How to Clean Wallpaper: The Complete Care Guide

Short answer: Dust wallpaper regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum brush attachment. For marks and stains, use a barely damp sponge with mild soap solution, blotting gently rather than rubbing. Always identify your wallpaper type first, as vinyl-coated and non-woven wallpapers tolerate moisture well, while traditional uncoated paper should only be dusted. Never use bleach, abrasive cleaners, or magic erasers on wallpaper.

Wallpaper is more durable than most people expect, but it does need the right care to maintain its colour and finish over time. The cleaning method depends entirely on the wallpaper type, and using the wrong product or technique can cause permanent damage.

This guide covers cleaning methods for every wallpaper type, stain removal techniques, what products to avoid, and long-term care advice to keep your walls looking their best.

Cleaning Methods by Wallpaper Type

Before cleaning your wallpaper, you need to know what type it is. Different materials tolerate different levels of moisture and cleaning products.

Wallpaper Type	Water Tolerance	Recommended Cleaning	Avoid
Vinyl-coated	High — can be wiped and gently scrubbed	Damp sponge with mild soap, wring thoroughly	Abrasive pads, bleach, ammonia
Non-woven (paste the wall)	Moderate — can be wiped gently	Damp cloth with plain water or mild soap	Soaking, harsh chemicals, scrubbing
Peel and stick	Moderate — surface can be wiped	Soft damp cloth, plain water	Soaking edges, abrasives, strong solvents
Traditional uncoated paper	Very low — moisture causes damage	Dry dusting only, or very light dabbing	Any wet cleaning, rubbing, chemicals
Grasscloth/natural fibre	None — water stains permanently	Dry dusting or vacuum only	All moisture, chemicals, rubbing

Step 1: Dust Before You Clean

Before any wet cleaning, remove loose dust and cobwebs from the wallpaper surface. Dust accumulates gradually and, when mixed with moisture during cleaning, can create muddy streaks.

Dusting methods:

• Microfibre cloth: Gently wipe the surface from top to bottom. The microfibre traps dust rather than spreading it.
• Vacuum with brush attachment: Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Hold it just off the surface to avoid scratching or pulling at seams. Use the lowest suction setting.
• Feather duster or lambswool duster: Effective for delicate wallpapers like grasscloth or uncoated paper where even light pressure risks damage.

Dust your wallpaper every 2-3 months as part of your regular cleaning routine. This prevents build-up and keeps the surface looking fresh between deeper cleans.

Step 2: Spot Test Your Cleaning Solution

Before cleaning any visible area, test your solution on a small, hidden section of wallpaper. Behind furniture, inside a wardrobe alcove, or near the skirting board in an inconspicuous corner are ideal test spots.

1. Apply a small amount of your cleaning solution to the test area.
2. Wait 10 minutes.
3. Check for any discolouration, bubbling, peeling, or change in texture.
4. If the wallpaper looks unchanged, proceed with cleaning the rest of the wall.

This step takes moments and can save you from ruining an entire wall.

Step 3: General Cleaning

For vinyl-coated and non-woven wallpaper:

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water.
2. Dampen a soft sponge in the solution and wring it thoroughly. The sponge should be barely damp, not dripping.
3. Wipe the wallpaper gently, working in small sections from top to bottom.
4. Rinse your sponge frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
5. Follow with a clean, dry cloth to blot excess moisture.
6. Allow the wallpaper to air dry completely.

For peel and stick wallpaper:

1. Use plain warm water and a soft cloth.
2. Wring the cloth until barely damp.
3. Wipe gently, avoiding the seams and edges where moisture could affect the adhesive.
4. Dry promptly with a soft, dry cloth.

Olive et Oriel peel and stick wallpaper features a wipeable surface that handles gentle cleaning well. Avoid pressing hard near panel edges, as this can lift the adhesive over time.

For traditional uncoated paper wallpaper:

Wet cleaning is not recommended for uncoated paper. Stick to dry dusting. For marks, try a clean art eraser (the white, non-abrasive type) rubbed very gently over the mark. If the mark persists, it may not be removable without damaging the paper.

For grasscloth and natural fibre wallpaper:

These materials stain permanently when wet. Dust only. For marks, consult the manufacturer's care instructions, as each natural fibre responds differently.

Stain Removal Guide

Different stains require different approaches. Always blot rather than rub — rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the material and can damage the printed surface.

Stain Type	Method	Notes
Grease/oil	Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the stain, allow to dry completely, then brush off gently with a soft cloth.	The baking soda absorbs the grease as it dries. Repeat if needed.
Fingerprints	Wipe gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap solution.	Address promptly — old fingerprints are harder to remove.
Crayon	Apply a small amount of white (not gel) toothpaste to a soft cloth. Rub gently over the crayon mark. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.	Works on vinyl-coated and non-woven wallpapers. Test first.
Pencil/graphite	Use a clean white art eraser. Rub gently in one direction.	Do not use pink erasers, which can leave colour behind.
Scuff marks	Wipe with a damp cloth. For stubborn scuffs on vinyl, use a small amount of white toothpaste.	Do not use magic erasers — they remove printed designs.
Food splashes	Blot immediately with a dry cloth. Once dry, wipe gently with a damp cloth and mild soap.	The sooner you address food stains, the easier they are to remove.
Mould/mildew	Mix one part white vinegar to three parts water. Apply with a cloth, blot gently, and dry thoroughly.	Address the moisture source first. Mould indicates a ventilation or waterproofing issue.
Ink (ballpoint)	Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud. Blot gently. Do not rub.	Test in a hidden area first — alcohol can affect some prints.

