N※N

Dish Soap & Hot Water: A Genius Hack for Cleaning Walls

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. -hot-water-a-genius-hack-for-cleaning-walls.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, January 6th 2026 at 7:23 GMT by Daily Express

The Genius Hack: How to Revive Dull Walls with Dish Soap & Hot Water (and Why It Works)

Many homeowners face the frustrating reality of dingy, scuffed walls – a constant battle against fingerprints, marks from children's hands, and general wear and tear. While repainting is the ultimate solution, it’s time-consuming, expensive, and often avoided. But according to home expert Sophie Robinson, there’s a surprisingly simple and inexpensive trick that can breathe new life into tired walls: a mixture of dish soap and hot water. This "genius hack," as Robinson calls it, has been gaining traction online, offering a quick fix for those looking to refresh their interiors without the commitment of a full repaint.

The article details Robinson’s experience and explanation of this method, initially shared on her Instagram account (@sophierobinsonhome) where it quickly garnered significant attention from followers eager to try it themselves. The core principle is remarkably straightforward: combine a few drops of dish soap with hot (but not boiling) water and use the solution to gently scrub the walls.

Why Does It Work? Understanding the Science Behind the Suds

The effectiveness of this method isn't just about luck; it’s rooted in basic chemistry. The Express article explains that dish soap, particularly grease-cutting varieties, is designed to break down oils and grime. Walls accumulate a surprising amount of these substances – from cooking fumes to skin oils transferred during leaning against them. The hot water acts as a solvent, helping the soap penetrate and lift this accumulated dirt.

Robinson emphasizes using hot water, not cold or lukewarm. The heat enhances the soap's ability to dissolve grease and loosen stubborn marks. However, she cautions against boiling water, especially on painted walls, as excessive heat can damage the paint finish. The article notes that different types of paint react differently; matte finishes are generally more porous and therefore more susceptible to damage from harsh cleaning methods (more on this below).

Step-by-Step Guide: Implementing the Dish Soap Wall Clean

While the concept is simple, following a few steps can maximize results and minimize potential risks. Here’s a breakdown of Robinson's recommended approach, as detailed in the article:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a small bucket or bowl, hot water (around 120-140°F is ideal), a few drops of dish soap (Robinson prefers a grease-cutting brand like Fairy Liquid), a clean sponge or microfiber cloth, and potentially a soft brush for textured walls.
2. Test in an Inconspicuous Area: This is crucial! Before tackling the entire wall, test the solution on a hidden spot – behind furniture, inside a closet – to ensure it doesn’t damage the paint. The article highlights that older or more delicate painted surfaces are particularly vulnerable and may require even gentler treatment.
3. Mix the Solution: Add a few drops (no more than 10) of dish soap to the hot water and mix gently. Avoid creating excessive suds.
4. Apply & Scrub Gently: Dip your sponge or cloth into the soapy water, wring out any excess moisture, and gently wipe down the walls in small sections. For textured walls, a soft brush can help reach into crevices. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this could damage the paint's surface.
5. Rinse & Dry: After cleaning, rinse the wall with clean, lukewarm water using a fresh cloth. Immediately dry the area with another clean cloth to prevent water spots and further damage.

Important Considerations & Potential Risks

The article doesn’t shy away from highlighting potential drawbacks and limitations of this method. It's not a magic bullet for every type of wall cleaning problem. Crucially, it notes:

• Paint Type Matters: The success of the hack heavily depends on the type of paint used on the walls. Glossier paints are more durable and resistant to damage than matte or eggshell finishes. Matte paint is particularly vulnerable because its porous nature means the soap solution can penetrate deeper and potentially alter the color or finish. The article links to a separate piece discussing different types of paint finishes, providing further detail (https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1760845/paint-finishes-matt-satin-gloss).
• Stubborn Stains: While effective for general grime and fingerprints, this method may not remove more stubborn stains like crayon marks or scuffing from furniture. For those issues, stronger cleaning agents or even repainting might be necessary.
• Potential Color Change (Rare): In rare cases, the soap solution can slightly alter the color of the paint, particularly on older or faded walls. This is why testing in an inconspicuous area is so vital.
• Not a Substitute for Repainting: This hack provides a temporary refresh; it won't cover up deep scratches or significant damage.

The Verdict: A Worthwhile Quick Fix?

Overall, Sophie Robinson’s dish soap and hot water wall cleaning hack offers a convenient and affordable way to revitalize dull walls. It's particularly well-suited for homes with children or pets where walls tend to accumulate dirt quickly. However, homeowners should proceed with caution, test the solution thoroughly, and understand its limitations. While not a replacement for repainting, this simple trick can offer a noticeable improvement in wall appearance with minimal effort – making it a worthwhile addition to any homeowner's cleaning arsenal.

I hope this article effectively summarizes the Express.co.uk piece while providing additional context and detail!