How to clean walls without removing the paint

Even the most beautifully decorated home can’t escape the inevitable: painted walls get dirty. Whether it’s muddy fingerprints, cooking splashes, or general dust build-up, walls in every room will eventually need a refresh.

The good news? You don’t need to repaint. Zhoosh paints are scrubbable, durable and easy to clean, so your painted surfaces can look as good as new with just a little care.

Here’s our expert guide on how to clean painted walls without removing the paint — including the tools to use, techniques to follow, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why do walls get dirty?

Walls are exposed to daily wear and tear in ways we often don’t notice:

Hallways and stairs: high-traffic zones often end up with handprints, scuff marks from bags, or muddy corners.

Kitchens: painted walls and cupboards can collect grease, cooking splashes, or smoke stains.

Bathrooms: steam and humidity contribute to dirt and sometimes even mildew.

Living rooms and bedrooms: less obvious, but dust, furniture contact, and small accidents can leave marks over time.

No matter the room, cleaning painted walls the right way will help maintain your décor and extend the life of your paint.

How to clean walls without removing paint: step-by-step

Whether you're tackling a fresh fingerprint or a year’s worth of build-up, follow these steps to clean your walls safely and effectively.

1. Choose the right tools

Microfibre cloth or soft sponge
Avoid using coarse-textured sponges or scrubbing brushes. Even if your paint is durable, rough materials may still scratch or dull the finish.
Bucket of warm water
Mild detergent or washing-up liquid
Optional: fabric conditioner, vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment

2. Dust the wall first

Before applying any moisture, remove loose dirt and dust.

Use a dry microfibre cloth, feather duster, or the brush attachment on your vacuum to gently sweep away dust, cobwebs, or fluff.

This step is essential to avoid smearing dirt into the wall when it gets wet.

3. Dampen the cloth (but don’t soak it)

Use warm water with a small amount of mild detergent — like washing-up liquid or a gentle multi-surface cleaner.
Lightly dampen the cloth or sponge.
Wring it out well. A soaking-wet sponge can damage the paint or cause streaks.

4. Clean using circular motions

Wipe the marks or dirt gently in small, circular motions. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down to avoid drips.

Don’t scrub hard – with Zhoosh’s scrubbable paint finish, you shouldn’t need to.

If you're tackling grease (such as in the kitchen), you may need to repeat this process twice.

5. Add fabric conditioner (bonus tip!)

Here’s a Zhoosh insider secret: add a small cap of fabric conditioner to your water.

It helps remove odours, adds a mild shine, and leaves the room smelling fresh.

Win-win!

6. Let it dry

Open windows or allow airflow in the room so the wall can dry naturally. Avoid touching or rubbing the area while it’s drying to prevent streaks or lifting the paint.

FAQs: Cleaning painted walls

How do you clean walls without removing paint?

Use a soft cloth or microfibre sponge, warm water, and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid soaking the wall or scrubbing too hard. Always dust first and allow it to dry fully.

What’s the best way to wash walls with washable paint?

If you've used a scrubbable, washable paint like Zhoosh, all you need is a soft cloth, warm soapy water, and gentle cleaning motions. No need for strong chemicals or abrasive tools.

Can I clean painted walls with vinegar or bleach?

Avoid bleach — it may discolour or damage your paint. Vinegar can work on light stains but always test on a small patch first. Stick to mild dish soap for everyday cleaning.

The final word: clean walls, long-lasting paint

With Zhoosh Paints, you don’t have to worry about dirty walls ruining your décor. Our durable, scrubbable paint formula is made for real homes, real messes and real life.

So next time the walls start looking tired, don’t reach for a paintbrush – reach for a cloth.

Clean, refresh, and enjoy your space again.