How to prepare your walls for painting?

A flawless paint job starts long before the first brushstroke. One of the most overlooked—but essential—steps is cleaning the walls properly before painting. Dirt, grease, and dust can prevent paint from adhering correctly, leading to streaks, peeling, or uneven finishes.

Here’s how to prepare your walls the right way for a long-lasting, professional-quality result.

Step 1: Remove dust and loose debris

Start by dusting the walls using a microfiber cloth, broom, or vacuum with a brush attachment. Don’t forget to dust baseboards, corners, and ceiling edges.

This helps remove loose dirt and cobwebs that could interfere with paint adhesion.

Step 2: Wash the walls with a cleaning solution

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the walls, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms where oils or grime tend to build up.

For tough stains, use a TSP substitute (trisodium phosphate)—just be sure to wear gloves and rinse well after.

Step 3: Rinse and let dry

Use clean water and a separate sponge or cloth to rinse off any soap residue. Skipping this step can cause adhesion issues later.

Allow the walls to dry completely before moving on to priming or painting—this typically takes a few hours, depending on room ventilation and humidity.

Step 4: Spot repair and final dust

Once dry, inspect the walls for any cracks or holes and fill them with spackle or joint compound. Sand smooth once dry and then wipe down the patched areas to remove dust.

Now your surface is fully prepped for paint.

What is the best thing to wash walls with before painting?

A solution of warm water and mild dish soap works well for most interior walls. For areas with heavy grime (like kitchens or smokers’ rooms), use a TSP alternative for deeper cleaning.

Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals unless treating mold or mildew—and always test a small spot first.

Do professional painters clean walls before painting?

Yes—experienced professionals always clean the surface before applying paint. At Masterpiece Painter, we know that prep is key to a lasting, even finish. Our process includes wall washing, surface repair, sanding, and priming to ensure each job meets our high-quality standards.

Need help? Contact us today

At Masterpiece Painter, we handle every step of the painting process with care—from prep to final touch-up. Our team knows how to properly clean, repair, and finish your walls so your new paint looks perfect and lasts longer.

Skip the hassle and trust the pros

Contact Masterpiece Painter today for expert interior painting services that start with flawless prep and end with exceptional results.