Walls are not something you might consider cleaning very often. However, walls can get pretty dirty over time. While you probably notice dirt and grime around areas like light switches, if you look up, you’ll likely see a nice little collection of cobweb-like strings or a powdery grey “fur” along the walls where they meet the ceiling.

This is caused by dust, which contributes to poor air quality in your home. Walls in areas like the kitchen are vulnerable to grease, while the bathrooms can be mouldy, mildewy, and covered in soap scum. Here, we offer tips on how to clean walls to keep your home spic and span from floor to ceiling.
Use the Right Cleaning Supplies
You want to put together the right cleaning supplies so you’re ready to tackle any surface or type of dirt you encounter. Your cleaning arsenal should include:
- Dish soap
- 2 buckets: One for clean soapy water and the other for rinsing
- Clean, soft cloths
- Vacuum with a dust brush attachment, or a good-quality duster
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
You want to avoid using strong-smelling cleaners on walls because the surface is so large that the smell can be overwhelming. Instead, consider gentle and refreshing cleaners.
Prepare for Drips
Since you’re using water to clean your walls, start by protecting your floors from inevitable drips. Lay towels along the floor to absorb the mess.
How to Clean Wallpaper
Wallpaper is quite trendy right now, but you might be hesitant to clean your wallpaper. Keep in mind that most wallpapers are designed to be wipeable.
Follow these steps to clean wallpapered walls:
- Step 1 – Dust: Dusting ensures you don’t create more of a mess using wet cleaners. Wipe the walls down using either your vacuum brush attachment, a duster, or even a clean, dry rag. Work from top to bottom, and give a final wipe along the baseboards. If you don’t want to get up on a chair, use an extendable duster, or a dry mop or broom.
- Step 2 – Prepare your buckets: Fill one bucket with clean water, and mix a gallon of warm water with dish soap in the other. You only need a few drops; otherwise, the walls will have a soapy, sticky residue.
- Step 3 – Clean the walls: Take a clean cloth, dip it in your soapy water, wring it out well, and then start wiping down the wall. Start in a smaller, less noticeable spot to ensure you aren’t damaging the surface. If it seems okay, continue working in small areas using gentle circular motions from top to bottom. Then, follow up with a damp (never wet) cloth to remove the soapy residue.
- Step 4 – Dry as you go: As you rinse, be sure to use a dry towel to wipe down the walls and absorb all the moisture.
How to Clean Brick
Exposed brick is quite popular in older homes, as well as lofts. However, it can be a hassle to clean. To experience a smoother cleaning process, follow these steps:
- Step 1 – Dust: A vacuum with an attachment works best. The more textured the brick, the more difficult it will be to dust. Once you are finished dusting, it should be enough to clean the brick. If not, move on to step two.
- Step 2: Use your warm bucket of soapy water with a bristled brush. Scrub the dirty areas and pat them dry with a clean towel.
How to Clean Painted Walls
Painted walls are the easiest to clean, as you are less likely to encounter issues with texture or worry about causing damage. We recommend following these steps:
- Step 1 – Dust: Dust the walls from top to bottom.
- Step 2 – Look for dirt: Check your walls for any signs of fingerprints, greasy dirt, or scuff marks. Use your bucket of soapy water to remove the dirt.
- Step 3 – Rinse: Rinse with your clean water, and then dry with a clean towel.
- Step 4 – Gently scrub: If you encounter dirt that won’t come off easily, add a sprinkle of baking soda to your damp cloth and gently rub away the dirt. Rinse and dry the wall.
- Step 5: If all else fails, you might need to use a cleaning product to remove the stains. An all-purpose cleaner is the best solution for that.
How to Clean Tile Walls
There are a few ways to tackle tile walls. We always recommend using gentler approaches first before resorting to strong, harsh chemicals and scrubbers. See below:
- Step 1 – Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar. Vinegar works well as long as your tiles are not travertine or stone. Spritz the walls and let the vinegar sit for a few minutes. Wipe down the wall. If you have stubborn grout stains, use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove the dirt. Then, rinse.
- Step 2 – Dish liquid: For soap scum and stains, you’ll need more cleaning power. Fill your sprayer with a 2:1 mix of white vinegar and warm water, and a teaspoon of vegetable-based dishwashing soap.
Spritz the walls and leave them for fifteen minutes. Use a sponge to remove the dirt, and then rinse. A squeegee works well to leave behind a nice, clean surface. - Step 3 – Baking soda: If there is still a mess left behind, it’s time to add baking soda. Create a paste with some warm water and apply it to the grout. Then, spritz with your vinegar/water mixture. It will start to foam, and once it stops, use your toothbrush to scrub away the dirt. Rinse and finish with your squeegee for the most effective dry.
- Step 4 – Bleach or cleaners: If you still have a mess, it’s time to try a tile-safe heavier cleaning product, like bleach or bathroom cleaners. You’ll need to wear gloves and keep the windows open, or turn on the fan. If you plan on using bleach, we recommend opting for powdered bleach to create a paste with water. You can then apply it with a toothbrush, let it work away at the dirt for about fifteen minutes, and then remove it with a wet sponge and clean water.
If you find the chore of keeping your home clean to be too much, then Maid4Condo’s expert cleaning services in Toronto are ready to help. For more information, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.
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