How to clean wall paint starts with knowing the type of wall paint you have. Once you’ve identified that, gather your materials and start cleaning safely.
Find out the 3 ways to clean painted walls below.
We Could Name Our Wall “Spot”
“Ok, that’s kind of funny,” Daniel chuckles.
Ashley’s smile fades as she continues looking at their walls.
“But really, there are a lot of spots and marks on our walls. We need to learn how to clean wall paint safely, ASAP.”
Daniel nods in agreement. “True, our walls could use some attention. I’d assume water and a sponge can clean it all up.”
Ashley shakes her head quickly. “No, I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure the process changes depending on the type of paint on the wall.”
Daniel’s eyebrows lift in surprise. “I had no idea! Let’s definitely look up the right process then, like when we were looking up how to fix water-damaged wall paint,” he says, getting out his phone to search Google.
Here’s what he finds and shows Ashley:
How To Clean 3 Different Paints On Walls
You’ll need to clean each type of interior painting differently to protect the finish and prevent damage.
- Latex paint: Warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner
- Oil-based paint: Warm water, liquid detergent, and white vinegar
- Flat/matte paint: Warm water, with optional white vinegar
Tip:
Always scrub gently and avoid products that contain ammonia.
Work in small sections to prevent streak marks from forming.
Cleaning Latex-Based Painted Walls
You’ll need:
- Warm water
- Non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner
- Two buckets
- Two sponges
- Two towels
Steps:
- Mix warm water and cleaner in one bucket according to directions.
- Fill the second bucket with clean water.
- Use a damp sponge to gently wash walls with the cleaning mixture.
- Rinse using a sponge dipped in the clean water.
- Dry the walls with a towel.
If stains remain:
- Make a baking soda paste (baking soda + water).
- Rub it on the stain with a non-abrasive pad.
- Rinse with water and dry.
For tough stains, mix:
- 1 cup ammonia
- ½ cup vinegar
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 gallon water
Always test in an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire wall.
How To Clean Oil-Based Wall Paint
You’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon liquid detergent
- ¼ teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 quart warm water
- Two sponges
- Two buckets
- Towels
Steps:
- Mix detergent, vinegar, and warm water in one bucket.
- Fill the second bucket with clean water.
- Gently scrub walls with a sponge dipped in the mixture.
- Rinse with a clean, damp sponge.
- Dry with a towel.
Cleaning Walls With Flat (Matte) Finishes
Flat or matte finishes are the most delicate type of paint finish.
Steps:
- Start by lightly washing with a damp cloth and water only.
- If more cleaning power is needed, mix water and white vinegar.
- Scrub gently to avoid removing paint.
- For stubborn stains, use a store-bought foam cleanser.
Test first: Always test cleaning products in a hard-to-see area before applying to larger sections.
Fresh Walls, Happy Home
“Great, now we know how to safely clean our painted walls!” says Daniel.
“We sure do! I’ll get the stuff together, you see what else you can find on this blog,” replies Ashley with a smile.