Have you ever noticed how the atmosphere in a room changes after a thorough cleaning? Clean and well-maintained walls are not only pleasing to the eye but also create a feeling of freshness that is so often lacking in modern life. However, no matter how much effort you put into renovating your interior, even luxurious decor will quickly fade without attention to detail. This raises the obvious question: how can you care for different types of wallpaper to preserve their brightness, texture, and aesthetics for many years to come? Are there universal techniques, or are there pitfalls for each type of covering?
Thin paper-based wallpaper boasts a natural beauty and a variety of color options, but it should be treated with the same care as an antique manuscript. Wet cleaning can damage the paper's structure and cause the pattern to fade, while intense rubbing can wear away the surface. To remove dust, experts recommend using a soft microfiber duster and avoiding even slightly damp cloths. According to cleaning expert Maria R., minor stains can be treated with a stationery eraser, applying minimal pressure. To remove grease stains, some experts recommend placing a soft cloth on the stain and ironing it with a warm iron. This method carries certain risks, so it is advisable to try it out on an inconspicuous area first.
Next-generation materials such as non-woven and vinyl wallpaper are designed with the needs of modern families in mind, where cleanliness is often put to the test daily. As noted in the 2022 Cleaning Industry Management Standard review, these coverings permit the use of mild detergents and even wiping with a damp cloth. Such wallpaper is especially popular in kitchens and hallways, as it is more resistant to stains and mechanical damage. Manufacturers recommend using pH-neutral compounds to prevent damage to the outer layer. According to leading brands, vinyl and non-woven wallpaper can last up to 10–15 years with regular care and without the use of harsh solvents.
Fabric and velour wallpaper resemble designer dresses: striking, unusual, but requiring delicate handling. Like any other fabric surface, they can accumulate dust. In this case, they become an undesirable element in rooms where people spend a lot of time.
This is especially true today, when remote work, iGaming, streaming services, and food delivery allow us to get everything we need without leaving home. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention to cleaning the surfaces of our home of dust so that we do not inhale it throughout the day. However, in the case of fabric wallpaper, this process has some nuances.
Washing with water and detergents is contraindicated — even brief exposure to moisture leads to deformation of the fibers and loss of texture. The best solution is to use a low-power vacuum cleaner attachment or gently dry clean with viscose napkins that do not scratch the surface. Modern fabrics with a protective Teflon coating are exciting: according to manufacturers, such wallpaper requires virtually no regular maintenance and can remain fresh for a long time without complicated procedures. The myth that velour wallpaper can be cleaned with a damp sponge often leads to damage — experts at Clean House emphasize the importance of minimal contact with water.
Wallpaper made from natural materials such as bamboo, grass, wood chips, or cork is at the peak of popularity. For such coverings, the key factor is impregnation with an anti-dust solution that repels dirt. In the case of lacquer treatment, gentle damp cleaning is permitted, but aggressive agents are not allowed. When it comes to walls painted after wallpapering, it is preferable to follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations. Durable latex coatings can be treated with cleaning agents, while water-based compositions require careful wiping with a slightly damp cloth. As noted by experts from the ProDecor portal, successful care depends on understanding the surface's structure and selecting the appropriate technique.
In life, it is not uncommon for unexpected stains of glue, ink, food, or grease to appear on wallpaper.
Glue stains can be easily removed with a damp cloth if they have not been left for several hours. For more stubborn stains, such as ink, experts recommend gently soaking them with a solution of potassium permanganate or citric acid. It is essential to test the treatment on an inconspicuous area first. For fresh grease, an old home remedy is surprisingly effective: apply a piece of white bread to the stain and leave it for a few minutes to absorb the oil. Some owners use a slightly moistened napkin with gasoline, but professionals caution that such methods require caution due to the potential interaction with the dye pigment. Common myths about “magical” home remedies are often not confirmed in practice.
Cleaning industry professionals remind us that even harmless-looking products should be tested on a hidden area first. Dangerous mistakes include using products with solvents and strong chemicals, which can not only damage the texture but also alter the color of the coating. Modern life hacks include the use of antistatic brushes and microfiber cloths with antibacterial treatment. Such tools help maintain freshness without the risk of damaging the material's structure. The appearance of an unpleasant odor is often associated with improper drying after cleaning; here, ventilation and the sequence of cleaning steps are crucial.
Many homeowners ask themselves: when can wallpaper be cared for independently, and in what cases is it better to turn to professionals? As noted by master dry cleaner Elena Orlova, deep and stubborn stains, structural damage, or the need to clean a large room in a short period are all reasons to trust the experts. The criteria for choosing a home method may include the material of the covering, your experience, and the availability of specialized products. Your experience may help other readers: tell us about your successes or failures in caring for wallpaper, ask questions to experts, and share useful findings in the discussion.
In modern interior design, it is essential to combine meticulous attention to detail with the application of scientifically proven recommendations. Then the walls will not just be a frame for your home, but a reflection of the care you take of every corner of it.
Material prepared with the support of app1win.com