals and intense scrubbing should be avoided on duller paint finishes like flat or satin." (In other words, think twice before you take a Magic Eraser to your walls.) If you must clean your walls with something stronger, he recommends starting with a DIY paste of baking soda and toothpaste. Here's how:
"Apply a combination of toothpaste and baking soda. Let this mixture set on the stain for approximately 10 minutes before gently removing the markings and leftover debris with water," suggests Villar. Keep a reference of paint colors or a spare pint for touch-ups as needed, especially in homes with pets or kids. Remember that cleaning walls regularly can prevent dirt buildup and make stain removal easier once they start to become more noticeable over time.
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