If you have flat paint on your walls, keeping them looking great is a challenge. Flat paint doesn’t have the same protective layer as semi-gloss or high-gloss paint, which makes it more difficult to clean. 

Don’t worry. Help is here! 

By the end of the comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to clean walls with flat paint.

Reasons Why You Should Clean Your Walls Regularly

Your walls are an important part of your home, and keeping them clean is essential for both aesthetic and health reasons. 

Here are the top reasons why you should clean your walls regularly:

• Maintaining aesthetics. Regular cleaning helps maintain your walls’ appearance and keep your home looking its best.

• Preventing damage. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt and grime before it can cause damage, helping to prolong the life of your paint job.

• Improving indoor air quality. Cleaning your home often helps get rid of harmful substances and improves the air in your home.

• Preventing health concerns. Not only can dirty walls hold allergens and mold, but they can also hold bacteria and other germs that can make you sick. 

• Prolonging the life of your paint. By keeping your walls clean, you’ll be able to maintain the beauty of your home for years to come.

How to Clean Walls with Flat Paint

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Of course, you have to prepare your weapons for the battle! Complete these cleaning materials:

• A bucket
• A cleaning solution (such as mild soap and water or a mixture of white vinegar and water)
• A soft cloth or sponge
• A ladder (if needed)

You can find everything you need for this project at your local hardware store. Wear your comfortable shoes. Shopping for cleaning supplies can be a hoot!

You can also order them online. What a very convenient way to shop! 

Pro Tip: Use microfiber cloths for cleaning walls with flat paint. They are gentle on the paint and absorb more dirt and grime.

Step 2: Prepare the room

Before you start cleaning, prepare the room. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Remove any furniture or decor from the walls.
2. Cover the floors and switch plates with drop cloths.
3. Open windows to allow for proper ventilation.

This preparation is essential for smoother and more efficient cleaning. You don’t want to have to move furniture or step around drop cloths while cleaning. 

Of course, don’t forget to open the windows. You don’t want to breathe in any cleaning fumes.

Pro Tip: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust or cobwebs from the walls before cleaning.

Step 3: Test your cleaning solution

Not all cleaning solutions are created equal. Some are too harsh, and some are too weak. 

Do a little test to ensure you have the right one for the job. 

And the best part? You get to play scientist for the day! 

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Mix your cleaning solution according to the instructions.
2. Dab a small amount of the solution onto a hidden area of the wall (such as behind a piece of furniture).
3. Wait a few minutes to see if the solution damages the paint.

Testing the cleaning solution will help you avoid damaging the paint on your walls. You must choose a different cleaning solution if the solution hurts the color.

Pro Tip: If you are unsure about using a cleaning solution, consider using a steam cleaner. It’s a chemical-free option that’s gentle on walls and effective in removing dirt and grime.

Step 4: Clean the walls

Cleaning walls can be a bit of a chore, but that’s why we’ll make it fun! Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can get done in that time. 

1. Dip your cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution.
2. Gently clean the walls using circular motions.
3. Pay special attention to any stained or dirty areas.

Use gentle, circular motions when cleaning the walls with flat paint. This will help avoid damaging the paint or leaving streaks.

Take a 5-minute break and repeat. Before you know it, your walls will be sparkling clean!

Pro Tip: To prevent streaks, always start cleaning from the top and work your way down.

Step 5: Rinse and dry the walls

Once you’ve finished cleaning the walls, it’s time to rinse and dry them—and maybe grab a friend and have a water fight while you flush the walls!

Kidding aside, here are the steps to rinsing and drying the walls with flat paint:

1. Rinse the walls with clean water to remove any soap or cleaning solution residue.
2. Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently wipe the walls dry.

Rinsing and drying the walls helps remove any cleaning solution residue and prevent streaks.

Pro Tip: Use a squeegee to remove excess water from the walls before drying them with a cloth or sponge. This will help prevent streaks and water spots.

Making Cleaning a Regular Habit

By making cleaning a regular habit, you’ll be able to maintain the beauty of your walls for years to come. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Set a cleaning schedule. Choose a day each month to clean your walls and stick to them.
2. Get help from friends or family. Cleaning is always more fun with friends! Invite some friends over and make a day of it.
3. Reward yourself. After you’ve cleaned your walls, treat yourself to something special, like a movie night or a delicious meal.