How to Clean Walls with Flat Paint

Flat paint is a paint finish with a matte appearance and does not reflect light. It often hides imperfections on walls and ceilings or creates an elegant room atmosphere. However, flat paint can also be more challenging to clean than other paint finishes, as it can show scuffs, smudges, and stains more easily. That is why you must know how to clean walls with flat paint.

Also Read: Painting Walls and Trim the Same Color – Benefits & Painting Tips

Table of Contents

Find Out if You Have Flat Paint Wall

Before cleaning your walls, ensure they have a flat paint finish. To do this, look at the wall from different angles and see if it reflects any light. You have flat paint if the wall looks dull and does not reflect any light, even from an angle.

If the wall has some shine or gloss, you have a different paint finish, such as eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss.

How Often to Clean Flat Painted Walls?

Flat-painted walls should be dusted and cobwebbed monthly if you have pets or allergies. It will help prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the surface, making the wall look dingy.

You can use a vacuum cleaner, a microfiber cloth, or a feather duster to wipe away the dust gently.

Smudges and dirt around doorknobs, light switches, and furniture should be cleaned immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove them without damaging the paint. It would help to clean flat-painted walls once or twice a year with a mild cleaning solution.

You must keep in mind how to clean walls with flat paint.

Are There Any Benefits To Flat Paint?

Flat paint has some advantages over other types of paint finishes. For one thing, it is usually cheaper and easier to apply than glossier paints. It also better hides flaws and imperfections on walls and ceilings than other paints.

Flat paint does not reflect light or draw attention. It can also create a warm ambience, absorbing light and making the space feel more intimate.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

To clean flat-painted walls, either your house, office or mobile home, you will need some basic cleaning supplies that are gentle and safe for the paint.

A sponge or cloth
White vinegar
An eraser sponge
A foam cleanser
Detergent
Touch-up paint and a small paintbrush
Plastic tarps
Painter’s tape

Also Read: Top 10 Masking Tape Wall Paint Design Ideas With Tape

How to Clean Flat Paint Walls?

Follow these steps to clean flat-painted walls without damaging them:

Cover the floor with plastic tarps to protect it from drips and spills.
Cut off the power supply to the room and cover electrical outlets with painter’s tape for safety.
Rub the stained wall with a clean, damp sponge or cloth. Sometimes, water is a viable option to remove stains, primarily if you act promptly.
If plain water does not work, add vinegar, a natural cleaner, to your damp sponge. It can help dissolve dirt and grease without harming the paint.
If vinegar does not remove the stain entirely, use an eraser sponge for problematic spots. An eraser sponge is a particular type of sponge that can erase marks and stains from flat-painted walls without scratching them.
For incredibly stubborn stains, apply a gentle store-bought foam cleanser. A foam cleanser can help lift dirt and grime from flat-painted walls without leaving any residue.
The last cleaning technique you should try is applying diluted detergent. Mix one tablespoon of detergent in a spray bottle with one gallon of water. Dip your rag into the solution, spread it on the wall, and gently scrub the stain.
Rinse the wall with a clean, damp cloth or sponge to remove any soap or cleaner residue. Ensure to wring out the material or sponge well to avoid dripping water on the wall.
Dry the wall with a soft, dry, or microfiber cloth. Use gentle, circular motions, and never apply too much pressure or rubbing too hard.
You may need to touch the spot with matching paint if the stain is still visible. Use a small paintbrush and apply a thin coat of paint over the colour. Let it dry first before applying another coat if needed.

What Are The Negatives?

Flat paint also has some disadvantages compared to other types of paint finishes. It is more prone to showing dirt, stains, and scuffs than glossier paints. It also does not hold up to moisture, so it is seldom used in kitchens and bathrooms.

Excessive scrubbing or harsh chemicals can also damage flat paint, making the finish look patchy or uneven. It may also fade faster than other paints due to exposure to sunlight.

What Is the Difference Between Matte and Flat Paint?

Matte and flat paint are often used interchangeably, but they are different.

Matte paint is a type of flat paint with a slightly higher gloss level than flat paint, usually around 5% to 10%. It means matte paint reflects some light and has a smoother appearance than flat paint.

Matte paint is also more durable and easier to clean than flat paint, as it can withstand some scrubbing and moisture. However, matte paint still hides imperfections well and creates a cosy atmosphere in a room.

Tips to Keep Your Flat Painted Walls Clean and Longer

To prevent your flat-painted walls from getting dirty or stained too quickly, you can follow some simple tips:

Dust and cobweb your walls regularly to prevent dust buildup.
Clean smudges and dirt around doorknobs, light switches, and furniture as soon as you see them.
Avoid touching the walls with dirty or oily hands or feet.
Keep pets and kids away from the walls or supervise them when they are near them.
Use coasters, placemats, or tablecloths to protect the walls from spills and stains when eating or drinking near them.
Avoid hanging pictures or posters with tape or sticky tack on flat-painted walls, as they can leave marks or peel off the paint when removed.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean walls with flat paint is vital. Flat paint is a paint finish with a matte appearance and does not reflect light. It is often used to hide imperfections on walls and ceilings or to create a cosy and elegant atmosphere in a room.

However, flat paint can also be more challenging to clean than other paint finishes, as it can show scuffs, smudges, and stains more easily. It can also be damaged by excessive scrubbing or harsh chemicals.

You must use gentle and safe cleaning products and methods to clean flat-painted walls without ruining the finish or the colour.

To keep your flat painted walls clean longer, you should dust and cobweb them regularly, clean smudges and dirt as soon as possible, and avoid touching the walls with dirty hands or feet.