Cleaning bedroom walls involves dusting, mixing a cleaning solution of warm water and gentle soap, washing in circular motions, rinsing, and spot-cleaning any heavily soiled areas. Walls with oil-based paint are cleaned similarly using only light pressure. Simple habits like vacuuming and promptly cleaning marks keep walls cleaner longer.
Over time, bedroom walls accumulate dust, grime, smudges, and other dirt from daily use and exposure. Keeping bedroom walls clean not only maintains a fresh, pleasant ambiance but also extends the life of any wall paint or wallpaper. Follow these steps to properly deep clean bedroom walls from top to bottom.
How Often to Clean Walls
Aim to clean walls seasonally or every 6 months at a minimum. High-traffic areas like along stairways or hallways outside bedrooms may need cleaning every 2-3 months. Spot clean marks immediately if possible.
Before You Begin
Before you begin, it’s important to identify what type of wall you have, before you start to clean. Below is a guide of different types of wall paint.
Types of Interior Wall Paint
- Latex paint – Most common wall paint, water-cleanable
- Oil-based paint – Harder finish but needs milder cleaners
- Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss – Varying paint sheens
Types of Interior Paint Finishes
- Matte – Absorbs light, prone to stains
- Eggshell – Soft sheen, delicate cleaning
- Satin – Low-luster, durable finish
- Semi-gloss – Shiny surface, stain-resistant
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Vacuum with a brush attachment
- Spray bottle
- Soft cloths and sponges
- Scrub brush
- Step stool or ladder
Materials
- Warm water
- Gentle liquid hand soap or dish soap
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide (for mildew removal)
- Clean bucket
Instructions
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean bedroom walls:
Remove Dust
Vacuum walls using brush attachment to remove loose dust and debris. Top to bottom, left to right.
Mix a Cleaning Solution
Add a few drops of mild soap to warm water in a spray bottle. White vinegar can be added for antimicrobial cleaning.
Wash the Walls Using a Circular Motion
Spray the solution onto a soft cloth, sponge, or scrub brush. Gently clean walls using light, overlapping circles from top to bottom.
Rinse the Walls
Wipe walls with a clean wet cloth rinse in plain water to remove soap residue. Work top to bottom again using fresh water as needed.
Tackle Heavily Soiled Areas
Check for greasy spots near doors or light switches that need extra scrubbing using dry baking soda or oxygen-whitening pastes.
How to Clean Latex Painted Walls
Latex paint is common in bedrooms and cleans up easily with proper technique:
Dust the Walls
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove surface dust and dirt from walls before cleaning.
Mix a Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with a small amount of liquid hand soap or dish soap in a spray bottle. Avoid harsh cleaners.
Wipe and Rinse
Spray the solution onto a soft cloth in sections, wiping gently in circular motions. Rinse cleaned sections immediately with plain water.
Tackle Tough Stains
Use a soft toothbrush and baking soda paste for greasy spots. Avoid excessive scrubbing.
How to Clean Oil-Based Painted Walls
Bedrooms with oil paint need gentler cleaning:
Dust the Walls
Use a microfiber cloth to carefully dust walls before cleaning oil-based paint. Vacuums can be too abrasive.
Mix a Cleaning Solution
In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups warm water with 1/2 tsp liquid soap. Don’t use vinegar solutions on oil paint.
Wipe and Rinse
Spray the solution onto a soft cloth and wipe walls using very light pressure in small sections. Rinse gently with plain water.
Tackle Tough Stains
Rub very small amounts of baking soda paste for spot cleaning extra dirty areas. Limit scrubbing motion.
Tips to Keep Walls Clean Longer
Tips
- Vacuum walls monthly using a brush attachment.
- Immediately clean smudges, shoe marks, and stains.
- Dust wall decor frequently using a microfiber cloth.
- Rearrange artwork and wall decor seasonally.
- Use furniture coasters and wall protectors to avoid marking and scuffing.
Removing Writing From Walls
- Try gently erasing with a soft eraser first. Test on a small area.
- For washable wall paint, mix warm water and dish soap and clean using a sponge.
- Gently scrub with baking soda paste. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
- Repaint if needed. Use a primer to block stains seeping through the new paint.
Removing Mildew and Water Stains From Walls
- Wear gloves and goggles for safety. Provide ventilation.
- Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part warm water and spray onto walls. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub affected areas using a soft cloth. Repeat if needed.
- Once the mold is removed, rinse, allow to dry fully, and repaint.
With the proper selection of cleaning solutions and tools for your wall type, keeping bedroom walls looking freshly painted is straightforward. Establish habits like weekly dusting, prompt stain removal, and periodic deep cleaning for walls that always look pristine.
Key Takeaways
- Vacuum walls first before washing to remove dust and debris.
- Mix warm water with a small amount of gentle soap in a spray bottle.
- Wipe painted walls in overlapping circular motions using light pressure.
- Immediately rinse washed walls with clean water to prevent streaks.
- Spot treat heavily soiled areas with baking soda or oxygen paste.
FAQs
How do you deep clean walls?
Vacuum, mix warm water and mild soap, wash in sections using gentle circular scrubbing, rinse with clear water, and spot treat any excessively dirty areas.
What is the best way to clean walls without damaging paint?
Use a soft cloth with a mild soap and water solution. Gently scrub in circles without pressing hard. Immediately wipe down with plain water to prevent streaks.
What removes dirt and scuffs from walls?
For light dirt, a mildly soapy water solution removes most marks. For stubborn grease stains, gently scrub with a baking soda paste using a soft bristle brush.
How do you clean walls without taking off paint?
Clean gently in small sections using minimal pressure to avoid removing paint. Test cleaning solutions first and rinse immediately to prevent damage.
What household items clean walls?
For most wall types, a spray bottle with warm water and a gentle liquid soap solution works well. Baking soda can lift stubborn grease. Vinegar adds a disinfecting ability.
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For over a decade, Robin has been a real estate agent, interior design specialist, and mother. Through her trials and tribulations, she wanted to create the perfect website to help you save money and make your home look beautiful.