Walls with flat paint can be challenging to clean because the paint finish is easily damaged. Here's how to do it the right way.
Time Varies
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$0 - $20
Introduction
Cleaning grimy floors and table surfaces is a no-brainer — but don't forget, walls get dirty too! Dust, scuff marks in high-traffic areas, and grease splatters in the kitchen are just a few of the issues lurking on walls. The paint finish will determine how easy or difficult cleaning your walls will be, and flat paint is by far the trickiest.
We spoke to cleaning experts Lori Williamson and Heather Brewster to get their advice on how to clean walls with flat paint without damaging the finish. Believe it or not, cleaning flat paint walls the wrong way can actually make them look worse.
What Is Flat Paint?
When you choose a paint color, you also must select a sheen. Paint sheen ranges from low-shine, like flat, matte and eggshell, to high-shine, like semi-gloss and high gloss. Flat paint has a dull finish that does not reflect light at all, resulting in no sheen. The lack of sheen means that flat paint is great for hiding imperfections and creating a flawless surface. It's most commonly used on ceilings and low-traffic areas.
Why is flat paint hard to clean?
Unlike satin or semi-gloss paint, flat paint does not easily wipe clean. The no-sheen finish is more susceptible to marks and does not stand up well to scrubbing. "Flat paint has a matte finish. As a result, it's often easier to see dirt and stains," says Williamson, "Typically, when cleaning walls, we might choose to scrub with a sponge and all-purpose cleaner, however with flat paint, that can cause the paint to rub off and damage the wall."
Cleaning your flat paint walls is not impossible though, the key to is to be gentle. Check out the step-by-step process ahead.
Tools Required
- Bucket
- Extendable mop (optional)
- Microfiber cloths
- Vacuum with brush attachment (optional)
Materials Required
- Dish soap
- Warm water
Project step-by-step (4)
Step 1
Remove dust
The first step in cleaning walls with flat paint is to remove any dust. Vacuum the wall with the brush attachment or simply wipe down the entire wall with a dry microfiber cloth. “Disposable microfiber dusters or washable microfiber dusters are my go-to for dusting walls,” says Brewster. “They trap dirt instead of pushing it around and remove it easily from surfaces as it attaches to the duster fibers.”
To reach the top of the walls, you’ll have to bring out the ladder or attach a microfiber cloth to the end of an extendable mop.
Step 2
Make a gentle cleaning solution
After you’ve dusted the walls, it’s time to wash off any smudges, stains, or scuffs. Both Brewster and Williamson recommend a gentle solution of warm water and dish soap. “I love Dawn because it powers through grease well,” says Brewster — making it effective against oily fingerprints and kitchen splatters. Avoid harsh cleaners, which can strip the paint finish. Fill a small or medium bucket with warm water and mix in about a teaspoon of dish soap.
Step 3
Gently wipe walls
Dip a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution, then wring out most of the water. Wipe down the wall in gentle circular motions. “Wash your wall lightly in sections and then go back with a clean rag and plain warm water to remove any soapy residue. Avoid scrubbing too harshly,” says Brewster.
If you want to be extra cautious, do a test patch before you begin cleaning. “Test out your mixture and technique in an inconspicuous area first, to make sure it doesn’t damage the finish,” Williamson says.
Step 4
FAQ
How long does it take flat paint to dry?
It only takes flat paint about an hour to dry. But if you’ve recently painted your walls with flat paint, wait at least two weeks for it to fully cure before dusting or cleaning the walls.
How do you know when it’s time to re-paint your walls?
“Over time, cleaning will eventually wear the top layers of paint down, especially if it has been many years since it was painted,” says Brewster. “If you start to see paint transfer from your wall to your cleaning rag, you could be scrubbing too harshly, but often that means it’s best to re-paint.”
About the Experts
- Heather Brewster (@within.these.four.walls) is a cleaning and decluttering expert. She uses her social media influence to help others simplify their homes, make cleaning fun, and streamline home organization. She is the author of Clear the Clutter, an eBook full of decluttering tools and actionable steps.
- Lori Williamson is renowned for her innovative cleaning techniques and laundry expertise. Her @NowItsClean TikTok and Instagram accounts motivate over 2.3 million community members with home, cleaning, and lifestyle content. Lori is the home and cleaning expert on CTV’s lifestyle show, The Good Stuff with Mary Berg.
Sources
- Benjamin Moore, How to Choose a Paint Finish
