Many homeowners worry about cleaning wallpaper for fear of damaging it, or worse, causing it to peel off. Luckily, at Cleanipedia, we have just the thing to help you! Follow our step-by-step guide on how to clean wallpaper, from vinyl wallpaper to fabric wallpaper. After reading this guide, you'll know how to get the job done without causing any damage.
How to Clean Wallpaper Without Damaging It
When wallpaper is placed in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, entertainment areas and bedrooms, it can be prone to getting dusty and stained. Washing wallpaper is a simple enough process, you just need to know how to do it. Here is our step-by-step guide to get your wallpaper looking sparkling and new.
Step #1 – Determine the Wallpaper Type
It’s important to know what type of wallpaper you’re working with. Vinyl and fabric wallpaper is pretty easy to wipe down and clean because of the vinyl or acrylic coating it has on top, whereas paper wallpaper does not have a film covering it and therefore should not get wet. For paper wallpaper and any other wallpaper that doesn’t have a vinyl film, you should rather spot clean areas that need it as opposed to cleaning it with a damp cloth.
Step #2 – Dust
Dusting the wallpaper is an important step in clearing any excess dirt before cleaning. You can use a soft, microfibre cloth for easy-to-reach places, and use a soft-bristled broom for higher or harder-to-reach places. If you don’t have any of these, a vacuum cleaner will work just as well. When using this, just be careful not to press too hard on the wallpaper to avoid tearing it.
Step #3 – Clean
For all wallpapers, except paper, mix two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid, like Sunlight, in a bucket of warm water. Dip a clean, microfibre cloth into the water and wring out any excess water. Wash the walls gently in a circular motion. Be sure to follow the vertical grain of the wallpaper.
Step #4 – Rinse and Dry
Pour out the dirty water and refill the bucket with clean, warm water. Using a new cloth, dip it in the water and wring it out again. Wipe down the wallpaper to remove any excess soap. Then using a drying cloth (a microfibre cloth works well here) dry the wall to make sure no moisture is left on the wallpaper.
Step #5 – Removing Stains
If you just want to spot-clean an area of wallpaper, or you have paper wallpaper, there are a few simple ways to just clean an area on the wall.
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For wine or coffee stains, mix a solution of dishwashing liquid like Sunlight Dishwashing Liquid and hydrogen peroxide. Use a clean cloth to dab the solution onto the stain and leave for five minutes. Wipe off and clean with warm water. Don’t forget to dab it dry too.
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For grease, oil or butter stains, place some paper towel over the stain and iron the paper towel on low heat. The heat actually makes the grease seep into the paper towel.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Wallpaper
Here are a few absolute no-no’s when cleaning wallpaper:
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Don’t use too much dishwashing liquid when washing the walls, as too much can leave a film of film on the wallpaper and actually attract dirt.
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Never use anything abrasive like a scrubbing brush or hard bristled brush when washing the walls.
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Never clean against the grain but rather move in the direction of the vertical seams of the wallpaper to avoid lifting a seam.
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Never leave the wallpaper damp, always dry off the wall well after washing.
Are you keen to know how to clean painted walls? Read our blog on How to Clean Your Walls Properly.
For more floor and surface cleaning tips and tricks, visit Cleanipedia today.
