Keeping your walls clean can instantly brighten a room and make your home feel more welcoming. While we often focus on floors, furniture, and windows, walls collect dirt, dust, fingerprints, and even mould over time. Knowing how to clean walls properly will help you maintain a fresh, healthy living environment without damaging the paint or surface.
This guide will walk you through the best cleaning methods for different types of walls, safe cleaning solutions, tools you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow. Whether you’re tackling stubborn marks, greasy kitchen splatters, or simply giving your home a refresh, this article will show you exactly how.
How Clean Walls Improve Your Home
Walls are exposed to daily wear and tear. Dust, cooking residue, smoke, and skin oils all build up gradually, leaving your walls looking dull or discoloured. Regular wall cleaning is important because it:
- Extends the life of paint and wallpaper.
- Reduces allergens like dust and pet dander.
- Prevents mould and mildew growth in damp areas.
- Improves indoor air quality.
- Makes your home look brighter and more inviting.
A clean wall isn’t just about looks—it’s about maintaining a healthier and longer-lasting home.
What You’ll Need to Clean Walls
Before you begin, gather your cleaning supplies. Having the right tools makes the job easier and prevents accidental damage.
Basic supplies include:
- Soft microfibre cloths or sponges
- A bucket of warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Baking soda (for tough stains)
- White vinegar (for natural cleaning)
- A soft-bristled brush
- Dry towels or cloths
- A vacuum with a brush attachment
- Step ladder (for reaching high spots)
For painted walls, avoid harsh scrubbing tools like steel wool or stiff brushes, as these can scratch or strip paint.
Step 1: Dust the Walls
Dusting is the first and most important step. If you start scrubbing without dusting, dirt can smear and leave streaks.
- Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dust.
- Alternatively, use a long-handled duster or a dry microfibre mop.
- Work from top to bottom so dust falls to the floor, where you can vacuum later.
This simple step can make walls look instantly fresher before you even begin washing.
Step 2: Test a Small Spot
Before applying any cleaner, test a small, hidden section of your wall (behind furniture or near the skirting board). This ensures that your cleaning solution won’t damage or discolour the paint, wallpaper, or finish.
How to Clean Painted Walls
Painted walls are common in most homes, but different finishes require different care.
Flat or Matte Paint
Flat finishes are more delicate and can scuff easily.
- Use a soft sponge with mild soapy water.
- Gently dab instead of scrubbing.
- For tough stains, try a paste of baking soda and water.
Satin or Eggshell Paint
These finishes are slightly more durable.
- Use warm water with a drop of dish soap.
- Wipe gently with a microfibre cloth.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent removing the sheen.
Semi-Gloss or Gloss Paint
Glossy finishes are the easiest to clean and are often used in kitchens or bathrooms.
- Use a sponge with warm soapy water.
- For greasy stains, mix vinegar with water.
- Rinse with a damp cloth to avoid streaks.
How to Clean Wallpapered Walls
Wallpaper requires a more delicate approach.
- Dust first with a dry cloth or vacuum.
- For washable wallpaper, use a damp sponge with mild soap.
- For non-washable wallpaper, stick to dry methods—like a dry sponge or cloth.
- Avoid soaking wallpaper, as moisture can cause peeling.
Tip: Use an eraser sponge on small marks, but test in a hidden area first.
How to Clean Tiled Walls
Tiled walls are a popular choice in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries because they are durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. However, they can still build up soap scum, grease, mould, and grime over time, especially in damp or high-use areas. Regular cleaning keeps your tiles looking fresh and prevents long-term damage to the grout.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning tiled walls:
- Prepare the area – Remove any items hanging on or near the wall, such as towels or bathroom products. Lay down an old towel to catch drips and prevent slippery floors.
- Wipe down the tiles – Mix warm soapy water or a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the mixture and wipe the tiles in a circular motion. This helps to lift surface dirt, soap scum, and grease.
- Tackle the grout – Grout lines are the most common trouble spots, as they are porous and can trap dirt and moisture.
- Make a paste using baking soda and a little water.
- Apply the paste to the grout lines.
- Scrub gently with an old toothbrush or a small soft-bristled brush.
- For stubborn mould or mildew, spray vinegar over the baking soda paste to create a fizzing action before scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly – Use clean water and a sponge to remove any soap, vinegar, or baking soda residue. Leftover cleaning solution can leave streaks or a dull finish.
- Dry the walls – Wipe down with a dry microfibre cloth or towel to prevent water spots, especially if you have glossy tiles. Drying also helps discourage mould growth in damp spaces.
Extra tips for tiled walls:
- In bathrooms, run the exhaust fan or open a window after cleaning to help tiles dry quickly.
- For kitchen tiles exposed to grease, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to warm water for extra cleaning power.
- For a natural fresh scent, add a squeeze of lemon juice to your vinegar-water solution.
- Avoid harsh abrasives like steel wool, as these can scratch the tile surface.
Keeping up with a weekly wipe-down and a monthly deep clean will make your tiled walls much easier to maintain and stop grime from building up in the first place.
Removing Specific Stains from Walls
Not all stains are the same. Here’s how to deal with common wall problems:
Grease Stains (Kitchen Walls)
- Mix vinegar with warm water.
- Wipe with a sponge until the grease lifts.
- Rinse with clean water.
Crayon or Pencil Marks
- Use a damp sponge with baking soda.
- For stubborn marks, try a magic eraser sponge.
Mould and Mildew
- Mix one part vinegar with three parts water.
