How Do You Clean Walls When Moving Out
So the school year’s come to an end, your boxes are packed, and you’re ready to get a head start on summer. Yet, as you start taking down your posters to pack them away, you notice that your walls have taken quite a beating throughout the school year.
While it may be tempting to ignore the scuffs, doing so could cost you more in the long run!
You might be thinking, “But I’ve never cleaned walls before. It sounds difficult!”
Luckily, we’ve got some expert tips for cleaning walls before moving out. Before we dive in, let's chat about the cleaning supplies required to give your walls that fresh and clean appearance!
Wall Cleaning Supplies You'll Need
Cleaning walls effectively requires the right tools and supplies. We’ve created a budget-friendly list of items you can get from the dollar store to clean any type of wall:
Mild, Ammonia-free Dish Soap
Warm Water
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Soft Sponges
White Vinegar
Baking Soda
Bucket
Rubber Gloves
Step Stool or Ladder
Soft Brush
Extension Pole with a Duster Attachment
Old Toothbrush
Painter’s tape
Plastic Drop Sheet
Plastic Bags
Preparing the Wall
1. Clear the Area
You’ll need to remove any furniture, art, or posters from your walls to get started. We recommend doing one room at a time to avoid turning your entire place upside down all at once.
2. Cover Outlets
Then, you’ll want to cover any electrical outlets or light switches with plastic and tape (painter’s tape works best, as it doesn’t strip the paint from the walls!).
3. Protect those Floors!
Although you’ll mainly be using mild cleaning agents, you never know how certain flooring will react with soap or cleaning materials. Lay down the plastic drop sheet, using the painter’s tape to keep it in place.
Cleaning Techniques for Different Types of Walls and Paints
If you live in an apartment with several different types of walls, you might wonder, “What is the best way to clean walls when moving out?” Luckily, we’ve compiled some budget-friendly go-to cleaning techniques for all the most common types of wall finishes.
How to Clean Apartment Walls with Flat or Matte Finish
These finishes are the most porous and can be delicate, so avoid using excessive moisture.
Create a mild cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of either mild dish soap or vinegar with warm water.
Use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge, dampened with the solution, to gently wipe away dirt and stains. Make sure to wring the cloth or sponge out almost completely before wiping. Avoid scrubbing too vigorously to prevent removing the paint or damaging the finish!
Dry the walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Apartment Walls with Gloss or Semi-Gloss Finish
These are the most durable and stain-resistant, meaning you can use a slightly stronger cleaning solution.
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner with warm water.
Soak a soft cloth or sponge in the solution, wringing it out almost completely before wiping the walls.
Glossy finishes can withstand more scrubbing for those tough stains but avoid excessive force to prevent scratching.
Dry the walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Apartment Walls with Textured Finish
This is where it gets trickier. Textured walls, such as those with popcorn or stucco finishes, can trap dirt and dust in their crevices.
Begin by dusting the walls with a duster, soft-bristle brush, or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
For deeper cleaning, create a mild soap and water solution.
Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the textured surface gently. Avoid pressing too hard to maintain the texture.
You can also use your used toothbrush to get stubborn stains out from crevices.
Dry the walls by gently patting them down with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Apartment Walls with Wallpaper Finish
Wallpaper requires careful cleaning as excessive moisture can damage it.
Create a mild solution with dish soap and warm water.
Apply the cleaner to a soft sponge or cloth and gently blot or wipe away stains.
Avoid rubbing vigorously or using excessive moisture to prevent peeling or tearing.
Dry the walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Concrete or Brick Walls
While these don’t typically get stained as easily as painted walls, they still require extra care in certain scenarios.
Start by vacuuming the wall with a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and dust.
Mix a solution of non-ammonia dish soap with water in a bucket.
Dip a scrub brush into the solution and begin scrubbing the concrete wall, focusing on stained or soiled areas.
Use a circular motion while scrubbing, and periodically rinse the brush in the cleaning solution.
Wipe the cleaned areas with a clean, damp towel or microfiber cloth to remove residue and detergent.
Tips for Stubborn Stains or Marks on Various Wall Finishes
Make a paste using baking soda and water in a small bowl for persistent stains on any finish.
Apply a small amount of the paste to the stain, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and gently rub it with a soft cloth or sponge.
Gently dry with a clean cloth to remove any residual moisture or paste.
Why You Should Clean Your Walls Before Moving Out
There are a few key reasons why you should always tackle the wall stains before handing over the key to your landlord:
1. Security Deposit
Many landlords will withhold or deduct from your security deposit if they find the walls in poor shape. Often, they’ll have to hire a contractor to clean or apply a fresh layer of paint in order to prepare it for the next tenant.
Once you’ve tackled all the scuffs and stains on your walls, make sure to document the condition of your walls. This can serve as valuable evidence of your hard work, ensuring your security deposit gets returned without issue.
2. Cheaper
Cleaning your walls will often expose more serious damage, such as large holes from screws (or rowdy parties). Catching these early on will give you the chance to repair them at a much cheaper price than what your landlord will charge you for them.
3. Good Karma & References
Leaving your walls clean makes life easier for you, your landlord, and the new tenants. Plus, your landlord is much more likely to give you a good reference for future applications if you leave the place in good shape.
New Beginnings Start With Clean Endings
As a student, life gets hectic quickly. And, sometimes, you just don’t have time to go through the hassle of moving around furniture and cleaning your walls.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you. If you prefer a quick one-and-done solution for cleaning your walls before moving out, contact Essential Move Out Cleaning.
We’ll make sure your space is clean, refreshed, and ready to impress in no time!
Remember, a clean departure sets the stage for a fresh start in your next adventure.
