How To Properly Clean and Maintain Your Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a fantastic way to add personality, texture, and warmth to your home. However, if you want them to retain their charm, you need to learn how to clean and maintain them properly. Wallpaper, like any surface in your home, gathers dust, stains, and grime over time. Neglecting maintenance affects its aesthetics and shortens its lifespan.
By learning how to care for your wallpaper, you’ll keep it looking pristine while protecting your investment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about properly cleaning and maintaining your wallpaper.
Why Proper Maintenance of Wallpaper Is Essential
Maintaining wallpaper isn’t just about keeping it visually appealing. Wallpaper works as an integral design element, often setting the tone for a room. Regular upkeep ensures that patterns remain vibrant and the colors stay fresh. Proper cleaning prolongs the life of your wallpaper and maintains a clean and hygienic indoor environment, especially since walls tend to collect dust and airborne particles. Ignoring consistent care might lead to discoloration, peeling, or even irreparable damage. Besides aesthetics, clean wallpaper contributes positively to the overall atmosphere of a room, ensuring your walls match the level of care you dedicate to the rest of your space.
Investing a bit of time in maintenance ensures you get the most out of your wallpaper for years to come. Consistency is key. By integrating small habits—like vacuuming and addressing stains quickly—you can avoid more intensive cleaning later on. Taking care of your wallpaper saves costs and time in the future and keeps your home looking polished. Make it a point to prioritize wallpaper care as part of your overall cleaning routine.
Types of Wallpaper and Their Specific Care Instructions
Not all wallpapers are equal, and the care they require depends on their material. Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most commonly used types because it’s durable and washable. It can handle a damp sponge easily, making cleaning straightforward. Paper-based wallpapers may only allow light cleaning with a slightly damp cloth because excessive moisture can damage them. Similarly, textured wallpapers need a soft brush during cleaning to avoid flattening the details. Finally, peel-and-stick wallpaper may be less durable, and you should clean it lightly to preserve its adhesive properties. Knowing what material you’re working with allows you to tailor your care routine accordingly.
Tools and Materials Required for Wallpaper Cleaning and Maintenance
The right tools and materials make a huge difference when it comes to properly cleaning and maintaining your wallpaper. Basic maintenance requires a few simple tools like a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush extension. For more intensive cleaning tasks, prepare warm water, mild soap, and non-abrasive sponges or rags.
Don’t use harsh cleaners or abrasive materials, as these can damage the texture and print of your wallpaper. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden portion of the wallpaper to avoid surprises. By equipping yourself with the right tools upfront, you’ll make cleaning tasks far easier and safer.
Prep Your Wallpaper for Deep Cleaning
Prepping your wallpaper for a deep clean starts with surface cleaning. Surface dust tends to gather in corners, along baseboards, and around high edges, so these areas need attention first. Use a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush extension to gently sweep away dust and debris. Make sure to go over the surface evenly to avoid missing spots.
Focus on consistency as you work around the room. Clean from top to bottom, paying extra attention to nooks where airborne dust often settles. Remember not to apply heavy pressure during cleaning to avoid causing damage. A gentle but thorough cleaning ensures that your wallpaper maintains its beauty between deeper cleaning sessions, and the process is straightforward when done regularly.
This step isn’t just for show; it makes deep cleaning more effective since it removes particles that could scratch the surface. Surface cleaning is also a good habit to get into. Wiping down your walls in between deep cleans—or about every two months or so—is an easy way to keep your wallpaper vibrant, pristine, and beautiful.
How To Deep Clean Your Wallpaper
When surface cleaning isn’t enough, it’s time for a deep clean. To get started, prepare a solution of warm water and mild soap. Avoid any harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the material. Use a damp, non-abrasive sponge or cloth for the process—also, a soaking wet material can harm your wallpaper and leave water stains.
Work on small sections of the wall at a time. Gently scrub the surface using circular motions so you don’t miss any areas. Follow up by drying the cleaned area with a soft cloth to prevent moisture from soaking into the wallpaper.
Achieving a consistent finish is key during deep cleaning. Avoid uneven cleaning patterns or lingering too long on one spot, as this can lead to discoloration. By maintaining equal pressure throughout and consistently drying as you go, your wallpaper will look refreshed without any signs of wear. Proper deep cleaning elevates the wallpaper’s appearance and protects it from long-term damage.
Tips for Preventing Damage and Wear on Wallpaper Over Time
While cleaning helps, preventing damage in the first place is just as important. Avoid placing furniture or sharp objects too close to your walls to prevent scuffs and tears. For rooms with high humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms, ensure proper ventilation to reduce the risk of moisture damage. Additionally, keeping pets or young children away from areas prone to damage can save you the hassle of scratches or stains.
Routine maintenance also plays a role in prevention. Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule ensures that dirt doesn’t accumulate and becomes harder to remove. Wiping away dust every couple of months and addressing stains promptly are effective ways to prevent wear. Taking these proactive measures ensures your wallpaper remains in fantastic condition.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Wallpaper
Many wallpaper damages occur due to avoidable cleaning mistakes. One of the most common is using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that permanently ruin the surface. Another mistake is excessive moisture, like using a soaking wet cloth or sponge, which can lead to water damage or cause adhesives to weaken. Failing to test your cleaning solution on a hidden spot can result in unpleasant surprises, such as discoloration or smudging.
Also, don’t be aggressive when scrubbing stains. Handling stains with a heavy hand can worsen the problem rather than fix it. Always treat stains gently and with the proper materials to avoid damaging the print or texture. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll keep your wallpaper looking flawless and avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.
Find Designer Wallpaper at Olivia + Poppy
Designing your dream space has never been easier than it is with Olivia + Poppy. As an online wallpaper supplier, we make it easy to find the perfect look for your home. Shop our gorgeous collections and find the design that speaks to you when you visit us today.