Light-colored walls can make a space feel more expansive and clean, but they also get dirty quickly, requiring homeowners to employ basic cleaning tips.
Very few households clean their walls, except for special occasions like moving in or out. However, over time, white walls can become dirty due to human contact or dust accumulation from the outside, especially when windows are opened.
Wall cleaning must be done on-site and regularly, particularly in homes with children and pets. Therefore, understanding how to clean light-colored walls is essential.
Dusting and Vacuuming from Ceiling to Floor
If dirt from outside settles on the walls, simply use a ladder, a microfiber cloth, and start wiping to clean. You can also use a paintbrush or a dry, unused cloth to clean dust from chair rails and corners. If there is excessive dust, utilizing a vacuum cleaner with its brush attachment is necessary.
Using Multi-Purpose Cleaners
For stains that cannot be removed with water, apply a small amount of multi-purpose cleaner to microfiber cloths, rags, or paper towels and begin scrubbing the affected area. Users should choose multi-purpose cleaners that have a soap-like texture. This method is also effective for removing grease stains in the kitchen.
However, the multi-purpose cleaning method works best on walls that have just become dirty.
Tips for Cleaning Dirty White Walls with Water and Available Cleaners. Illustration: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Using Dish Soap and a Sponge
Don’t be fooled by the product name, as dish soap is actually a fantastic cleaner for surfaces ranging from countertops to doormats. To clean walls, choose mild dish soaps with little fragrance and minimal harmful chemicals.
For fresh stains, take a damp soft sponge with dish soap and gently scrub until the stains fade. You may need to repeat this process 2-3 times if you want to clean the wall thoroughly.
Using Baking Soda
For stubborn stains that cannot be cleaned with water or soap, mix a sufficient amount of baking soda with water to create a paste. Gently apply it to the wall and let it sit as long as possible. Finally, once the stain has absorbed enough, wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
Using a Magic Eraser
If the previous methods are ineffective, you can dampen a Magic Eraser and gently wipe the stain or scuff until the wall is clean. This product contains extremely powerful cleaning agents, so users don’t need to apply much force to scrub the wall.
Note: For glossy and semi-gloss painted walls, this product may leave a dull mark if scrubbed too hard, so users should be cautious.
Tips for Keeping Walls Clean Longer
- Regularly wipe down walls to prevent stains from penetrating the surface.
- Carefully vacuum to avoid dirt accumulating on the floor and walls.
- In particular, dust can easily settle on ceiling fans and spread throughout the house if not cleaned regularly. Therefore, you should clean fans and other household items every few weeks to maintain a clean and airy space.
