The One Thing You Need To Mop Every Year (But Probably Skip)
I have a confession to make about my cleaning routine. I spend so much time scrubbing the floors and wiping down counters that I sometimes completely ignore the biggest surface area in the room. I am, of course, talking about the walls. It sounds like a lot of work to wash your walls, but they actually collect a shocking amount of dust and grime over the year and need to be cleaned. And there’s a pretty easy way to clean them.
Why Your Walls Are So Dirty
Think about everything that happens in your house over the span of twelve months. You have cooking grease floating through the air and pet dander settling on surfaces. There are also the invisible fingerprints near light switches and the subtle layer of dust that makes the paint look just a little bit duller than it used to. We usually do not notice it until we move a picture frame and see the bright square of clean paint left behind. And then suddenly realize our walls are filthy!
Use A Mop
The good news is that you do not need to haul out a step stool or get on your hands and knees with a sponge to clean your walls. The secret tool is likely already in your closet. A flat head mop or a spin mop is absolutely perfect for this job. Personally, a microfiber flat mop is my favorite because it is lightweight and the rectangular shape makes it really easy to get into corners and run along the ceiling line.
Mixing The Perfect Gentle Solution
Please do not go out and buy a harsh chemical cleaner for your walls. Your paint needs something gentle so you do not strip away the finish. I like to fill a bucket with warm water and just a teaspoon of clear dish soap. If the room is really greasy, like a kitchen, you can add a splash of white vinegar to the bucket. The goal is to lift the dust and light oils without leaving a soapy residue behind on the wall.
A Damp Mop
This is the most critical rule of wall mopping. You must wring that mop head out until it is almost dry. You want it damp enough to grab dust but not wet enough to drip. If water runs down your walls it can leave streak marks or damage your baseboards. I usually wring my mop out and then give it one extra squeeze with a towel just to be safe. It should feel like a damp cloth before it touches your walls.
How To Use The Mop
I suggest starting at the top of the wall near the ceiling and working your way down. This way if any stray dust falls it lands on the lower sections that you haven't cleaned yet. Use long, smooth strokes and let the mop do the work. You do not need to scrub hard unless there is a specific mark you need to get off. It is surprisingly satisfying to watch the mop glide over the paint and bring back that fresh look.
Dealing With Marks And Stains
The mop is amazing for getting rid of that general layer of dust, but it might not get everything. If you encounter a dark scuff mark from a shoe or a crayon drawing, you might need to spot clean that by hand. I usually keep a damp Magic Eraser or a soft sponge in my pocket while I mop. I do a quick pass with the sponge on the problem area and then blend it away with the mop.
The Result
The difference is not always immediately obvious, but the whole room will feel a lot fresher. The air smells cleaner too, because you have removed a year of stale dust. And the room looks brighter because the light reflects better off clean paint. It is one of those tasks that feels like a hassle before you start, but gives you a huge sense of accomplishment when you finish. It is like giving your house a fresh start.
Related Articles
-Why You Should Be Putting Cinnamon In Your Mop Water—Maybe
-Why You Shouldn't Use A Swiffer Mop To Clean Your Floors
-How to Prevent Sticky Floors After Mopping
I know adding another chore to your list feels daunting, but you truly only need to do this once a year. I like to save it for a sunny day in spring when I can open the windows and let the fresh air help dry the walls. It takes me about twenty minutes per room, and it saves me from having to repaint as often. Give it a try this weekend and see if your home feels a little lighter.
Bliss Donahue-Power
