How to Protect and Clean Wallpaper

Everything needs to be cleaned every now and then, and while some wallpapers stand up well to cleaning, it's best not to count on that fact.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid Dish Soap
• Clean Rags
• Sponges
• Stain Removers
• Wallpaper

Instructions

1. Note, when you buy the paper, what the store and the manufacturer recommend for both cleaning and protection.

2. Use a sponge or rag to lightly apply soapy water to vinyl-coated paper.

3. Apply a special cleaning gel or liquid to paper that is not already coated with some kind of protection (rare these days). If you don't know what kind of paper you have, bring a sample to the store - even if you have to take a piece from some inconspicuous place on your wall. Or pick that same spot and experiment with different cleaners.

4. Protect your wallpaper by applying a protective coating - also a liquid or gel that you can buy. Before you apply the coating, be sure the paper is clean and dry, or you might have to live with a disagreeable stain forever.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes a simple pencil eraser will remove a stain.

• Some stores recommend a "cleaning dough" to remove stains.

• Some stains can never be removed, and you'll have to replace the stained section (see "How to Repair Wallpaper" in the Related eHows).

• Avoid scrubbing too hard or getting the paper too wet. There's a fine line between cleaning your wallpaper and suddenly having to repair it.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish