Start by preparing the space where you’ll be working. Move furniture and other objects away from the walls or cover them with drop cloths. Remove pictures, artwork, etc. and use pieces of painter’s tape to mark where the nails or other hanging hardware are located. This will help you keep track of where the frames were located, and protect your hands from accidentally coming into contact with sharp objects while cleaning.
Lay down canvas drop cloths and secure them with painter’s tape to keep them from moving around. This will keep soapy, dirty water from dripping or running down the walls onto your floor. Avoid using plastic drop cloths, as they don’t absorb water.
Use a duster and/or a damp cloth to wipe dust and surface debris from the walls before cleaning with soap and water. You can also use your vacuum cleaner’s extension wand to suck up dust and debris from hard-to-reach locations, corners and along the trim.