Here’s How to Clean Your Walls Correctly, According to the Experts

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It’s that time of year: The weather is getting milder and milder. Hibernation no longer feels necessary for survival. Buds are about to bloom. Spring is nearly springing, which means spring cleaning will be upon us in no time. This annual ritual can be somewhat daunting, a veritable maze of rare tasks to navigate whether you’re in an over-the-top opulent dream home (hello, butler’s pantry), a stunning minimalist apartment, or anywhere in between.

One of the most important zones to consider might not even be on your radar: your home’s walls. Though it’s not an integral part of a normal cleaning routine like say, bathrooms or countertops, cleaning your walls is a necessary nuisance. We’ve made it a lot more approachable with tips from a couple of industry pros, one cleaning expert and one home organization expert. And whether your walls are white, colorful, or wainscoted, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our easy how-to process for cleaning your walls.

When Is it Time to Clean the Walls?

According to Justin Carpenter, founder of Modern Maids cleaning service, it’s best to clean your walls as infrequently as possible. “You should only clean your walls when absolutely necessary because there are always risks involved with ruining the paint or finish,” he explains. “The most common times you need to wash your walls include paint prep, smoke or pet odor, or dirt and grime from hand or pet marks,” says Carpenter.

Joanna Wirick is a professional organizer based in the Midwest. She operates Joanna Organize and prefers a specialty cleaning schedule approach to manage tasks such as cleaning walls. Regular wall scrubbing and refreshing should focus on high-use areas like the kitchen and family room. When determining which areas of your home see the most action, “consider household traffic, cooking habits, and the presence of children or pets,” Wirick says. Telltale signs will include fingerprints, smudges, grease stains, or a general build-up of dust and grime.

“As a general guideline, aim to wash walls annually or as needed,” explains Wirick. “Aside from preserving aesthetic appeal and preventing damage, wall cleaning can enhance indoor air quality and can help you maintain your property value.”

How Not to Damage Paint

Though cleaning walls is sometimes necessary, a significant fear is that doing so can damage paint. “The best way to clean walls without damaging paint is to use the least amount of water possible,” says Carpenter. “In order to do this we recommend using a slightly damp Magic Eraser. The Magic Eraser will help remove any dirt, debris, or grime from your walls without damaging the paint,” he explains.

This less-water approach makes sense for flat paint surfaces. “If your paint has a satin finish, you don’t have to worry as much about the amount of water used,” Carpenter adds. Make sure to dry your surfaces asap to minimize impact to the paint’s finish.

“Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both the Magic Eraser and your paint finish,” Carpenter cautions. “If you have concerns about the paint, or if the walls are particularly delicate, it’s wise to consult with a professional or test a small, inconspicuous area first.”

Wirick agrees, adding, “cleaning walls without damaging paint requires a gentle approach. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can strip paint and cause discoloration.”

What’s the Cost of Cleaning Walls?

Before diving into this chore, it’s good to know what the general cost could be. According to Carpenter, “the cost of cleaning walls is relatively cheap if you do it yourself because you can do it with warm water and Dawn dish soap.” But to be truly meticulous, it can take quite a bit of time. If looking to outsource some spring cleaning, you can expect to pay for it. “This is why if you outsource cleaning walls to a professional cleaning service, it could begin to get very costly between $20 to $50 per wall depending on your location,” he shares.

Most Common Culprits for Dirty Walls

Since the best way to approach cleaning walls is to try to do it only when needed, it’s important to isolate the most common errors homeowners make when it comes to normal house usage. “A lot of times we see walls marks down stairwells in houses,” Carpenter shares. “That’s because when people are going up and down instead of using the handrail, they use the wall as support,” he adds. “This creates black marks on the wall over time, [so] the biggest tip we have is to make sure you use the handrail when walking up and down the stairs,” the cleaning expert says.

Wirick of Joanna Organize adds, “If there are pets or children present, the dirtiest spots are baseboards and anything that is kid height, especially in the kitchen or dining area.” This can be another special area to pay attention to when cleaning walls.

Step-by-Step DIY

Now that we know a bit more about cleaning walls, let’s dive into a detailed action plan to tackle this chore. “Cleaning walls with a Magic Eraser and Dawn dish soap can be an effective method for removing dirt and stains,” Carpenter says. Here’s how to do it the right way.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, Extra Durable Pro Version, Shoe, Bathroom, and Shower Cleaner, Cleaning Pads with Durafoam, 10 Count

HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack Cleaning Rag, Cleaning Towels with 4 Color Assorted, 11.5" x 11.5" (Green/Blue/Yellow/Pink)

OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Mop Bucket, 4 Gallons

Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Refreshing Rain Scent, 32.7 fl. oz.

1. Gather materials. To clean walls gently, according to Carpenter, you’ll need a mild detergent like Dawn dish soap, a Magic eraser, a bucket, water, sponges, and micro-fiber cloths for wiping down walls as well as drying them.

2. Dust the walls. Before you fill that bucket with suds, give your walls a good dusting. “It’s a good idea to dust the walls to remove any loose dirt or cobwebs. You can use a duster or a soft cloth for this step,” Carpenter suggests.

3. Prepare the cleaning solution. Start by filling your bucket with warm water and adding the Dawn dish soap. “You don’t need much; a tablespoon or two should be sufficient,” Carpenter says.

4. Dip the Magic Eraser. Simply wet the Magic Eraser in the warm, soapy water. “Squeeze out any excess water to prevent dripping,” he advises.

5. Test in an inconspicuous area. “Before you start cleaning the entire wall, test the Magic Eraser on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor the paint,” Carpenter suggests.

6. Clean in sections. “Work on one small section of the wall at a time,” Carpenter advises. “Gently rub the magic eraser in a circular motion, applying light pressure.” The eraser should easily lift off dirt, scuff marks, and stains from your well-loved walls.

7. Wipe with a sponge or cloth. Once you’ve gently cleaned the section with your Magic Eraser, wipe it down with a damp soft sponge of microfiber cloth that you’ve dipped in the soapy solution. “This helps to remove any residue and ensures a thorough clean,” according to Carpenter.

8. Rinse with clean water. Next, rinse the towel or sponge in clean water, and go over the area again. This will help remove soap residue, Carpenter explains.

9. Dry with a microfiber cloth. Once you’ve cleaned and rinsed each section, dry the walls with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or towel. “This helps prevent water spots and ensures a streak-free finish,” says Carpenter.

10. Repeat as necessary. “If there are stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process, applying a bit more pressure with the Magic Eraser. Just be cautious not to damage the paint,” he says.

11. Ventilate the room. Make sure your windows are open and, if possible, have a fan going as you clean—“especially if you’re using a substantial amount of soapy water,” says Carpenter of Modern Maids. This can be an easy step to forget but will help your walls dry to perfection.

Want even more seasonal cleaning inspo? Peruse our Cleaning + Organizing section for curated tips for every household nook and cranny.

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