The essentials in 30 seconds
The wall cleaner paint manufacturers recommend is mild soap and warm water. Dust first with a vacuum brush attachment or a microfibre cloth. Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge dampened with the soapy water and wrung out thoroughly, since too much water can hurt the paint. Start at the bottom and work up to avoid streaks, rinse lightly with a clean damp cloth and blot dry with a soft towel. Flat and matte finishes are less durable than satin or semi-gloss: do not scrub hard. For scuffs, try a baking soda and water mix, and always test in a hidden spot first.
- Avoid magic erasers, scouring pads, bleach, ammonia and alcohol.
- On new paint, wait until it has cured before washing.
- If the paint is still damaged after cleaning, touch it up with the same colour and sheen.
How to clean painted walls
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01
Dust
Vacuum dust brush attachment, microfibre duster or tack cloth, walls and ceilings.
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02
Mix the cleaner
Mild dish soap in slightly warm water.
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03
Test
On a hidden spot. It is fine if the paint still looks bright and no water marks remain once dry.
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04
Wring out the sponge
Soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth, thoroughly wrung out.
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05
Bottom to top
So drips do not run down over dry, dirty wall and leave streaks.
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06
Gentle circles
Light pressure; scrubbing can remove paint.
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07
Rinse
Lightly, with a clean damp cloth, to remove the soap.
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08
Dry
Blot with a soft, dry towel.
How to clean a flat painted wall without removing the paint
Flat and matte paints are the most delicate: Sherwin-Williams notes they are less durable than satin or semi-gloss, so you should avoid scrubbing too hard. On these walls:
- Use the mildest solution (mild soap and warm water) and a soft sponge wrung out well.
- Dab rather than rub on marks, as Benjamin Moore recommends for delicate surfaces.
- Test first in a hidden spot: the paint should still look bright, with no water marks, once dry.
- Skip abrasive sponges such as magic erasers and scouring pads.
Removing scuffs and stains from walls
Sherwin-Williams suggests a mixture of baking soda and water for scuff marks and stains that need more work, describing baking soda as a stain remover that does not damage the paint finish. Apply it gently, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Test it first in an inconspicuous spot.
| Cleaner | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild soap and warm water | General washing | The solution both manufacturers recommend |
| Baking soda and water | Scuffs and stubborn marks | Test first; rinse with a damp cloth |
| Bleach, ammonia, alcohol | Do not use | Benjamin Moore advises against them |
| Magic erasers, scouring pads | Do not use | Abrasive: can dull or remove paint |
Cleaning freshly painted walls
Paint that is dry to the touch is not yet cured (fully hardened). Benjamin Moore says wall paint is usually dry in one to two hours but takes about 30 days to cure, and recommends waiting at least 30 days before cleaning, spot cleaning very carefully only if you must. Sherwin-Williams' own tip is to wait at least two weeks before washing with soap and water. Check the advice for the paint you used and, when in doubt, wait longer. Benjamin Moore also suggests not pushing furniture against new walls for the first seven to ten days.
When cleaning is not enough
If marks or chips remain, touch up with leftover paint of the same colour and sheen, stirred well, using the same method as the original (mini roller if it was rolled, brush if it was brushed) so the repair blends in. For holes and dents, see drywall repair.
Wall cleaners: frequently asked questions
What is the best wall cleaner for painted walls?
Mild soap and warm water, on a soft sponge wrung out well. Paint manufacturers recommend it over stronger products.
How do I clean a flat painted wall without removing the paint?
Dust first, then wipe gently with a well-wrung sponge and mild soapy water, dabbing rather than scrubbing. Test in a hidden spot first.
Can I use a magic eraser on painted walls?
Benjamin Moore advises against abrasive sponges such as magic erasers and scouring pads.
How do I remove scuff marks from walls?
Try a mix of baking soda and water applied gently, then wipe with a damp cloth. Test it first.
How long should I wait to clean new paint?
Benjamin Moore recommends at least 30 days; Sherwin-Williams says at least two weeks before soap and water. Follow your paint's instructions.
Why should I wash walls from the bottom up?
So the cleaning solution does not run down the wall and leave streaks.
Sources
Paint manufacturer guidance, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Sherwin-Williams · How to clean painted walls ↗Flat and matte less durable than satin or semi-gloss; dusting with a vacuum brush or tack cloth; mild soap and warm water; soft cloth or sponge in circles; rinsing; wringing out to avoid too much water; two weeks before washing new paint; baking soda and water for scuffs; hidden-spot test; touch-ups with same colour, sheen and method.
- Benjamin Moore · How to clean and maintain freshly painted walls and cabinets ↗Safety data sheets; dry time vs cure time (about 30 days); wait at least 30 days; soft sponge, mild soap, warm water; no magic erasers, scouring pads, bleach, ammonia or alcohol; bottom to top; gentle touch and dabbing; rinse and blot dry; furniture away for seven to ten days.
- Washington State Department of Health · Dangers of mixing bleach with cleaners ↗Bleach mixed with ammonia produces chloramines; mixed with acids, chlorine gas.
Dark spots that keep coming back?
Read our guide to black mould on walls before you clean or repaint.