What NOT to Use on Wallpaper

Some common cleaning products can permanently damage wallpaper. Avoid these:

• Bleach: Causes discolouration and can break down wallpaper coatings.
• Ammonia-based cleaners: Can dissolve inks and damage printed designs.
• Magic erasers (melamine sponges): These are micro-abrasives that work by sanding the surface. They will remove the printed design along with the stain.
• Abrasive scrubbing pads: Scratch the surface and damage coatings.
• Excess water: Soaking wallpaper can reactivate adhesive, cause bubbling, and promote mould growth behind the paper.
• Harsh solvents (acetone, turpentine): Dissolve adhesives and damage prints. Even nail polish remover can ruin wallpaper.
• Steam cleaners: The combination of heat and moisture can peel wallpaper off the wall, distort prints, and damage adhesive.

Maintaining Colour and Preventing Fading

UV light is the primary cause of wallpaper fading over time. Here is how to protect your wallpaper's colour:

• Use window treatments. Curtains, blinds, or sheer curtains filter UV light and reduce direct sun exposure on your wallpaper.
• Apply UV-filtering window film. Transparent films applied to glass can block up to 99% of UV rays without darkening the room.
• Choose UV-resistant wallpaper. Olive et Oriel wallpaper is printed with UV-resistant inks that offer improved fade resistance compared to standard prints.
• Rotate furniture. If furniture casts shadows on wallpaper, move it periodically to ensure even light exposure and prevent shadow lines.
• Avoid placing wallpaper on north-facing walls in Australia where direct sun exposure is most intense, or use UV protection if you do.

Olive et Oriel Product Care

Our wallpapers are printed on premium substrates designed for easy maintenance.

Peel and stick wallpaper:

• Wipeable surface tolerates gentle cleaning with a damp cloth.
• Avoid soaking edges and seams.
• Address marks promptly for easiest removal.
• Printed with UV-resistant inks.

Paste-the-wall wallpaper:

• Non-woven substrate can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap solution.
• More durable surface than peel and stick — suitable for higher-traffic areas.
• Printed with UV-resistant inks.
• Ideal for kitchens and hallways where cleaning is more frequent.

Both types are custom-printed in Australia and ship free with express delivery. Order a sample for $4.99 to test the material before committing to a full order.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Considerations

Kitchen wallpaper

Kitchens produce grease, steam, and food splashes. Choose vinyl-coated or non-woven wallpaper for the best durability. Clean monthly with a mild soap solution. Install wallpaper away from direct splashback areas, or protect with a clear splashback panel behind the stove and sink.

Bathroom wallpaper

Humidity is the main concern. Ensure your bathroom has adequate ventilation (an exhaust fan is essential) to prevent moisture accumulating behind the wallpaper. Wipe down wallpaper after particularly steamy showers if condensation forms. Paste-the-wall wallpaper handles bathroom humidity better than peel and stick.

Children's rooms

Expect fingerprints, crayon, stickers, and scuffs. Vinyl-coated wallpaper is the most practical choice for children's spaces. Keep a small supply of mild soap solution and a soft cloth handy for prompt stain treatment. Prompt attention to marks prevents staining from setting.

Hallways and entryways

High-traffic areas collect scuffs and marks from bags, shoes, and hands. Dust more frequently (monthly rather than quarterly) and spot-clean marks as they appear. Non-woven paste-the-wall wallpaper is more durable in these areas than peel and stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wipe down wallpaper?

Yes, most modern wallpapers can be wiped with a damp cloth. Vinyl-coated and non-woven wallpapers are the most water-resistant. Traditional uncoated paper wallpaper should only be dusted or very lightly dabbed.

What should you not use to clean wallpaper?

Never use abrasive cleaners, bleach, ammonia-based products, magic erasers, or rough scrubbing brushes on wallpaper. Avoid soaking the wallpaper with excessive water, as moisture can reactivate the adhesive and cause peeling or bubbling.

How do you remove stains from wallpaper?

For grease stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water, let it dry, then brush off gently. For crayon marks, use a small amount of white toothpaste on a soft cloth. For general marks, a solution of mild dish soap and warm water applied with a soft sponge is effective. Always blot rather than rub.

Can you use vinegar to clean wallpaper?

A very dilute vinegar solution (one tablespoon of white vinegar per litre of warm water) can be used on vinyl-coated and non-woven wallpapers. Do not use vinegar on uncoated paper wallpaper or delicate prints, as the acidity can cause discolouration.

How often should you clean wallpaper?

Dust wallpaper every 2-3 months. Spot-clean marks as they appear. A deeper wipe-down is recommended every 6-12 months for high-traffic areas. Kitchen wallpaper may need monthly cleaning.

How do you clean wallpaper in a kitchen?

Use a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Wring your sponge until barely damp and wipe gently. For grease spots, apply the baking soda paste method. Clean kitchen wallpaper monthly to prevent build-up.

Can you clean peel and stick wallpaper?

Yes. Peel and stick wallpaper can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Use plain water or a very mild soap solution. Avoid soaking the edges, as excess moisture near the seams can affect the adhesive.

How do you prevent wallpaper from fading?

UV light is the primary cause of fading. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window film on windows that receive direct sunlight. Choose wallpapers printed with UV-resistant inks, like those from Olive et Oriel.

Looking after your wallpaper is simple when you know the right techniques. For more guidance, explore our installation guide, removal guide, and measuring guide. Browse our full collection of peel and stick and paste-the-wall wallpaper — all custom-sized, printed in Australia, with free express shipping.