How to clean flat painted wall?

Pat Grosse
by Pat Grosse

I am moving out of a rented condo in about 6 weeks. The walls are painted in a ecru flat interior wall paint. They are horrible to clean! I have tried everything I know and can't get some of the smudges off. I know not to use harsh cleaners. I tried using a magic eraser (Mr. Clean) in a hidden spot. It removed the paint. I barely used the eraser and the paint was melting off. I went to a local paint store and found out that the landlord used a cheap commercial paint on the walls. What tips can you give me on how to clean walls with flat paint so that I won't lose my security deposit? I am now starting to use less harmful cleaning products such as white vinegar and baking soda. White vinegar is my favorite especially cleaning around the stove. Thanks for any help.


  11 answers
  • Linda Kinsman Linda Kinsman on Mar 20, 2015
    I'd keep trying with the white vinegar. I'd dab on the vinegar with a soft white cloth all over the spots and let air dry.
  • Darla Darla on Mar 20, 2015
    This may sound strange, but the only thing I've found that will clean that awful flat paint is cheap shaving cream. Spray it on and wipe with a cloth, no water. You might have to rub a little or do it twice.
  • Grandmaquilts Grandmaquilts on Mar 20, 2015
    Mr clean Magic Eraser. Does work like magic
  • K K on Mar 21, 2015
    Instead of trying to clean the smudged, bye a quart of the same paint - probably under $15 & a sponge brush & touch up the paint
  • Betty Rhoads Betty Rhoads on Mar 21, 2015
    Why would you rent a condo that wasn't ready-to-move-in? Have the landlord do the clean up. Maybe he will paint.
  • Denise Denise on Mar 21, 2015
    TSP washing powder. it's made just for cleaning painted walls. Works awesome. You can find it at the home depot.
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Mar 21, 2015
    When I moved into as new house (new to us),whoever had been contracted to make it salable had used such a cheap paint as you describe. Even a splash of water would leave a spot. There was no cleaning it. It looked nice, but it looked horrible in time, especially in the bathroom - spots all over. My husband repainted with good satin washable paint. In your case, I would do what K above suggested. Good luck.
  • Joan foreman Joan foreman on Mar 21, 2015
    use scrubbing bubbles works great
  • Sandra Sandra on Mar 21, 2015
    this might help get some oxiclean that comes in the tub mix some in some water get a soft brush drip the brush into the oxiclean make sure your brush is wet try to make a paste and gently wipe the wall let it set for a minute or two and see if there is a difference on the wall if there is continue using.
  • Melissa Gutilla Melissa Gutilla on Mar 21, 2015
    I never found anything to clean flat paint. Rental home should always have latex exp if kids are going to be living in them. Our last one had flat paint in all rooms to try and wipe them off took paint and all looked horrible. The house we purchased also had flat paint in all places the bathrooms I've steadly been repainting everything from ceilings down but it's so time consuming when there are so many spots that have to be fixed first.
  • Ivette Ivette on Mar 22, 2015
    Hopefully touching up the paint won't make it look obvious depending on how old the original paint is. I'd caution putting a lot of effort and expense thinking you're going to get your deposit back. Many landlords will find a reason not to give it back and you already know he/she's a cheapskate using cheap paint in the wrong sheen.