- Spray lightly and scrub with a soft brush.
- Dry the area completely to prevent regrowth.
Smoke Stains
- Mix vinegar and warm water in equal parts.
- Wipe with a sponge, rinsing frequently.
Cleaning High Walls and Ceilings
High walls and ceilings can be tricky to maintain, yet they often collect dust, cobwebs, and even smoke residue over time. Because these areas are less accessible, they’re usually cleaned less often, which means dirt and marks can build up without being noticed. Regular attention will help keep your home looking brighter and reduce allergens.
How to clean high walls and ceilings safely and effectively:
- Start with dusting – Use a long-handled duster or a microfibre mop attachment to remove cobwebs and loose dust. Work from one corner of the room to the other, moving in smooth, sweeping motions. This helps prevent dust from resettling in areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Tackle stubborn marks – If you notice fingerprints, smudges, or smoke stains near the ceiling line, wrap a damp microfibre cloth around the head of your mop or broom and secure it with an elastic band. Gently wipe the marks without pressing too hard, as excessive scrubbing may damage the paint.
- Use a step ladder for detail work – For spots that need closer attention, a sturdy step ladder is the safest option. Make sure the ladder is positioned on flat, stable ground and avoid leaning too far in any direction. Keep one hand on the ladder whenever possible to maintain balance.
- Dry the area – After wiping down high spots, go over them with a dry cloth on the mop head or ladder to prevent streaks and moisture marks.
Extra tips for success:
- Clean high walls and ceilings before tackling lower walls and furniture so falling dust doesn’t undo your work.
- If your ceilings are textured, use a soft vacuum attachment instead of wiping to avoid breaking off pieces.
- For stubborn stains like smoke residue or mildew near bathroom ceilings, use a diluted vinegar solution for safe, natural cleaning.
- Always check for light fittings or ceiling fans and clean them at the same time for a complete refresh.
By incorporating high wall and ceiling cleaning into your seasonal or yearly routine, you’ll reduce the amount of dust in your home and keep these hard-to-reach areas looking neat without a major effort.
Preventing Future Wall Stains
While knowing how to remove stains is useful, prevention is always easier than scrubbing stubborn marks later on. By adopting a few simple habits, you can keep your walls looking fresh for longer and reduce the need for heavy cleaning.
Practical prevention tips:
- Wipe spills and splashes immediately – Liquids like coffee, juice, or cooking oil can seep into paint or grout if left for too long. A quick wipe with a damp cloth prevents stains from setting.
- Keep hands off walls – Greasy or dirty fingerprints are one of the most common wall stains, especially in hallways, staircases, and children’s bedrooms. Teaching kids to avoid touching walls and keeping handwashing a priority can make a big difference.
- Choose washable paints for busy areas – In high-traffic spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, or entryways, opt for washable or scrubbable paint finishes. These paints allow you to wipe away marks without stripping colour or sheen.
- Improve ventilation in damp areas – Kitchens and bathrooms are prone to moisture, which encourages mould and mildew growth. Use exhaust fans, open windows, or run a dehumidifier to keep walls dry and reduce water stains.
- Dust regularly – Dust and cobwebs settle on walls just like furniture. Vacuuming with a soft brush attachment or using a microfibre cloth once a month keeps buildup under control.
Extra ideas for wall protection:
- Add splashbacks behind cooktops and sinks to reduce grease and water stains.
- Use washable wall panels or protective finishes in kids’ play areas.
- Place furniture slightly away from walls to prevent scuff marks.
- Hang artwork or wall coverings in high-touch areas for both decoration and protection.
By following these prevention strategies, you’ll not only cut down the amount of cleaning required but also extend the life of your paintwork and finishes. A little care now saves hours of scrubbing later.
Eco-Friendly Wall Cleaning Options
If you prefer natural cleaners, there are safe and effective solutions:
- Vinegar and water: Great for grease and odours.
- Baking soda paste: Perfect for stains and scuffs.
- Lemon juice: Helps brighten and remove mild stains.
These eco-friendly options reduce exposure to harsh chemicals and are safe for children and pets.
Seasonal Wall Cleaning Routine
To maintain fresh-looking walls, add wall cleaning to your seasonal chores:
- Quarterly: Dust walls and wipe down high-traffic areas.
- Twice a year: Wash painted walls fully.
- As needed: Spot-clean stains and marks immediately.
When to Repaint Instead of Cleaning
Sometimes, no amount of cleaning will restore a wall. If your walls have:
- Permanent stains
- Chipped or peeling paint
- Discolouration from smoke or mould
…it may be time for a fresh coat of paint instead of scrubbing.
Final Tips
To wrap up, here are key things to remember when learning how to clean walls effectively:
- Always dust before washing.
- Test cleaners on a small, hidden spot first.
- Use gentle, circular motions instead of harsh scrubbing.
- Dry walls thoroughly after cleaning to prevent streaks.
- Use eco-friendly options where possible for a safer home.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean walls is an easy yet powerful way to refresh your home. With the right tools, safe cleaning solutions, and a little effort, you can remove dust, stains, and grime without damaging the surface. Whether you’re maintaining painted walls, tackling greasy kitchen splashes, or gently cleaning wallpaper, the steps outlined here will keep your home looking its best.
A regular cleaning routine not only improves the look of your walls but also helps protect your paintwork, reduce allergens, and create a healthier living space. So next time you’re tidying up your home, don’t forget to give your walls the attention they deserve.
