It's well known that Clorox wipes can be used to clean a number of surfaces, but what about walls? Whether you're trying to wipe off some crayon marks from a mischievous toddler or some backsplash stains from your stove, you may be wondering whether it's safe and possible to use a Clorox wipe on your wall. Well, we've researched the topic in depth and have an answer for you.
You can use Clorox wipes on some walls. However, it's important to test a small inconspicuous area first. Clorox wipes can only be used on non-porous surfaces, so whether it's safe to use them on your wall will depend on the wall's finish.
If your paint is considered "washable," you can use a Clorox wipe for cleaning. You will need to be more cautious with matte or other low-gloss finishes. Wallpapered walls should be treated similarly.
Now that you know it's generally safe to use a Clorox wipe on your wall. Nevertheless, you should keep reading as we elaborate on this further. We'll discuss which finishes you can typically use Clorox wipes on. We will also answer some other questions you might have about Clorox wipes and how to clean a painted wall.
Using Clorox Wipes On Walls
Clorox wipes are safe for nonporous surfaces, but what does this mean? For a surface to be nonporous, it means neither air nor water can move through it or be absorbed.
For example, if you spill your drink on your countertop and it doesn't get absorbed into the surface, it's nonporous. Clorox will tell you that the wipes can be used on hard surfaces such as countertops and sinks.
Painted Walls
It's generally okay to use Clorox wipes on painted walls. In fact, one blogger swears that a Clorox wipe will take care of any pesky scuff marks on your wall that might have occurred from moving furniture.
Some paints are specifically designed to be washable. These paints are typically found in bathrooms and kitchens where you are more likely going to need to clean the wall.
Even if your wall does have paint that is considered washable, it's still a good idea to test a small area first before cleaning your wall with a Clorox wipe. That way you can watch for any adverse effects.
Wallpapered Walls
Similarly to paint, there is such a thing as washable wallpaper. Even with these wallpapers, a damp cloth is recommended for cleaning, so once again, it is imperative to test an area first.
However, if you're not sure whether your wallpaper is washable, you shouldn't risk using a Clorox wipe on it. It could cause irreparable damage or discoloration.
Do Clorox wipes have bleach in them?
Clorox wipes do not have bleach in them. While Clorox does sell bleach products, per their website, their disinfectant wipes do not fit into this category. Instead, Clorox wipes are made with a "bleach-free formula" and their main disinfecting ingredient is Alkyl C12-18 Dimethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride.
It is important to note that even though Clorox wipes are bleach free, they can still cause mild irritation to the skin and eyes. You should follow all safety precautions on the container.
Click here to see Clorox Disinfecting Wipes on Amazon.
How do you clean painted walls?
Using Clorox wipes is just one way you can clean a painted wall, but let's discuss some others.
Magic Erasers
Magic Erasers are aptly named because it definitely feels like magic with the number of uses they have. This includes being able to clean painted walls.
They are able to remove a number of unwanted marks from your walls including crayons and scuff marks. Magic Erasers can be used on any painted wall, but you should use caution on walls that do not have a high-gloss finish.
Scrubbing too hard or abrasively can damage the paint. Also, since Magic Erasers require water, be sure not to use too much or you might be left with water stains on your paint as well. We're pretty sure you don't want to clean up one mess just to be left with another!
Click here to see Magic Erasers on Amazon.
If you are curious about some more uses of Magic Erasers, check out one of our other posts on the topic here: Can You Use Magic Eraser On Acrylic Tub?
Soft Sponge or Cloth
Generally, most paints will come with cleaning instructions that will direct you to use a soft sponge, cloth, or towel with a mild soap. Mild soap can include dish soap which you likely have in your home anyway.
There are also multipurpose cleaning solutions that are designed specifically for painted walls, so if you'd like something more formulated, you could try one of those.
You should opt for a sponge or cloth that is minimally abrasive to reduce the risk of damaging your walls further. As with the Magic Eraser, it is imperative not to use too much water. Make sure the cloth is just damp and not saturated and you will be fine.
Click here to see this wall cleaner spray on Amazon.
Baby Wipes
If you are a parent, you likely have baby wipes on hand, and there's also a chance you've used one to wipe down a number of other things as well. You can now add wall cleaning to your list of uses for baby wipes.
They will work best on high-gloss paints, but if you're careful, you will likely be able to clean matte finishes too. Just gently rub over the spot you're trying to remove.
If it's particularly stubborn, you can use a little more strength. Baby wipes might not work as well on textured walls. The textured paint might be too abrasive for the wipe and cause it to tear.
Click here to see baby wipes on Amazon.
Where should you not use Clorox wipes?
If you have a bunch of Clorox wipes, you may be trying to find some extra uses for them. Fortunately, there are a plethora of places you can use a Clorox wipe, but before you get carried away cleaning everything you can with them, let's go over some places you shouldn't.
Your Body
First, the number one place you do not want to use Clorox wipes on is your body. They are known to cause skin irritation, so you definitely shouldn't be wiping any part of your body with them.
You should always keep them out of reach of your children too since they are more likely to mistake them for a regular cleansing wipe.
Wood
Clorox wipes can be used on painted wood or sealed wood, but you shouldn't use them on untreated wood.
We've mentioned this a few times, but the wipes should only be used on a nonporous surface, and unfortunately, untreated wood is porous. That being said, Clorox wipes can be used on most wood furniture because it is sealed!
Fabric Furniture or Carpet
Hard, treated furniture surfaces are approved for Clorox wipes, but avoid trying to use them to clean a mark off your suede couch or carpet.
Any fabric that is susceptible to water stains shouldn't be cleaned with a Clorox wipe. You should avoid using them on any true leather surfaces as well. This is because leather can react to the alcohol in the wipe and become discolored or damaged.
Can you use Clorox wipes on pleather?
While Clorox wipes cannot be used on true leather, Clorox wipes can be used on nonporous fabrics such as pleather.
Pleather is a type of faux leather, and it gets its name from a slang abbreviation of "plastic leather." Unlike true leather, pleather, since it is made from plastic, is not going to be damaged by Clorox wipes. You can also use Clorox wipes on other plastic-based materials such as vinyl.
You may be wondering about other ways to clean faux leather. Take a look at one of our other posts on the topic here: How To Clean Faux Leather Furniture
Final Thoughts
If you've made it through this entire post, you've probably learned way more about Clorox wipes than you probably intended. Hopefully, that's a good thing, and you now feel more confident about whether you can safely use Clorox wipes on your walls!
As long as your walls aren't papered, you will likely be fine using a Clorox wipe on them. You'll have them free of marks and scuffs in no time!