How to Get Rid of Streaks on Painted Bathroom Walls

An expert explains what surfactant leaching is, and how to get rid of it.

If you’ve noticed those pesky streaks on your painted bathroom walls and wondered what they are, the technical term for them is “surfactant leaching.” The streaks tend to appear in high-moisture environments such as bathrooms and are the result of water-soluble ingredients in the paint migrating to the surface. To learn more about surfactant leaching and what can be done about it, we talked to Monica Mothershead, senior merchant of interior paint at The Home Depot.

While it may seem like frequent cleaning would be the obvious way to prevent streaks on bathroom walls and ceilings, Mothershead says that doesn’t actually stop the streaks from appearing. She stresses the importance of proper painting practices as the most effective way to avoid the annoying marks, shares cleaning strategies for different paint finishes, and outlines a four-step wall cleaning routine to get rid of the streaks.

Related: 4 Paint Colors You Should Never Use in the Bathroom (And What to Use Instead)

What Is Surfactant Leaching?

“Streaks on painted bathroom walls, known as surfactant leaching, occur when water-soluble ingredients from latex paint migrate to the surface,” Mothershead says. These streaks typically happen in spaces that experience high levels of moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms, where you’ll often notice them on the walls or ceilings. Mothershead explains the reason for surfactant leaching, saying, “The paint’s drying process is prolonged, allowing these ingredients to rise and create unsightly streaks.”

What to Do About Wall Streaks

While frequent cleaning won’t prevent streaks on your bathroom walls, Mothershead says that proper painting practices can help. “Avoid painting when temperatures are below 50º Fahrenheit or during cool, damp conditions,” she says. Additionally, she recommends running the exhaust fan in the bathroom while you’re using the space to reduce moisture levels to help prevent surfactant leaching.

Related: Your Bathroom Walls Are Likely Disgusting—Here’s How to Clean Them

How to Clean Streaks On Different Paint Finishes

While Mothershead says there is no paint finish that can completely eliminate surfactant leaching, she points out that using high-quality paint and applying it under optimal conditions can reduce the risk of the streaks. Her top pick for a high-moisture area like a bathroom is BEHR PREMIUM PLUS Interior Paint & Primer, which she says offers exceptional durability, a mildew-resistant finish, and superior stain-blocking capabilities.

As for the paint finish, Mothershead says, “The semi-gloss enamel sheen not only enhances the room’s appearance but also provides advanced scrubbability, ensuring that your walls stay beautiful and easy to maintain.” Below, Mothershead shares tips for how to clean streaks on different paint finishes to prevent surface damage.

Flat, Eggshell, or Satin Finishes

These three paint finishes are less durable, so Mothershead advises a gentle approach. She recommends cleaning the walls painted in one of these three finishes with a mild detergent and water, and to avoid harsh scrubbing to protect the wall surface.

Semi-Gloss or Glossy Finishes

“These are durable enough for stronger cleaners but prone to scratches,” Mothershead explains. To prevent surface damage, she suggests using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner.

Latex Paint Finishes

Turn to a mix of warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner for best results with latex paint finishes.

Tips for Routine Wall Cleaning to Get Rid of Wall Streaks

Follow this four-step wall cleaning process recommended by Mothershead to get rid of pesky wall streaks.

Prepare the room: “Remove all objects and dust the walls with a tack cloth or cheesecloth,” Motherhead says. Once all items have been removed and the walls and ceilings are fully dusted, lay down drop cloths to catch any drips.

Wash the walls: Motherhead recommends using plain warm water for general cleaning and soapy water for walls with stains. “Test your cleaning solution on a hidden spot first, then clean from the top down with a mildly damp sponge or sponge mop,” she says.

Clean spots: If you notice spots and stains on the walls, tackle those next. Mothershead recommends acting quickly on stains, using a damp rag or a non-abrasive sponge on them. “For persistent marks, gently scrub with a baking soda solution or use a stronger cleaner if necessary,” she advises.

Touch up paint: If cleaning the walls and treating the stained areas doesn’t fully remove the streaks, Mothershead recommends touching up the paint. “Match the original paint color and application method for seamless results,” she warns. While most leaching issues will resolve on their own within a month of normal weathering according to Mothershead, she says it’s best to wait until the leaching has completely cleared before applying another coat of paint.

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