How to Clean Wallpaper the Safe Way?

Wallpaper is versatile and easy to install. Even the most durable material can fade and get damaged with poor cleaning and upkeep. Footprints, grease stains, and crayon markings can damage otherwise immaculate wallpaper. The longer they sit, the tougher they are to remove with any cleaning solution.

All types of wallpapers aren’t created equally. Homeowners must clean wallpaper without causing damage. Let’s offer some cleaning tips, then.

Washable wallpaper?

Washable wallpapers exist. Solid vinyl and fiberglass. These two are popular for their durability, water resistance, and washability when it comes to wall covering. Solid vinyl wallpaper may last up to 15 years, so consider it for high-humidity rooms like the kitchen and bathroom.

Most synthetic fabrics may be wet-cleaned due to their lustrous protective covering. Moisture may destroy natural wallpapers like bamboo, cloth, and plants. This includes natural and synthetic wallpapers.

Check the wallpaper label for composition and washable/non-washable properties. If you notice the manufacturer’s name, look online.

Wallpaper cleaning tips

After determining the sort of wallpaper you’re cleaning, prepare and begin. We’ll lead you through the procedure below. Stains and textured wallpaper may slow you down.

Washable wallpaper cleaning

Washable wallpaper may seem easy to clean, but there are still things to consider.

Dust the wallpaper from top of the wall. Otherwise, washing will be a mess. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to quickly remove dust. The vacuum cleaner is more effective than a duster. Start at the top and move down to gather any falling dust.

To clean your wallpaper effectively, you’ll need a variety of materials and tools on hand. Here’s a comprehensive list to get started:

• Duster or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for removing loose dust and debris.
• Rubber gloves to protect your hands during the cleaning process.
• A large container for mixing cleaning solutions.
• A clean soft sponge for applying the cleaning solution gently.
• Microfiber cloths to dry and polish the wallpaper without leaving streaks.
• Mild colorless soap, such as dish soap, to mix with warm water and create a gentle cleaning solution.
• White vinegar for spot cleaning stubborn marks and greasy stains.
• Warm and cold water to mix with soap and vinegar for different cleaning needs.
• A gum eraser for gently removing scuffs or pencil marks.
• Dough, which can be used to tackle specific stains without rough scrubbing.

Use dish soap and warm water instead of abrasive or harsh cleaners, which can harm wallpaper’s protective layer or produce discoloration patches. Soapy water and lukewarm water can clean your wallpaper’s surface. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of soap in 2 liters of water. Add more water if the solution becomes too soapy.

Wash every portion of the wallpaper dough. We recommend dividing the wall in half and working on each section separately. You shouldn’t drench the surface; work on stains afterward.

After cleaning, dry the wallpaper with a clean microfiber cloth or clean cloth. This collects moisture and dirt to avoid streaks. It’s crucial to do this immediately after washing to ensure that any remaining moisture and grime are effectively removed. By acting quickly, you prevent streaks from forming, maintaining the wallpaper’s pristine appearance.

Use vinegar to clear washable wallpaper spot clean. Vinegar helps remove greasy food, mold, and brown marks. It kills bacteria/fungus and dissolves grease.

By preparing with these materials and following these steps, you can maintain the pristine condition of your wallpaper and enhance your living space.

Dry wallpaper cleaning

These wallpapers cannot be wet-cleaned, thus cleaning them requires additional care. You can do this.

• Dust your wallpaper with a vacuum’s brush attachment. Textured fabrics and cloth wallpapers are readily destroyed. Don’t force the brush to remove dust.
• After dusting the wallpaper, search for stains. Remember to address them afterwards. This inspection step is crucial as it helps identify areas that require more attention during the cleaning process.
• Stains and spots may be difficult to remove from non-washable wallpapers, as liquid cleaners won’t work. Two options to dry cleaning exist:
  1. Dry cleaning soft sponges: These sponges effectively remove soot, smoke, and debris. They are reusable and safe for non-washables. Simply wipe the sponge over the stained areas gently.
  2. Dough or a putty-like dry cleaner: Did you know play-dough was first created to clean wallpaper? Really? This is a suggested solution for sensitive wallpaper since it poses no damage to the material. Simply roll the dough over the surface to remove filth.

