How To: Clean Wallpaper

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How To: Clean Wallpaper and hope the blog can help you.

Clean away the gray cast of dust, dirt, grease, and more from your wallpaper in three steps—or less.

Is your wallpaper looking a little tired? Over time, dust and moisture can discolor, leaving papered walls dingier than the day they were covered. Wallpaper in the kitchen can become coated with cooking sprays, smoke, and evaporated oils, creating a sticky surface where dust will readily stick and shadow the wall. Meanwhile, wallpaper in the bathroom, where it’s exposed to high humidity and splashes of water, may become moldy and mildewed in spots. If very saturated—say, from a leak or burst pipe—water can also seep through walls and release tannins from the underlying wood, staining your wallpaper.

Fortunately, you can remove the scuffs and grime with a few relatively simple methods outlined below. Be sure to consider your specific type of wall covering and what it can handle, then continue reading to learn how to clean wallpaper effectively.

Find trusted local pros for any home project

Find Pros Now

+

Before doing a deep clean, determine what type of wallpaper you have. Vinyl wallpaper is the most popular, but wallpaper is getting a reboot, thanks to new materials and technologies. As such, there are more options to choose from, each with its own set of cleaning considerations depending on the durability of the material. Here are the seven to know.

• Vinyl: This variety of wallpaper is most common in homes because of its affordability and general resilience. Older or inexpensive versions can have an “artificial” or plastic-look, although newer vinyl papers can also imitate stone, wood, and other natural surfaces. Designed to last 10 to 20 years, vinyl wallpaper is often found in kitchens and bathrooms because it’s rather resistant to water and dirt damage—and this same durability makes it able to withstand a deeper clean than most types of wallpaper.
• Fiberglass: Also known as “glass cloth” wallpaper, fiberglass is an ultra-durable wall covering that is also flame-resistant. It can be used to patch wall cracks or completely cover the ceiling or wall with a subtle decorative pattern. With a 30-year lifespan, it is an expensive but high-performance option. Like vinyl, it can handle soap and water, as well as non-abrasive cleaning liquids, to remove stains. Best of all it is highly durable, fade-resistant, and saves money over time by reducing repair and maintenance costs.
• Cellulose: Traditional vintage wallpaper—includin historic brands like Morris & Company (founded by designer William Morris)—is mainly composed of cellulose, the plant fibers derived from wood pulp. Colors tend to fade over time, and they are susceptible to water damage. Newer technologies mix cellulose and cotton fiber to create liquid wallpaper, a breathable and eco-friendly wall covering that is applied like paint but offers more texture options. Plant-based wallpaper of all kinds should not be cleaned with harsh chemicals or exposed to high humidity.
• Fabric: Embossed, textured, and textile wallpapers are increasingly popular today. They can also be very expensive, especially when high-quality materials are used, like silk, linen, velvet, or raffia. Fabrics vary in water-resistance, so cautious when cleaning fabric wallpaper. For best care, use dry dusting and vacuuming, rather than liquid cleaners. For any lasting stains, contact the manufacturer or an expert.
• Bamboo: Bamboo wallpaper is plant-based, sustainable, and eco-friendly. It also resists certain microbes and allows walls to breathe. However, it can be damaged by water and therefore is not recommended for high-humidity areas like kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms. Do not clean with water.
• Hybrid: Non-woven wallpaper is a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. This hybrid material allows walls to breathe and is eco-friendly. It is also more expensive and non-washable, making daily upkeep and dusting essential.
• Removable: “Temporary” wallpaper, made from high-performance vinyl or woven polyester (or even more eco-friendly options), offers flexible home design. Renters and homeowners can peel off the backing and press the adhesive against a wall. The low-tack adhesive coating works best with semi-gloss, satin, or eggshell paint finishes (rather than matte). When placed in low-humidity areas, removable wallpaper can last several years.

If yours is a cellulose, fabric, bamboo, hybrid, or removable wallpaper, stick to Step 1 (below), only lightly dusting or vacuuming walls. Many natural fibers and fabrics can be damaged by water and cleaning chemicals, so contact the manufacturer before tackling a stain.

Vinyl and fiberglass wallpapers—the most durable of the bunch—are the exceptions. Either can be cleaned with all-purpose cleaning sprays or the gentle cleaning method outlined below. Even so, proceed with care: Work with non-abrasive chemicals (no powders) and soft cleaning pads or sponges only (no scouring pads) so that you do not scratch, tear, or otherwise damage the surface. Don’t use Mr. Clean Magic Erasers or any other melamine scrubbers, which contain very fine abrasives.

Methods for Cleaning Wallpaper