How to Clean Walls

Walls collect more dirt than we realize—dust, cooking residue, fingerprints, pet marks, and sometimes even patches of mildew. The good news is that you can clean most wall surfaces using simple, gentle ingredients. This guide walks through how to clean painted walls, remove stains, and safely address mild mildew while protecting the surface.

Test a Small Area First

Paint finishes vary, so always test your cleaning approach on a hidden section of the wall, especially with matte or flat paint, which can show moisture or streaks more easily.

How to Clean Painted Walls with Gentle Cleaning Methods

For everyday smudges, light dirt, and dust, a mild approach is usually all you need.

Step 1: Remove Surface Dust

Before you add any moisture, start by clearing away dry dust and loose debris. Dust can smear when wet, which creates streaks and makes cleaning harder. Use a cloth, a long-handled duster, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to lift dust from the top of the wall downward. Pay extra attention to corners, door frames, light switches, and areas where air circulation pushes dust to settle. This step only takes a few minutes and makes the actual cleaning process much smoother.

Step 2: Mix a Mild Cleaning Solution

Warm water with a small amount of gentle dish soap works well for general cleaning. If you prefer a ready-to-use option, a diluted multi-surface cleaner like Blueland’s Multi-Surface Cleaner can be sprayed lightly on the wall when used as directed. Avoid saturating the solution with too much soap—excess suds can leave streaks and require extra rinsing. If your walls have a flat or matte finish, keep the solution very light to avoid visible patches or moisture marks.

Step 3: Wipe the Walls in Sections

Cleaning walls is easiest when you work in small sections instead of trying to wash the entire surface at once. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into your cleaning solution and wring it out thoroughly so it’s damp, not dripping. Start at the top of the wall and work downward in long, overlapping strokes. This prevents dirty water from running down onto areas you’ve already cleaned. Move slowly and use light pressure to avoid damaging delicate paint finishes. If the cloth becomes dirty, rinse it out and refresh your solution so you’re not spreading grime around.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After washing a section of the wall, follow up with a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove any leftover soap or cleaner residue. Residue can cause streaking once the wall dries, especially on painted surfaces that show marks easily. After rinsing, use a dry towel to gently pat the area dry. Drying helps prevent water spots and ensures an even finish. If you’re cleaning an entire room, drying each section as you go keeps the process organized and prevents moisture from lingering too long on the wall.

How to Address Stubborn Marks on Walls

Some marks need a bit more attention. Pencil and light smudges usually lift with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap. Greasy spots may come off with warm water plus a small amount of vinegar. For scuffs, use a very lightly dampened sponge and gentle pressure.

Avoid scrubbing aggressively—overworking the paint can remove the finish faster than the stain.

How to Clean Mold or Mildew on Walls

Small, surface-level mildew spots in bathrooms, basements, or kitchens can often be cleaned with simple steps. Larger or recurring growth should be evaluated by a professional.

Step 1: Increase Airflow

Good airflow is essential when dealing with mildew, even in small areas. Open windows if possible, turn on exhaust fans, and increase ventilation to reduce moisture. Humid environments—bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens—tend to trap moisture against walls, allowing mildew to form. Improving airflow not only helps during cleaning but also reduces the chance that mildew will come back later.

Step 2: Remove Surface Moisture

Start by wiping the affected area with warm, soapy water to clear away dust, surface grime, and moisture. This step prepares the wall so your next cleaning application has better contact with the surface. Use a cloth rather than a dripping sponge to avoid over-wetting the wall, which can push moisture into the paint or drywall.

Step 3: Use a Vinegar Solution

A diluted vinegar-and-water mixture is commonly used to clean and deodorize areas where mildew appears. Spray or dab the solution onto the spot and let it sit for 10–15 minutes without scrubbing aggressively. Allowing it to sit gives it time to break down residue. Avoid using abrasive tools or strong chemicals, which can damage paint or spread the problem by pushing moisture deeper into the wall.

Step 4: Wipe and Dry Thoroughly

After the solution sits, wipe the area clean with a fresh damp cloth to remove residue. Then dry the wall thoroughly with a towel or cloth. Moisture left behind can cause mildew to come back, so complete drying is an important part of the process. If the area stays damp due to poor ventilation, consider running a fan or dehumidifier until it is fully dry.

Preventing Mildew from Returning

Once cleaned, maintaining airflow is key. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, crack windows when possible, and use a dehumidifier in damp rooms. Keep furniture slightly away from walls to allow air circulation and address any leaks promptly.

Dusting walls regularly makes deeper cleaning easier and prevents buildup from sticking.

When It’s Better to Call a Professional

It’s best to call a professional when the issue appears larger than simple surface cleaning. If you notice widespread mold, mildew that keeps returning even after cleaning, strong musty odors, bubbling or peeling paint, or any signs of water damage, these can indicate moisture problems behind the wall that require expert assessment and treatment.