How to Clean Interior Walls Before Painting

Cleaning the interior walls of a home prior to painting will help the paint stick, remove debris, and remove offensive odors. Paint requires good adhesion to surfaces, which can be compromised if the surface is dirty, oily, or unstable. Cleaning the walls before painting them is the professional way, so today we discuss the best method(s) the pros use.

Soap and Water

The safest method for cleaning walls is to just wash them with soap and water. This method works best on paints with more gloss, like semi-gloss and high gloss. These paint sheens reflect more light and are much less likely to absorb moisture than other flatter sheens, like eggshell or satin. Regardless of the sheen, the pros usually give the walls a quick sanding to knock off any debris and remove the dust with a damp sponge soaked in soapy water. This not only removes the sanding dust, but collects and dissolves oils that may prevent the paint from sticking.

Wall Cleaning Agents

Wall cleaning agents are chemically designed to break down oils and grease without leaving a residue. Using soaps and detergents to clean walls often results in a great looking job, but some cleaners can leave residue on the surface. Special wall cleaning agents are designed to evaporate quickly and leave no residue that could impede the paint from sticking. In most cases, special cleaning agents are used when the surface is very dirty and/or cannot be removed by soap and water alone.

Test First and Use Circular Motions

Professionals won’t risk damaging a wall by using the wrong cleaning method. In most situations, a pro painter will start with just a damp cloth and no detergents. Using a circular motion (think “wax on, wax off”) the pros will use elbow grease and a damp sponge to remove as much as possible. Most will also start the process in an inconspicuous location to prevent any accidental staining.

Use the Right Tools

Cleaning interior walls for painting will be easier if you have the appropriate tools for the job. Several manufacturers produce wall cleaning pads and sponges designed to clean walls without needing a ladder. The cleaning pads on these tools are often up to 18” wide to make the cleaning process much faster. Most will also include a telescoping handle for high or hard to reach areas.

Unorthodox Cleaning Tips

Professional painters tend to have little tricks they use to make tackling small issues easier. For example, some pros keep baking soda handy to use as an abrasive for removing tough debris or stains. This can include the tiny fibers in the paint left behind by paint rollers, paint bristles, insects, and any other foreign material stuck to the paint.

Hydrogen peroxide is great for removing wine stains, oil spills, and disinfecting without adding any harsh chemicals. Some ingenious professionals even employ household items like a clothes iron. In situations where chewing gum or adhesive just won’t turn loose, these pros place a paper towel over the debris and press a warm iron to it. Usually, this will soften or melt the debris, allowing it to be scraped away.