To clean walls with wallpaper, start with gentle dusting and spot cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals and excessive moisture.
Here's a more detailed approach:
1. Regular Dusting:
- About once a month, use a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer Dusters Heavy Duty Super Extender to thoroughly dust the wallpapered walls. The Swiffer's extendable handle and swivel head are especially useful for reaching high corners and ceiling seams.
2. Spot Cleaning:
- For spots or stains, use a soft, damp sponge or cloth.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the wallpaper isn't damaged or discolored.
- For mild stains, try a mixture of mild dish soap and water.
- Gently blot the stain, working from the outside in. Avoid rubbing vigorously, which can damage the wallpaper.
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
- Dry the area with a soft, clean cloth.
3. Precautions:
- Avoid abrasive cleaners: These can scratch or damage the wallpaper's surface.
- Limit moisture: Excessive moisture can loosen the wallpaper's adhesive and cause it to peel.
- Don't use harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and other strong chemicals can discolor or damage the wallpaper.
- Identify your wallpaper type: Certain wallpapers are more delicate and require specific cleaning methods. If you're unsure, consult the manufacturer's instructions.
Example:
Imagine you have a grease stain on your wallpaper in the kitchen. First, gently blot the area with a dry cloth to remove any excess grease. Then, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water. Dampen a soft sponge with the soapy water and gently blot the stain, working from the outside in. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a soft towel.
