In many homes—especially new construction ones—the walls in bedrooms and living areas are painted with flat or matte latex paint. A flat paint finish is used because it rolls or sprays on easily and helps mask surface imperfections as it does not reflect light.

Unfortunately, flat paint is much quicker to show scuffs, smudges, and fingerprints than other types of paint finishes, and it can still accumulate dust and smoke stains over time.

Walls with flat paint are also harder to clean—flat paint does not hold up well to moisture, and excessive scrubbing and harsh chemicals can leave the paint looking discolored and uneven. But with just a few basic products and tools, you can clean your flat-painted walls the right way.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Step stool or ladder
• Buckets
• Sponge
• Microfiber cloths
• Vacuum or duster
• Spray bottle
• Small paintbrush
• Plastic tarps

Materials

• Dishwashing liquid
• Distilled white vinegar
• Warm water
• Melamine eraser
• Baking soda
• Matching touch-up paint
• Painter’s tape

Instructions

How to Clean Flat Paint Walls

1. Remove Wall Art and Move FurnitureTo make cleaning easier and more effective, remove all the items hanging on the walls and move furniture away from the walls so that you have room to move a step stool around freely.Additionally, place a plastic tarp over the floors to protect them from moisture and dust as you clean.WARNINGDon’t forget to protect electrical outlets by either covering them with painter’s tape or cutting off the power to the room you are cleaning.
   
2. Get Rid of DustSometimes just getting rid of the dust can make a huge difference to the look of flat paint. Starting at the top of the wall, use a vacuum with an upholstery brush or a microfiber disposable duster to remove dust and cobwebs.Work slowly down the wall in small sections. If you are using a disposable duster, switch to a clean duster as soon as the old one becomes heavily soiled. Always use a sturdy step stool or ladder when reaching high spots.
3. Begin With WaterNext, fill a bucket with warm water. Dip in a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and wring away excess moisture.Working in small sections, work your way around the room from the top to bottom. If there are still stains, move on to progressively stronger cleaning methods.
   
4. Create Cleaning SolutionGrab two buckets. In one bucket, add a teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one-half cup distilled white vinegar per quart of warm water. Fill a second bucket with clean water.
5. Wipe Down the WallsDip a sponge or microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution and squeeze away extra liquid. Start at the top of the wall and move down the wall, working in small sections.Rinse out the sponge frequently and pay particular attention to more heavily soiled areas.Then use a second sponge or cloth dipped in clean water to rinse away any soapy residue as you move down the wall.TipWhen cleaning, always begin at the top of the wall and work your way down. This will help you catch drips and eliminate the need to re-clean areas.
   
6. Tackle Problem AreasIf scuffs and smudges do not come off easily, dip a damp sponge into some baking soda and lightly scrub the area. The gentle abrasive action of the baking soda may remove the problem.As a last resort, gently rub a melamine sponge with water onto the stained area. Check the sponge and the wall frequently, as the paint color can be transferred to the sponge. Scrubbing too hard can leave a shiny spot on the wall or remove the paint entirely.
7. Touch Up with Paint to Cover StainsIn some instances, it may be easier to cover scuff marks and stains with fresh paint than to clean them away.If cleaning has left shiny spots or removed paint, use some leftover paint to touch up the walls. Try to feather the edges so that the new paint blends with the older flat paint.Crayon marks and oily splatters are almost impossible to remove from flat paint. Clean them away as best you can, and then repaint the area.

How Often To Clean Flat Painted Walls

As part of your regularly scheduled chores, flat-painted walls should be dusted and cobwebs removed at least monthly—twice monthly is even better.

Smudges and dirt around doorknobs and light switches should be cleaned away as soon as possible. Since flat paint does not hold up well to deep cleaning with wet solutions, it should be done only once or twice per year and before repainting the room.

How to Remove Crayon From a Wall Without Damaging the Paint

Tips to Keep Your Flat Painted Walls Clean Longer

• Keep hands and fingers off the walls, as those are the biggest culprits for marks and stains.
• Have a cleaning eraser or a damp rag and cleaning solution on hand to wipe any scuffs or markings you see as soon as possible.
• Teach kids not to use walls for drawing their art.