How to Clean Enamel Paint

Co-authored by Regina DeCorte and Amber Crain

Last Updated: June 21, 2022 References

Enamel paint is durable and resistant to damage. However, when cleaning painted surfaces, it is best to err on the side of caution and use less abrasive materials. Dust your walls and ceiling at least once per year with your vacuum's brush attachment. To get rid of simple dirt and smudges, use a mild solution of warm water and dish soap. There are several ways to approach tougher stains, such as using a baking soda paste or a Magic Eraser.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Doing Routine Cleaning

1
Dust painted walls at least once every year. Dust removal is important for maintaining enamel-painted surfaces, but an annual dusting is all that most walls need. Run the brush attachment on your vacuum over the walls and ceilings to quickly remove dust from the surface.^{[1]
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- For smaller areas, a hand duster should suffice.
- Always dust before you do a deeper clean. For instance, before trying to remove a stain, give the walls a quick dusting.
2
Make a cleaning solution with mild dish soap and warm water. Dirt and smudges will require more than a simple dusting to remove them. Fill a medium-sized bucket with warm water, then add a few drops of mild dish detergent.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Regina DeCorte
Residential Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 31 May 2022.} Use your hand or stirring device to mix them together. Fill a separate bucket up with just warm water.
- You could also mix three tablespoons of distilled white vinegar in a gallon of water to create a safe cleaning solution for enamel-painted walls.^{[3]
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3
Dampen a non-abrasive sponge with the solution. Dunk a non-abrasive sponge, like a cellulose sponge, into the bucket of cleaning solution. Squeeze it to remove excess solution. You want the sponge to be dampened but not dripping.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Regina DeCorte
Residential Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 31 May 2022.}^{[5]
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4
Work in sections. Divide the surface up into a series of vertical sections and clean them one at a time. Starting from the top and working your way down to the bottom, gently use the sponge to scrub the surface in circular motion. Once the sponge starts looking dirty, dip it back into the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and continue.^{[6]
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- If the water in the bucket starts to look dirty during the process, dump it out and create a fresh batch of cleaning solution.
5
Rinse each section with clean water after scrubbing. Wet a second sponge with the clean water in your second bucket. Starting at the top and working your way down, use the wet sponge to wipe down the section and rinse away the cleaning solution. Be sure to remove all soap thoroughly, since dirt and grime can stick to soap residue if left on the wall.^{[7]
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6
Dry the surface with a towel. Thoroughly go over each section with a fresh towel or a micro fibre cloth to remove excess moisture from the surface.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Regina DeCorte
Residential Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 31 May 2022.} Work systematically, such as from top to bottom, so that you won't miss any spots.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Removing Tough Stains

1
Perform a spot test with your intended cleaner. Before you get started, apply a small amount of the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot on the wall. Rub it in, and then wipe it off. Carefully inspect the area to ensure the color of the paint isn't negatively affected.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Amy Mikhaiel
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 3 February 2019.}
- Even if it seems to be fine, only use abrasive cleaners when absolutely necessary.^{[11]
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2
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a thick paste. Use your fingers or a utensil to apply the paste directly onto the stained area. Gently scrub the area with a non-abrasive sponge.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Amy Mikhaiel
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 3 February 2019.} Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.^{[13]
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- You can add vinegar to the baking soda and water if you want something a little stronger!^{[14]
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  Expert Source
  
  Amy Mikhaiel
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 3 February 2019.}
3
Use a Magic Eraser on crayon and fingerprint stains. Magic Erasers can be useful for removing tough stains left behind by small children. Wet the sponge, then wring it out. Scrub at the stain until it disappears. Use the less abrasive side of the sponge so that you don’t scratch up the wall.^{[15]
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4
Get rid of tough stains with ammonia, vinegar and baking soda. If dish soap, baking soda, vinegar and Magic Erasers all failed to remove the stain, create a stronger cleaning solution. Mix a gallon of water with 1 cup (120 mL) of ammonia, ½ cup (60 mL) of vinegar, and ¼ cup (30 g) of baking soda. Use a gentle sponge to rub the solution into the stain with a circular motion.^{[16]
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- Rinse the solution away with a sponge dipped in clean water. Dry the area thoroughly.