How to clean a stained wall?

A
by A

Stained wall from a night lite

  16 answers
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Sep 19, 2020

    Hi! Usually depends on what the stain is. You want to prevent any further staining if possible. Start with the gentlest approach before you use methods that remove the paint. I always test a spot with a microfiber cloth and Dawn dish detergent, wrung out so it doesn't drip. Then, if I can't get it off that way, I use a cleaner sprayed on a damp microfiber cloth. Use caution and a gentle hand or you will end up with a place that doesn't match the wall. Magic erasers are wonderful cleaning tools, but, will take the paint right off the wall with too much pressure. Worse case scenario? It won't come off without ruining the wall. You have a couple of choices. You can seal that one area and try to touch up the wall if you have some paint leftover. Or you can seal the stain and repaint the entire wall. Honestly, it is sometimes easier to clean the entire wall, seal it and paint so that it matches. Colors fade and can be hard to match. If touch up is the only option, use a small roller for applying sealer and paint. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Sep 19, 2020

    We had the same problem over a number of months and because the night light was behind a table we did not see the stain developing right away. To clean it we used a wet terry cloth and dish detergent. That was all it took.

  • Start with mild soap and water.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Sep 19, 2020

    If you need something stronger, you can use a Mr. Clean Eraser. Clean lightly at first since they are strong!

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Sep 19, 2020

    You can use warm water, a cloth and Fantaskik cleaner to remove this stain or Mr Clean Magic Eraser

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Sep 19, 2020

    Hello. Depending upon the quality of the paint product on your wall I would consider to start with a gentle cleaning first. When my favorite solutions is some Dawn dish detergent and water— with a magic eraser Moist with this soapy solution. It does take care of a lot of drywall and kitchen cabinet scuffs and stains.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Sep 19, 2020

    The cleaning depends on the type of stain. Others have great suggestions. I hope you have left over paint to do a touch up.

  • Em Em on Sep 19, 2020

    One of the best all purpose cleaners that removes stains other cleaners will not touch is Awesome cleaner from the Dollar stores. $1.00 for a spray bottle or a bit more content for a refill bottle. Grease, grime. I haven't found anything yet it won't tackle.

  • Mogie Mogie on Sep 19, 2020

    1. Mix a few drops of dish washing liquid and warm water in a medium-sized bowl.
    2. Dip your microfiber cloth into the solution. Wring out the cloth so that it’s not overly saturated.
    3. Rub the stain with the damp cloth until you can’t see the stain anymore.
    4. Wait until the wall dries to be certain the stain is gone. If it’s faint, but still there, repeat the process.


  • Sharon Sharon on Sep 19, 2020

    Wash, prime and paint.


  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 19, 2020

    Any idea what type stain this is? In general I would use magic eraser and boost with a degreaser if necessary. Blue dawn and warm water with microfiber would be another option. If you need to scrub, scrub daddy sponge with the soapy water.

  • Dee Dee on Sep 19, 2020

    Use a microfiber cloth, do not use a magic eraser. it will take off some paint. Use some Dawn and vinegar, gently scrub. If that does not help, you are going to have to prime the wall with a stain blocking primer BIN 123 is a good one and then repaint


  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Sep 20, 2020

    I use a magic eraser, the dollar store version

  • try a magic eraser. You might need a fresh coat of paint.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Sep 30, 2020

    it all depends what made that stain .. it looks like it was a smoke from outlets ...If soap and water doesn't help I would touch up that area