Caring for wallcoverings

We know you will enjoy the texture and visual interest that wallpaper adds to an interior, as well as its long-lasting good looks.

Here are some tips on how to keep your wallpaper looking good

Keeping your wallpaper looking good is not difficult.

Care instructions depend upon the type of wallcovering you have had installed. This information is on the label, and usually stated as ‘washable’ or ‘scrubbable’ or ‘delicate’. Most modern wallcoverings have an easy-care vinyl coating which is designed to withstand normal day-to-day activities, but some are designed for their aesthetic value only and need to be treated accordingly.

• Washable wallpaper – wash with warm water, soap and a soft sponge.
• Scrubbable wallpaper – wash with warm water, soap and a soft brush.
• Wallpaper that is not washable or delicate may be cleaned when necessary with a dry cleaning sponge or a dry cleaning eraser, but test a small inconspicuous piece first.
• Paintable wallcovering, when painted, should be cleaned, when necessary according to the paint manufacturer’s intructions.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, products containing bleach, or solvents of any kind.
• For best results, wash from the bottom of the paper up to avoid dirty water running down the face of the wallpaper. Take care not to over-wet the surface of the paper.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water.
• Blot dry with a soft lint-free cloth.

General Guidelines:

Any stains and marks should be removed as soon as possible to avoid any possible reaction between the stain and the wallpaper. If a mark remains on the wallpaper too long, permanent discoloration may result.

Ordinary dirt spots can be removed with a mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Blot wallpaper dry with a soft lint-free towel.

For more difficult stains that are only surface deep, using a stronger detergent is recommended. However, try an inconspicuous spot first before attempting the entire wall. Always rinse carefully with a clean sponge after applying a detergent. Take care not to over-wet the surface of the paper. Avoid abrasive rubbing of spots so discoloration cannot appear.

Do not use steel wood or powdered cleaners, or active solvent-type preparations, such as nail polish remover, tar and bug removers etc. because they may damage the wallpaper.

One old and tried tip to remove crayon or felt pen, lipstick and biro marks – but only from smooth surfaced papers – is to lightly spray the mark with an aerosol hairspray, and then gently wipe off, with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with clean warm water – be careful not to over-wet the surface of the paper – and blot dry with a soft cloth.