How to Clean Black Smudge-Painted Walls

Light-colored walls can show dirt and smudges more than dark-colored walls.

Painted walls, especially those with light-colored paint, can become covered with dirt, dust and smudges. The smudges can come from dirty hands touching the wall, furniture bumping into the wall, or scuffing from shoes accidentally hitting lower sections of the wall. The black smudges can vary in size and be anywhere on the wall. Instead of covering them up with a picture or piece of furniture, you can reduce or remove black smudges.

Things You'll Need

• Duster or dusting rag
• 2 large buckets
• 4 to 6 clean towels
• Soapy water (mixture with borax-based cleaner)

Instructions

1. Use the duster or cleaning rag to clear away any dirt, dust or cobwebs stuck to the wall.

2. Fill one bucket with the soapy cleaning mixture that has a borax containing cleaning agent. Fill another bucket with clean water.

3. Soak one towel in the soapy mixture. Lift it out and squeeze out the excess water.

4. Begin wiping down the black smudges with the soapy towel. Do not scrub as this might cause paint to peel or leave water marks. Wipe back and forth over the smudge.

5. Soak another towel in the clean water and squeeze out excess water. Use the clean water towel to wipe away the soapy mixture on the smudges.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 as needed until the smudge is removed. Use another clean and dry towel to complete the process and wipe the wall dry. If one of the towels becomes too dirty or begins to develop rips, replace with a new towel as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Test out a small amount of the cleaning solution on a section of painted wall hidden by furniture, picture or poster to make sure the solution won't stain the wall.

• Make sure to wipe the wall dry when finished cleaning or water stains might form.

References

• House Cleaning Central: Cleaning Smudged Walls