How to Clean Eggshell Paint Walls in 5 Easy Steps

The lustrous sheen of eggshell paint makes your walls a beautiful backdrop to showcase your most precious wall decor and artwork—from the living room to the mudroom. But you may wonder if you can clean your toddler’s grimy fingerprints (or your own) off the walls without removing or dulling the paint. The good news: with the right tools, cleaning mixture, and a little TLC, we’ll show you how to clean eggshell paint walls like a pro.

Hiring a professional to clean your walls and ceilings costs anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the height, length, and the number of walls in your home.

Difficulty: 2/5

Time: 8 hours

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

There’s no reason to take a trip to the hardware store. You likely have all the supplies you need in your kitchen or garage.

• Two buckets

• Gloves

• Warm water

• Dish soap

• Baking soda

• A vacuum cleaner with a dust brush attachment or mop and rags

• Clean, dry, and soft cloths

• Clean, non-abrasive sponges

• Towels or drop cloth

• Foam brush

• Ladder for high ceilings

1. Prep the Area

The first thing you need to do when cleaning eggshell paint walls is to remove artwork and decor from the wall—as well as any furniture leaning against the walls, so you have plenty of room to work. Place towels or a drop cloth on the floor to catch any drips to protect your floors.

2. Dust the Walls

The second step is to remove any loose dirt, dust, or cobwebs off the wall. You may need a ladder if you have high ceilings. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a mop with a clean cloth will do the job nicely. 

If you opt for the mop, fasten the cloth around the mop head snuggly with a rubber band or string to keep it secure while you work. Remember to dust the trim and the baseboards.

3. Wash Your Walls

Gather your two buckets. Squirt a little dish soap in one bucket and fill it with a gallon of warm water. Fill the second bucket with warm water (no soap) for rinsing. Dip your non-abrasive sponge into the bucket with dish soap and wring it out well, so your sponge remains slightly damp. 

Work from the top of the wall down in small sections, cleaning in a circular motion. Rub gently. Be careful not to scrub the wall too hard; it can lift the paint. 

After cleaning each section, rinse and wipe the area with a damp sponge from your second bucket. Be sure to empty and refill the water when it gets soapy.

4. Remove Surface Stains

The best stain remover is already in your kitchen. Baking soda works wonders on grease stains and crayon marks as well as on other surface stains.

Mix three tablespoons of baking soda into a container of water until your mixture forms a pasty consistency. Remember not to scrub the stain too hard with your sponge. Wipe any residue with a clean, damp cloth.

5. Dry Your Walls

Make sure your walls are completely dry before you rehang artwork and wall decor. You can dry your walls with clean towels or a soft cloth. Or, if it’s a nice day outside with low humidity, open your windows and let the sun in for some help from Mother Nature.

How to Clean Eggshell Paint Walls Like a Pro

Now you know how to clean eggshell paint walls, a task we recommend you take on once a year. But if climbing a ladder to wash your cathedral ceiling walls seems a bit scary—or you’re short on time—you can always call in a local professional to assist you.

Whether you decide to DIY your eggshell paint walls or hire a pro, you’ll have grease-free, stain-free clean walls with a beautiful sheen you can admire throughout your home.