How to clean ceilings and walls: A step-by-step guide

Ceilings and walls collect more dirt than most people realize. If you’ve ever wondered why your home feels dusty even though you’ve been consistent with cleaning, grimy walls and ceilings are probably to blame. The good news? Ceiling and wall cleaning is a rewarding job that reduces indoor allergens, helps cut household dustand makes the whole room feel fresher.

Ready to get started? Here’s my step-by-step routine for cleaning ceilings and walls, including some handy tips and other tricks to make the cleaning process easier.

Step 1: Prepare the room.

Move the furniture towards the center of the room to clear the walls. You may want to cover the furniture with sheets to protect it while you work. Take any artwork or photos off the walls and set them aside.

Step 2: Remove the dust.

Turn off ceiling fans and lights first. Open the windows for a good view. Use a long-handled duster or extension pole so you don’t have to climb a ladder. Then, working in slow, overlapping motions, dust the ceiling from one end to the other, go over the ceiling fan blades, and then dust the walls from top to bottom, going around the room.

Step 3: Wash the roof.

Painted, flat ceilings: Combine 1 cup of warm water, a few drops of liquid dish soap, and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Change the nozzle to the jet spray (not the mist setting) and pour a section. Go over the section with a clean, damp mop to remove dirt.

Texture, popcorn ceilings: Connect a clean, dry paint roller to an extension pole. Slowly roll the surface from one end of the room to the other. A nap on the paint roller will remove the dust without removing the texture of the ceiling. Pay particular attention to where the ceiling and walls meet and in the corners, as this is where dust collects.

Step 4: Wash the walls.

To clean painted walls leaving no streaks, wet a soft cloth or sponge with a warm, soapy cleaning solution, wring it out and gently wipe the walls from top to bottom in a circular motion. Rinse with plain water and use a clean towel or microfiber cloth to quickly dry the walls once you’re done.

To clean vinyl wallpaperuse equal parts warm water and white vinegar with a few drops of liquid dish soap. Wring out your sponge or cloth so you don’t saturate the paper. Wipe gently in a circular motion, from top to bottom, then rinse with plain water.

To clean non-washable upholsteryuse a dry cleaning sponge in long, straight strokes. Cut off layers of dirty sponge as you work so you always use a fresh section. Or, take a piece of white bread and wipe the wallpaper from top to bottom – the dough removes the dirt.

Step 5: Treat stubborn stains.

Dust, wash and dry the walls before attempting to remove stains. Many times, what looks like a stubborn stain on your wall will disappear during the cleaning process, especially on semi-gloss paints that are more stain resistant. Here’s help for stains that stick after washing:

• Crayons: Make a paste of baking soda, rub gently in a circular motion, then rinse. Dab with rubbing alcohol if color remains.
• Pencil: Use a clean eraser.
• Ink or marker: Dab (don’t rub) with alcohol on a cotton swab.
• Grease stains or fingerprints: Sprinkle chalk, cornstarch or baby powder on the spot. Let it sit, then wipe down with half vinegar/half water.
• Food or coffee stains: Warm, soapy water on a microfiber cloth usually does the trick. Depending on your paint finish, you can try a Magic Eraser (melamine sponge), but avoid this for gloss or semi-gloss surfaces.
• soot or smoke: Wipe first with a dry cleaning sponge, then wash with soap and water.

Tips for better results

• Use the correct spray bottle setting. Most spray bottles have two settings: mist and stream. When cleaning the roof, use the stream setting as it can spray several feet.
• For stubborn dirt near vents or in corners, use your vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment.
• For vaulted or very high ceilings, head to your hardware store for a general purpose painter’s extension pole. These stretch longer than most household dusters and you’ll always have one on hand for your next paint job.

How often should you clean ceilings and walls?

• Spot clear smudges instantly. This prevents them from turning into stubborn stains.
• Wipe down high-traffic areas near doorknobs and light switches weekly during your regular cleaning so dirt doesn’t build up.
• Dust ceilings and walls monthly to keep the buildup under control. The extension duster makes it easier.
• Hold a paint pen on hand for repairs throughout the year.
• Clean ceilings and walls using the above steps twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall to keep your paint looking its best and your rooms smelling fresh.