How to Clean and Maintain Painted Walls

Before you start cleaning your painted walls, it’s important to understand your paint finish, as this affects how resilient the surface is and which cleaning methods are best. 

- Flat and matte finishes are smooth and non-reflective. They hide imperfections well but are less durable and can absorb dirt and stains. Cleaning requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the paint.

- Eggshell finishes are more washable while still offering a soft look, making them great for living rooms or bedrooms.

- Satin finishes are durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and children’s rooms.

- Semi-gloss finishes stand up well to moisture and frequent cleaning, making them great for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim.

- Gloss and high-gloss finishes are highly durable and the easiest to wipe down, excellent for doors, trim, and cabinets.

How to Clean Each Paint Finish Type

- For flat and matte, use a soft, dry cloth or microfiber duster for regular cleaning. For stains, lightly dab with a damp sponge and mild soap. Avoid vigorous scrubbing to prevent removing paint.

- For eggshell, dust regularly and clean with a soft cloth or sponge using mild dish soap and water. Blot gently rather than rubbing.

- For satin, use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water, rinsing frequently. Stubborn spots can be scrubbed lightly.

- For semi-gloss, wipe with a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent. This finish tolerates more moisture and gentle scrubbing.

- For gloss and high-gloss, use a soft cloth or microfiber with warm water and mild soap. Scrubbing is generally safe, but avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch the shiny surface.

Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure your cleaning method won’t damage the paint, and work from top to bottom to prevent streaking.

How to Prevent Stains and Scratches on Different Paint Finishes

- For flat and matte, avoid touching the walls with dirty or greasy hands. Place furniture bumpers or chair rails to prevent marks, and just regularly to prevent buildup.

- For eggshell, wipe up spills or splashes immediately with a soft cloth, and use washable wall treatments or protective coatings in areas prone to stains.

- For satin, perform routine cleaning and consider using washable wall protectors in hallways or children’s rooms.

- For semi-gloss, clean spills promptly and use door stoppers or corner guards where furniture might rub.

- For gloss or high-gloss, avoid prolonged contact with oils, markers, or harsh chemicals. Wipe splashes and fingerprints quickly to maintain shine.

Consider adding protective finishes like a clear polyurethane or washable paint for extra stain resistance, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, or kids’ spaces.

The Impact of Color on Cleaning and Maintenance

Light-colored walls show dirt, fingerprints, and scuffs more easily, so they may need more frequent dusting and spot cleaning.

Dark-colored walls tend to hide dust and minor stains better, but they can show water spots, streaks, or soap residue more prominently after cleaning. What’s more, dark paints may fade or streak if scrubbed too aggressively.

If you know you want a lighter or darker paint color but aren’t sure which to choose, follow the easy steps below. 

1. Explore the Possibilities

Start by going here and browsing our curated collections of paint colors from leading brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. Choose a stack of favorites, finish your order, and we’ll deliver large-format peel-and-stick samples overnight.

2. Peel and Stick

Every one of your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint, so you’ll be able to really see how each shade will look in your space. Make sure to test one sample on an inconspicuous spot first and then feel free to apply them all.

3. Choose With Confidence

Take your time to note how each color behaves in various conditions. Turn the lights on and off. Draw and then open curtains. Wait for sunrise, midday, and sunset. Get a second and even a third opinion. If after all this, you haven’t found the perfect color for you, just repeat these three steps until you do.