Cleaning painted walls?

[dontticklethetoad]

Finally back on the property ladder! But we have been living in a rented house. It was only going to be short term, but ended up being here 5 years
So inevitably, with 3 children, the walls are pretty grubby. We have filled and touched up picture hanging holes and damage, but I'd rather avoid re-painting them completely. What is the best method of cleaning painted walls please?

Dry hoovering will get the loose dust off.

If you use a wet sponge, the fine black dirt runs down the wall and leaves rivulet stains. If you're going to repaint, a soft brush, and hot water with sugar soap will get it pretty clean but it won't look it, it will look patchy. A kitchen may have a film of greasy dirt and needs thorough washing down, as does smokers tar and candle soot. Matt and eggshell paint are very difficult to get properly clean, silk and gloss are easier.

I once saw an office-cleaner's technique with no rubbing, but I can't remember it. Maybe someone will?

p.s.

considering how quick and easy it is to re-emulsion a wall after you've cleaned and filled it, that might be your best option.

I havent tried it but apparently its better to start washing a wall - or any large flat surface -from the bottom up. The idea is that if you wash upwards the rivulets that run down go over already clean walls and dont make ingrained marks.

Thanks folks. I found an old thread on here that suggested just using hot water, washing up liquid and a sponge. They have come up pretty well, all the finger and splash marks have gone.

The LL has been quite difficult over the past 5 years, so other than making sure it is in fair condition for the length of our tenancy, I don't feel inclined to paint the whole house.
The deposit is help with a deposit scheme (which, looking at it, is very thorough in terms of existing damage) and we have looked after the place so hopefully we'll get the majority back.