How to Clean Walls Before Painting: Tips from Bergen County Pros
The Right Way to Prep for a Long-Lasting, Flawless Finish
You’ve chosen your dream color, picked up your paint supplies, and you're ready to roll—literally. But wait... did you clean the walls first?
If not, you’re skipping the most important step in painting prep.
As professional Bergen County painters, we can tell you firsthand: peeling paint, uneven color, and disappointing results usually trace back to one thing—poor surface preparation.
So, before you crack open that can, here’s exactly how to clean walls before painting—the right way.
Why is it important to wash walls before painting
Paint requires a clean and dry surface to bond with appropriately. And even if these walls seem clean, they can harbour:
- Dust and cobwebs
- Grease (especially in kitchens)
- Residue from handprints, candles, or smoke
- Mold or mildew in high-moisture rooms
- Soap scum in bathrooms
Skipping this step leads to:
- Peeling and bubbling
- Uneven coverage
- Shorter lifespan of your paint job
If you’re serious about getting results that last, cleaning your walls is the first and most important step. For a deeper breakdown of prep strategies, check out our pre-painting tips.
Best Way to Clean Walls Before Painting (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the exact process our Bergen County painting team follows before every job:
Step 1: Dust & Dry Wipe
Use a microfiber cloth or dry mop to wipe away loose dust, hair, and cobwebs, especially near ceilings, trim, and vents.
Step 2: Wash the Walls
Here’s where most people go wrong.
Use the right wall cleaner, based on the room:
| Room Type | Best Cleaner |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Warm water + degreaser or dish soap |
| Bathroom | Water + white vinegar or mildew-fighting solution |
| General Walls Depth | Warm water + mild dish soap |
| General Walls Depth | 1 part bleach to 3 parts water (rinse thoroughly!) |
Pro Tip: For most homes, a sponge + two buckets (one for soapy water, one for rinsing) works best.
Step 3: Rinse & Let Dry
Don’t skip the rinse. Use clean water to wipe down any soap or chemical residue. Then, let the walls dry completely before painting. This will keep moisture from being trapped and ruining the finish.
Need product suggestions and room-by-room cleaning advice? Our full guide on the best way to clean walls before painting breaks it down even further.
What is the Best Way to Clean Walls Before Painting?
It depends on your goal. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Goal | Best Product |
|---|---|
| Remove grease | Dish soap or TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) |
| Kill mildew | Vinegar or diluted bleach |
| Clean smoke/dirt buildup Depth | Degreaser or household cleaner |
| Eco-friendly option Depth | Baking soda + water or vinegar |
| General prep Depth | Warm water + mild dish soap |
Avoid harsh abrasives—they can damage drywall or leave residues that block paint adhesion.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use just water—it won’t remove oils or grime
- Don’t paint over mold—clean it first, or it’ll return.
- Don’t skip drying—damp walls = peeling pain.t
- Don’t forget the trim, baseboards, and corners—they get dusty too
Bergen County Bonus: Why Local Conditions Matter
In Bergen County, we deal with:
- Humid summers (hello, mildew)
- Dust from heating systems in winter
- Old homes with hidden grime layers
That’s why our prep process always includes wall cleaning—whether it’s a modern condo in Hackensack or a vintage colonial in Ridgewood.
Final Tip: Want a Flawless Finish? Start with a Clean Surface.
Paint can only perform as well as the surface beneath it. Whether you're doing a DIY project or hiring Bergen professionals, don’t underestimate the importance of a properly cleaned wall.
It's the difference between paint peeling in six months and paint looking great in six years.
Want the Pros to Handle It?
If you’d rather not mess with buckets and bleach, let the pros handle it. At MGP Painting, we prep every project thoroughly:
- Cleaning, patching, sanding, and priming
- Specialty products for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas
- Trusted by Bergen County homeowners for quality and service
Because great painting starts before you open the can.