How Much Does It Cost to Clean Your Walls?

How Much Do Wall Cleaning Services Cost Near You?

Your location can affect what you pay to have a pro clean your walls. Here are the average costs for these cities:

How Much Does a Wall Cleaning Service Cost per Square Foot?

Wall cleaning services typically cost around $0.50 to $0.60 per square foot. Depending on the wall materials, costs may go as low as $0.45 per square foot or as high as $0.65 per square foot. You can also expect to pay between $70 to $90 per room, depending on the size.

Different wall surfaces require different cleaning products, some of which will be on the higher end cost-wise. There’s also labor to consider here, as rough surfaces like brick will require extra elbow grease, while delicate painted surfaces require extra focus and care. 

Here’s what you might pay per square foot for these types of wall materials:

• Drywall: $0.45–$0.50

• Painted surfaces: $0.50–$0.60 

• Plaster: $0.45–$0.50

• Wallpaper: $0.55–$0.60

• Brick: $0.60–$0.65

• Wood: $0.45–$0.50

How Much Does It Cost to Clean Walls Yourself?

Photo: Syda Productions / Adobe Stock

Cleaning your own walls doesn’t typically involve spending a lot on materials—in fact, you probably have most of the necessary items in your cabinets and pantry already. However, you’ll spend a lot more of your valuable time and won’t get the benefit of a local house cleaner’s expertise.

"Cleaning your walls as part of a ‘spring clean’ is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to remove dirt, dust, and grime while brightening up your home," says Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. "The hardest part is the time and energy spent doing this task."

That said, if you still want to take this on yourself, be extra cautious and thoroughly research the surface you intend to clean. Make sure you’re gentle when cleaning eggshell walls, as well as anything with a flat, glossy, or satin finish. It’s always a good idea to spot-clean a small area on the wall to ensure it’s safe before proceeding.

Here are some of the basic supplies you may need:

• Extendable duster: $15 

• Sponge: $1

• Bucket: $5

• Dish soap: $4

• Baking soda: $1

• Hydrogen peroxide: $1

• Vinegar: $3

• All-purpose cleaner: $5

• Bleach: $5

Total: $38

Keep in mind that you may need a ladder to reach any high ceilings, which can cost anywhere from $30 to $250 or more depending on the size and quality. Always use caution when climbing on a ladder, only going up to a safe level and always working with a buddy to keep it steady.

If cleaning isn’t doing the trick, you can refresh your walls with a fresh coat of paint at about $15 to $35 per gallon. You can also vet a wallpaper pro and have them cover your walls for a completely different look.

What Factors Affect the Price to Clean Your Walls?

Many factors come into play to determine your final cleaning bill. These include:

• Wall surface material: Rougher surfaces like brick may take longer to clean, while delicate painted surfaces call for special supplies and techniques—either of these could result in additional charges.

• Wall height: High ceilings that require pros to use a ladder or other tools will likely cost extra.

• How often you have your walls cleaned: Many cleaners will offer price breaks for setting up a regular cleaning schedule versus once-in-a-great-while sessions.

• Extra dirty or greasy walls (e.g., kitchen walls): Grease and caked-on residue will take longer to clean, resulting in extra charges.

• The use of organic or green products: Unless your cleaning service already uses green products, these may cost extra.

• Extras: While your house cleaner is there, you can have them clean ceiling fans, shelving, or other surfaces for an additional fee.