Wallpaper Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Are you intimidated by the complexities of using wallpaper for your house? Think again. Decorating your house with wallpaper may not be difficult afterall. With proper techniques and knowledge on what to do, you will be able to keep your wallpaper clean and maintain its original vibrant color and design.
Dust and Dirt Removal
Removing dust and dirt from wallpapers is perhaps one of the easiest and most basic things you should do as part of wallpaper maintenance:
- First remove loose dust and dirt using a brush, working from top to bottom.
- Prepare a bucket of water and squirt dish liquid detergent just enough to create bubbles when water is agitated.
- Wet a sponge using the detergent solution then squeeze out excess water.
- Wipe the wall with the damp sponge following the seams and rinse the sponge as frequently as possible.
- Regardless of whether your wallpaper has horizontal or vertical seams, always work from bottom to top to avoid streaks and drips on the wallpaper below.
- Wipe dry the cleaned area immediately with a clean and dry towel before moving to the next section. This will prevent the wallpaper from soaking up too much moisture which can cause tearing.
Stain Removal
In removing stains, always test first your solution in a hidden or inconspicuous area of your wall since some solutions even those that are homemade may cause discoloration to your wallpaper. The following are some removal solutions for different kinds of stains:
- Crayon – To remove crayon from wallpaper, sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge or cloth then gently run on the affected area. You may double it with a mild detergent using the same procedure to thoroughly remove crayon.
- Ink stain – Baking soda paste may work as a stain remover for ink. Simply apply the paste on a damp cloth or sponge and then rub it gently on the wallpaper. Check frequently if it’s working before rubbing again (constant rubbing may damage your wallpaper).
- Wine or coffee stain – It’s easier to remove stains from wine, coffee or other beverages when you clean them before they set. For wet or dry stains from beverages, a common and effective solution is to mix water and a mild dish liquid detergent (the same solution used for removing dust and dirt mentioned above). Simply rub the solution gently on the affected area then wipe dry after each try. Repeat this procedure until the stain is completely removed.
- Grease – Prepare a cornstarch paste (water plus cornstarch) then apply on the greased area and let it dry. Once dry, remove the cornstarch using a vacuum or brush.
- Mold and mildew – Once you notice molds or mildew forming on your wallpaper, clean it immediately before the problem gets worse. One of the most effective solutions for removing these kinds of stains is with vinegar and water. Simply prepare a cup of water mixed with half a cup of white vinegar and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Moisten (enough to make it damp, not wet) the sponge with the solution and gently rub the affected area following the seams, wiping it dry every time before repeating the procedure. Do this until the molds or mildews are completely removed.
When cleaning or removing stains from your wallpaper, it is important to avoid using abrasive materials and cleaning solutions including cleaning products that contain bleaches because it will cause your wallpaper to fade or discolor.
With the abovementioned tips, cleaning and maintaining your wallpaper can now be easier.