Flat paint has a smooth, matte finish and works well on interior walls, giving your space a soft, sophisticated look. Unlike glossy paints, flat finishes absorb light and lessen reflections, making them perfect for big rooms or spaces requiring a calm and comfortable look. But cleaning walls with flat paint is tricky because it is porous and soaks paint. Flat paint is more prone to stains, smudges , and marks than glossier finishes, and the cleaning is a bit more delicate.
That is why at My Wall Works, we focus on keeping beautiful walls while ensuring that paint finishes stay intact! This guide explains how professionals clean walls with flat paint without leaving behind an ugly shine.
Why Flat Paint Is More Difficult to Clean
If you have decided to get your wants painted with flat paint then you must have an understanding of flat paint. Before we get to the cleaning process, it’s helpful to know what makes flat paint so unique:
Absorptive
Compared to glossy paints, flat paint is more absorbent and tends to trap dirt, dust, and stains, leading to discoloration. When you clean it, too much moisture or harsh chemicals can impact the paint colors and textures.
No sheen
Accumulated dust, grime, and fingerprints on flat paint have no sheen, so they don’t have a protective layer to make cleaning easier. On the other hand, Glossy Finishes have sleek surfaces that resist dirt, making them very easy to clean.
Easier to Damage
If you use the wrong methods or products to clean flat paint, it is more likely to streak, fade, or get scuffed. That is why you need to be extra careful when washing these walls.
Now that you know why flat paint can be tricky to clean, let’s move on to the proper methods.
Gather the Right Supplies
Before starting the process, you must have to gather all the essential supplies that you are going to need while cleaning walls with flat paint, such as:
- Gentle Soap: A mild dish soap/highball soap (not a harsh detergent) does well on most flat-painted walls.
- Clean Water: Never use dirty water; always use clean, lukewarm water for cleaning.
- Microfiber Cloths or Sponges: These are best for flat paint; they neither scratch nor ruin the surface.
- Bucket: For mixing soap and water.
- Baking soda (optional and may be used only for tough stains): Baking soda will act as a non-abrasive cleaning agent for tough stains.
- Magic eraser (optional): While a magic eraser can remove stubborn marks, I recommend only doing so if necessary, as it can strip paint if overused.
- Ladder (if necessary): When cleaning tall walls, you’ll want a sturdy ladder to access those areas safely.
Test a Small Area First
As always, start by testing the cleaning method on a small, hidden wall section before focusing on the entire wall. This will ensure your preferred cleaning solution doesn’t damage the paintwork or leave those pesky streaks behind.
Pick a spot that isn’t immediately visible, like behind furniture or near a corner. Apply a small amount of your cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and rub the wall softly. If you see color fading or peeling, you must change your technique.
Dust the Walls
The first step in cleaning your walls is removing dust and cobwebs. This is an important step, as dust particles can cause abrasions when you scrub the wall. Gently wipe the surface with:
- Soft microfiber cloth
- A duster
- A vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dust
Don’t forget to dust the corners and edges, too. Use a dry cloth first to prevent dirt from getting deeper into the paint for walls with heavy dust buildup.
Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Next, prepare a mild cleaning solution. A simple mixture of water and mild dish soap is all you need for most flat-painted walls. Grab a bucket and fill it with lukewarm water. In the bucket with luke warm water add a few drops of dish soap. Mix the two to form a soapy solution. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda into the solution for extra scrubbing power for particularly stubborn gunk.
Do not use abrasive chemicals or ammonia-based cleaners that could strip the paint and leave permanent damage.
Start Cleaning From The Top
If you’re cleaning walls with flat paint, starting at the top and working your way down are always best. This prevents dirty water from dripping onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
Soak your microfiber cloth or sponge in soapy water, then wring out any remaining liquid. You want the fabric moist but not dripping wet. Use a circular motion to wipe the wall gently, section by section.
You may have to use more pressure for grubbier places, like around light switches or door frames. Make sure to rub delicately to avoid scratching the paint.
Tackle Stubborn Stains
Most marks and stains will respond to a mild soap solution, but some stains, like grease or ink, require a more targeted approach. Here are some strategies for dealing with stubborn stains:
Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge or cloth if your walls have tough stains. With the help of clothes, gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. Be sure not to scrub too hard, as baking soda can work as a mild abrasive.
Magic Eraser
A magic eraser can help remove scuff marks, fingerprints, and other tough stains. But it’s vital to use it sparingly so you don’t take off too much paint. Try to test it in a small spot first to ensure it won’t damage the surface.
Vinegar solution
Combine equal portions of water and white vinegar to break down grease or sticky residues. Apply the solution to the stain, allow it to set for a few minutes, and then wipe it off gently.
Rinse And Dry
Removing any soap residue that could linger after you’ve wiped down the walls is essential. Fill a bucket with clean water, dip a clean microfiber cloth, and gently wipe down the wall, starting from the top again. This will ensure that no soap residue is left behind that could attract more dirt.
Please rinse it and use a dry microfiber cloth to pat the wall dry. Dry the surface thoroughly to prevent any watermarks.
Prevent Future Damage
Cleaning is one thing, but as they say, prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips to help reduce your cleaning frequency:
Use washable wall paint
Consider a washable, flat paint option if renovating or repainting. Certain flat paints are formulated to be more durable and, therefore, easier to wipe down.
Weatherproof Your Walls
Moisture buildup, particularly in the bathroom and inside the kitchen can lead to color peeling off. Lemon water helps remove mildew and stains caused by excess moisture from your walls.
Protect Mediators
If you believe that you may have much more traffic in some places or get those places dirty, such as near window frames, place furniture , and rugs to protect your walls.
Conclusion
Cleaning walls with flat paint is not impossible. With the correct cleaning products and techniques, you can prevent the appearance of your flat-painted walls from declining and help them remain new and pretty. Always test your cleaning solutions on small areas first, steer clear of harsh chemicals, and work from scratch to prevent any streaks or drips.
My Wall Works is dedicated to keeping the beauty of your home and the life of your paint. Whether cleaning your walls or contemplating a new paint job, the expert advice and products here can help you get the best results.
Happy cleaning!
