Cleaning your walls can be a bit of a nerve-wracking task since nobody likes scrubbing away on a layer of paint or precious wallpaper by accident. Perhaps you’re just finding fingerprints, scuff marks, or that mysterious stain you really want to be rid of.

Regardless of the reason, this guide is here to help effectively clean your walls without risking their finish.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Wash Walls?

Sometimes, it’s pretty apparent when a wall needs cleaning. Smudges, fingerprints, and visible dust or dirt are tell-tale signs. However, even when you can’t see grime, regular cleaning keeps your walls fresh and your room nice.

The general rule of thumb? For moderately used rooms, give the walls a gentle clean every six months, and for less used ones, at least once a year.

How to Clean Different Types of Interior Walls

Different wall finishes and materials take some special approaches to cleaning. Here’s how to handle each type without damaging the paint or wallpaper.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint tends to be a bit tougher than other finishes, so you have a little leeway. Beginning with a dry cloth or duster, gently dust the wall to knock off any loose particles. Dip a sponge into a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, then gently wipe down the wall in small, circular motions. Don’t soak the sponge—too much water hurts even the toughest finishes. Then go back and wipe off any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Water-based or Latex Paint

Latex paint, while popular for its ease of clean-up, is a little touchier than oil-based paint. Be gentle with it; dust the wall first. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth in and go over the wall in light strokes.

For more stubborn stains, dip a sponge in the soapy solution and rub in small circular motions, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Finally, dry the wall with a soft, clean towel.

Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is washable and thus very easy to maintain. In order to clean, use a mixture of mild soap in water with just light dampness on the sponge used to lightly wipe the surface.

Warning: Do not scrub; vinyl can handle moisture but still scratches easily. Wipe clean with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap film. Pat dry lightly.

Dry Clean, Non-Washable Wallpaper

Special care should be taken with non-washable wallpaper because water may cause it to tear. For general cleaning, use a dry microfiber or a duster for dust and light dirt removal. If there are marks, try to use a dry sponge–sometimes called a “chemical sponge–that lifts the dirt off without moisture.

Tips to Keep Your Walls Clean All Year Round

Want to avoid frequent cleaning of your walls? Try these easy tricks:

• Dust regularly because dust settles everywhere, including walls. The more frequently you dust, the less deep cleaning you will need to do.
• Spot clean because spills or other marks do need cleaning immediately, but never with an approach that is ever too aggressive; otherwise, you might leave heavy buildup in its aftermath.
• Avoid the use of harsh chemicals. Always go for a mold, pH-neutral one.

Walls Done? Now, Let's Keep Your Home Sparkling!

If the idea of cleaning feels overwhelming, or you’re looking for expert care, CHRIStal Clean is here to make your cleaning tasks easier. Check out our deep cleaning service, and let us give your house a fresh and polished look without the hassle!

We all have those moments when a fresh start feels essential. Whether you’ve just had a busy season, the start of a new chapter, or just crave a clean slate, a deep clean can feel just what the doctor ordered.

But what does a deep clean involve? It’s more than just tidying up. Let’s dive into the details and discover how a thorough cleaning can transform your space into a true sanctuary!

Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

To start, let’s differentiate between regular cleaning and deep cleaning. Regular cleaning includes routine tasks like dusting, vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and more—basically, keeping your home clean and tidy on a day-to-day basis.

Deep cleaning, on the other hand, involves a more thorough approach, targeting those hidden, often-overlooked areas where dirt and grime accumulate.

Deep cleaning checklists

Ready to tackle a deep clean? Here’s a friendly guide to help you with each major area of your home. The following checklists will keep you organized and on track.

Living Room

• Dust all surfaces, wall hangings, and light fixtures.
• High and low dust-accessible areas.
• Dust all woodwork.
• Vacuum or sweep and mop all accessible floors.
• Spot clean glass and windows.
• Empty and remove trash and replace the liner.
• Straighten pillows and blankets.
• Clean inside all closets.
• Edge vacuum all rooms included.
• Vacuum lampshades and tops of curtains.

Bedroom

• Dust all surfaces, wall hangings, and light fixtures.
• High and low dust-accessible areas.
• Dust all woodwork.
• Vacuum or sweep and mop all accessible floors.
• Make the primary bedroom bed if needed.
• Remove fingerprints from light switch plates and doors.
• Spot clean glass and windows.
• Empty and remove trash and replace the liner.
• Straighten pillows and blankets.
• Clean inside all closets.
• Edge vacuum all rooms included.
• Vacuum lampshades and tops of curtains.

Kitchen

• Clean and polish the outside of all appliances.
• Clean the inside of the microwave.
• Clean and polish tables, countertops, and sinks.
• Clean and polish all glass and chrome.
• Dust all woodwork and outside of cabinets.
• Remove fingerprints and food spills from the fronts of cabinets and backsplashes.
• Sweep and mop floors, vacuum if carpeted, shake out, or vacuum area rugs.
• Dust all surfaces, wall hangings, and light fixtures.
• Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer.
• Wipe inside all cabinets and drawers.
• Edge vacuum all rooms included.
• Scrub faucets in the kitchen with a small brush to remove built-up grime.

Bathroom

• Sanitize and clean sinks, countertops, toilets, showers, and tubs.
• Clean shower doors.
• Remove fingerprints from light switch plates and doors.
• Clean and polish glass, mirrors, and chrome.
• Dust all surfaces, wall hangings, and light fixtures.
• Dust all woodwork and outside of cabinets.
• Remove splatters from cabinets and backsplashes.
• Sweep and mop floors, shake out or vacuum area rugs.
• Empty and remove trash and replace the liner.
• Organize countertops and towels.
• Scrub tubs, showers, and shower runners with a small brush.
• Clean tub jets with a small brush.
• Scrub faucets in the bathrooms with a small brush to remove built-up grime.

How often should a house have a deep clean?

We recommend a deep clean two or three times a year, depending on your household. Once you catch up to your home's needs by eliminating built-up dust, dirt, and allergens, you may go on with regular cleanings in between.

Our professional cleaners will save you time and effort!

Deep cleaning is a big job; let us handle it! Our team can deliver a pristine, refreshed home while you relax and enjoy your time. Contact CHRIStal Clean today to schedule your next deep cleaning!