How to Clean Wallpaper

Even the most meticulous cleaner can overlook wallpaper—it's often forgotten until a spring clean or a child's creative outburst. Wallpaper attracts dirt and dust over time, necessitating occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance. Depending on its condition, cleaning may involve dusting and tackling stubborn stains. With the right tools and persistence, restoring your walls to their original state is achievable.

Part 1: Cleaning Your Wallpaper

Step 1: Determine Your Wallpaper Type Identify the type of wallpaper you have—vinyl, coated fabric, or plain paper—each requiring specific cleaning methods. Vinyl and coated fabric are generally washable, while plain paper should be spot-cleaned to avoid damage.

Step 2: Clean the Wallpaper Prepare a mild cleaning solution using dish soap and warm water. Test it on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn't damage the wallpaper. Clean in gentle, circular motions, working from top to bottom to prevent streaks and damage to the wallpaper's surface.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Wallpaper After cleaning, rinse the wallpaper with clean water using a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid saturating the wallpaper to prevent damage to its adhesive. Immediately dry the surface with a soft towel to prevent moisture absorption.

Part 2: Dusting Your Wallpaper

Step 1: Use a Vacuum Cleaner Attach a soft brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust from the wallpaper's surface. Work systematically from top to bottom, ensuring thorough coverage without damaging the wallpaper.

Step 2: Dust with a Broom Cover a broom with a microfiber cloth to reach high corners and sweep dust from the wallpaper. Work methodically across the wall, ensuring all areas are cleaned.

Step 3: Dust with a Cloth For lower sections or detailed areas, use a microfiber cloth to wipe dust from the wallpaper gently. Start from the top and work downwards, using a ladder if necessary to reach high spots.

Part 3: Removing Stains

Step 1: Remove Crayon Marks Scrape off excess crayon with a putty knife, then place paper towels over the stain and gently iron over them on a low heat setting. The heat helps lift the stain from the wallpaper.

Step 2: Remove Fingerprints Use an art gum eraser or a cloth dampened with soap and water to gently rub away fingerprints. For stubborn prints, apply a paste of bread over the stain and lift it off after a minute.

Step 3: Remove Grease Spots Cover grease spots with paper towels and gently iron over them on a low heat setting. Alternatively, apply talcum powder to absorb grease, then brush it off with a dry sponge or brush.

Step 4: Remove Red Wine Stains Apply a mixture of dish soap and peroxide to the stain, letting it sit before gently wiping it away with a damp cloth. For persistent stains, use a sodium percarbonate cleaner following manufacturer's instructions.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and proper cleaning techniques can significantly extend the lifespan and beauty of your wallpaper. By understanding your wallpaper type and using appropriate cleaning methods, you can effectively remove dust and stains without damaging the delicate surface. Remember to test cleaning solutions in inconspicuous areas first and always handle wallpaper with care to preserve its integrity. With these steps, your walls can remain a vibrant and clean canvas for years to come.

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