Cleaning Wallpaper Stains

Cleaning Wallpaper Stains: Tips and Tricks

Wallpaper is a beautiful addition to any home. It adds texture, color, and pattern to walls, making a room come to life. However, one downside of wallpaper is that it can be prone to stains. Wallpaper stains are not only unsightly but can be challenging to remove. Whether the stains are caused by crayons, markers, or food spills, it’s essential to know how to clean them without damaging the wallpaper. In this article, we’ll go over some tips and tricks for cleaning wallpaper stains.

Identify the Type of Wallpaper

Before attempting to remove stains, it’s essential to know what type of wallpaper you have. Some wallpapers can be easily damaged by water or cleaning solutions, while others are more durable. Most wallpapers fall into one of the following categories:

1. Vinyl Wallpaper: This is the most common type of wallpaper and is made of a layer of vinyl on top of paper or fabric. It’s durable and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
2. Non-woven Wallpaper: This type of wallpaper is made of a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers, making it more durable than traditional paper wallpaper. It’s also resistant to tears and is easy to install and remove.
3. Textured Wallpaper: This type of wallpaper has a 3D texture, making it perfect for adding depth to a room. It’s also more durable than traditional wallpaper, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
4. Grasscloth Wallpaper: This type of wallpaper is made from natural grasses and is not recommended for areas with high humidity or moisture.
5. Foil Wallpaper: This type of wallpaper has a metallic finish, making it perfect for adding a touch of glam to a room. It’s not recommended for areas with high humidity or moisture.

Each type of wallpaper requires a different cleaning method, so it’s essential to know what type you have before attempting to remove stains.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Clean, white cloth
• Sponge
• Warm water
• Wallpaper cleaner or mild soap
• Razor blade or plastic scraper (for textured wallpaper)
• Dry cleaning sponge (for grasscloth wallpaper)
• Vinegar (for foil wallpaper)

General Tips for Cleaning Wallpaper Stains

1. Test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the wallpaper first to ensure it doesn’t damage the wallpaper.
2. Use a clean, white cloth when cleaning wallpaper to avoid transferring dye or color from the cloth onto the wallpaper.
3. Avoid using abrasive materials or cleaners on wallpaper as they can scratch or damage the wallpaper.
4. Always work from the outside of the stain towards the center to avoid spreading the stain.

Cleaning Stains from Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is the easiest to clean as it’s durable and can handle water and cleaning solutions. Follow these steps to clean stains from vinyl wallpaper:

1. Mix warm water with a mild soap or wallpaper cleaner.
2. Dip a clean sponge into the solution and wring out any excess water.
3. Gently blot the stained area with the sponge, working from the outside towards the center.
4. Rinse the sponge in clean water and repeat until the stain is removed.
5. Use a clean, white cloth to blot the area dry.

Cleaning Stains from Non-woven Wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper is more durable than traditional paper wallpaper but still requires gentle cleaning. Follow these steps to clean stains from non-woven wallpaper:

1. Mix warm water with a mild soap or wallpaper cleaner.
2. Dip a clean sponge into the solution and wring out any excess water.
3. Gently blot the stained area with the sponge, working from the outside towards the center.
4. Rinse the sponge in clean water and repeat.