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How to clean walls 

Three stuffed toys are placed on a carpeted floor next to a white wall with a power outlet nearby

Overview

Whether it’s everyday smudges or stubborn stains, there’s a cleaning solution for every type of mark. With the right approach, you can restore your walls to their former glory and keep your home looking fresh.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Identify common stains

    Different types of stains require different approaches. Some common types of stains you might encounter include fingerprints around light switches and door frames, pencil marks, and general dirt that builds up over time.

    A hand with painted nails points to red crayon marks drawn on a white wall.
  2. 2

    Dust your walls

    Before you start any cleaning, it’s essential to dust the walls. Use a dry microfibre cloth or a duster to gently remove dust. Skipping this step may result in dust mixing with your cleaning solution, leading to streaks or smudges.

    A Bunnings Team Member is using a microfiber cloth to do wall dusting under a shelf of stuffed toys
  3. 3

    Clean general dirt and grime

    For general dirt and grime, dishwashing soap is a simple and effective solution. Mix a small amount of dishwashing soap with warm water in your bucket then dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring out the excess liquid. Gently scrub the wall in circular motions, starting at the top and working your way down to avoid drip marks.

    A Bunnings Team Member is using a microfiber cloth to clean dirt and grime from the walls
  4. 4

    Tackle tougher grime with sugar soap

    If your walls have heavier grime or stubborn stains, sugar soap is a great option. Sugar soap wipes are a good option for small areas or use the concentrate for larger sections. Apply the sugar soap solution to the wall using a sponge. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down the grime. Rinse the wall with clean water and dry it off with a towel.

    Tip: For stubborn areas, use more pressure when scrubbing with the sugar soap solution.
    A person is cleaning a stain off a white wall with a sugar soap wipe while their other hand rests on a carpeted floor.
  5. 5

    Use a magic eraser for stubborn marks

    When faced with more stubborn stains like crayon, pencil marks, or scuffs, a magic eraser can be very effective, however always test on a small, inconspicuous area first, as it can sometimes dull the paint. Wet the magic eraser and squeeze out the excess water. Gently rub the stained area until the mark disappears. After the stain is removed, use a clean cloth or the yellow side of the eraser to wipe away any residue.

    A person in a red T shirt is removing pencil marks on a white wall using a magic erase
  6. 6

    Consider repainting if needed

    If stains persist or your walls still look worn, repainting might be the best option. Make sure the walls are thoroughly cleaned before applying new paint for the best results. Select a paint that suits the room’s requirements—such as mould-resistant paint for bathrooms or washable paint for high-traffic areas.
    A person in a red T shirt is kneeling on a carpet and pointing at a Dulux Wash & Wear paint bucket
  7. 7

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.