Household

How to Clean Walls

A clean walls makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

What You'll Need

  • Soap-Man Vibes Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Two buckets
  • Soft sponge or cloth
  • Magic eraser
  • Microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Dust first

    Wipe walls top to bottom with a dry microfiber cloth or duster to remove cobwebs and dust. This prevents mud streaks when you add water.

  2. 2

    Prepare cleaning solution

    Fill one bucket with warm water and Vibes Multi-Surface Cleaner. Fill the second bucket with clean rinse water.

  3. 3

    Wash from bottom up

    Working in sections from bottom to top (this prevents dirty drip streaks), wipe with the soapy solution using a soft sponge.

  4. 4

    Rinse and dry

    Wipe each section with the clean rinse water, then dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

Pro Tips

  • TIPWork bottom to top -- if dirty water drips down a clean section below, it wipes off easily. Drips on a dirty wall create visible streaks.
  • TIPMagic erasers remove scuff marks, crayon, and pencil from painted walls without damaging most paint finishes.
  • TIPTest any cleaner in a hidden area first, especially on flat or matte paint finishes which are more delicate than satin or semi-gloss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XScrubbing flat or matte paint aggressively, which leaves shiny burnish marks that are visible from every angle.
  • XUsing abrasive cleaners on painted walls, which removes paint and creates noticeable dull spots.
  • XWashing walls top to bottom, which sends dirty water streaming down onto clean sections below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dust quarterly. Spot clean marks as they appear. Full wash annually, or more often in kitchens and high-traffic hallways.