By following these steps, you can maintain the beauty of your non-washable wallpaper without risking damage. Remember, gentle handling and appropriate materials are key to preserving delicate surfaces.

Wallpaper stains

Let’s focus on the most difficult portion of the work, removing wallpaper stains.

Grubby fingerprints

Fingerprints on wallpaper may not be noticeable until you look closely. Once you do, you may attempt removing them using a gum eraser.

Vinegar and water can remove handprints and grease-rich food stains from vinyl and washable wallpaper. Remember, vinegar dissolves grease?

Irons and blow dryers can securely remove stains from fragile fabrics. We propose the blow dryer approach for safety. It’s easy to control the amount of heat directed at the wallpaper, and there’s no possibility of iron-shaped burn marks.

Try dissolving the stain with a blow dryer and wiping it off. If that’s not enough, iron a cloth over the stain. This transfers oil to the fabric.

Moldy spots

Mold or water generate black patches on wallpaper. Both should be prevented from spreading.

You’ll need professionals to find and fix leaks in your home. Vinegar and water can sometimes destroy mould and remove cigarette smoke marks. This works well on vinyl and fiberglass wallpapers that can be cleaned with liquids.

If you have a lot of black mould, bleach and water will be more effective. Bleach may whiten fabrics, so don’t use it on dark wallpapers. Start with 1-2 tbsp bleach diluted in 1l water. Before applying additional, try a less noticeable place.

Crayon

Don’t panic if your kids doodle on the wallpaper. There’s a method to remedy this. Heat is the safest and most effective cleaning option. This increases your chances of removing crayon off wallpaper without scrubbing hard.

You may use an iron or blow dryer to break down stains and absorb them using a cloth or paper towel.

Remove excess material using a plastic scraper. Melt leftover crayon with blow dryer. Wipe. If your wallpaper allows, clean any spots with soap and water.

Discover: Dos and Don’ts of cleaning wallpaper

Here are a few principles for cleaning wallpaper that might help you avoid errors and replacement.

Dos

• Inspect wallpaper before cleaning. This helps you identify the material and find damage or stains.
• Always seek for a label, trademark, or other hints to find cleaning and maintenance instructions for a material.
• Food or color-rich liquids like coffee or wine should be cleaned quickly. Once in the wallpaper, they’re hard to remove.
• Only washable and durable wallpapers should be cleaned with vinegar, bleach, and soap and water.
• Every three months, dust wallpaper. Once a year, deep clean and spot treat. Kitchen, bathroom, and kids’ room are high-risk locations that need additional cleaning.
• Never use abrasive cleaners on washable or non-washable wallpaper.
• Don’t clean wallpaper without knowing its substance. You may ruin it.
• Don’t use water or water-based cleansers on non-washable wallpaper. Sometimes individuals experiment nevertheless, and the results may be terrible.
• Before cleaning the entire wall, test each cleaning procedure on a tiny, inconspicuous area.

Essential Supplies for Cleaning Wallpaper

To effectively clean your wallpaper, you’ll need a few key items that ensure both cleanliness and preservation of your wall coverings:

• Cleaning Tools:
  • A duster or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment helps in removing surface dust.
  • A large container to hold water mixes is essential for various cleaning tasks.
• Protective Gear and Cloths:
  • Rubber gloves are necessary to protect your hands from prolonged exposure to cleaning substances.
  • A microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping surfaces without leaving lint or scratches.
  • A soft, clean sponge is needed for more delicate scrubbing.
• Cleaning Solutions:
  • Use a mild, colorless soap for gentle cleaning purposes, ensuring no dye transfers to your wallpaper.
  • White vinegar can act as an effective natural cleaner to break down stains and odors.
• Water Supplies:
  • Both warm and cold water are required for preparing cleaning solutions and rinsing.
• Specialty Items:
  • A gum eraser can help in removing scuff marks without damaging the paper.
  • Dough, in some cases, can be used to lift off dirt and grime gently.

Assembling these supplies before starting your project will make the cleaning process efficient and effective, ensuring that your wallpaper remains in optimal condition.