Wallpaper, just like everything else that lives in our homes, requires care and attention to keep it looking good. Even those hard to reach spots don’t like to be ignored and here are some tips on how to keep your wallpaper happy and clean.
Fabric Wall Cleaner
As a general rule, walls covered with fabric like velvet, burlap, cloth etc should be vacuumed only.
Wallpaper Cleaner
Today, many types of wallpaper are washable. Be careful not to get the paper too wet as you clean with a little dish soap mixed into a pail of warm water. As an alternative, you can also mix 2 tablespoons ammonia with 4 cups of warm water.
Wallpaper Marks
Many marks on wallpaper can be removed with an art gum eraser or a dry sponge. To eliminate grease marks, mix some baking soda with water, let dry and wipe off with a damp cloth. If the source of the grease mark is wax like from a candle or crayon, try melting the wax by holding a folded paper towel over the spot with one hand and a medium-heat iron against the towel with the other. (Use your third hand to balance a ball on your nose, if either of you are bored.) Most of the wax will melt into the paper towel. Rubbing alcohol can be applied to any residual coloring, and that should remove it. Many wallpaper stains and marks can be treated as if the walls were painted, but test on an inconspicuous area first.
Removing Wallpaper
Always remember to score the wallpaper surface with a fork or sharp knife. This allows the cleaner to better penetrate. Often wallpaper can be removed by soaking with warm water and dish soap. (When you are finished and relaxed, then do the wallpaper. Only kidding.) Scrape the surface with a wallpaper scraper.
Do YOU have an wallpaper cleaning tips to add? Please share.
Related Reading:
“Cleaning Those Wooden Floors”