How do I clean wallpaper without damaging it?
Dust it first, then match the method to the paper. Vinyl takes a lightly damp sponge and mild soap, non-woven can be wiped lightly but not soaked, and plain paper and natural fibres are best cleaned dry. Test a hidden spot, wring the cloth out well, never scrub, and skip bleach and strong cleaners.
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By Kasra Taheri, Founder, LoclisPublished
Researched and drafted with AI, then checked claim by claim against the sources listed below before it was published. Prices and rules change; the dates beside each source say when it was last checked.
Step by step
Read when to stop and call a pro, further down this page, before you start.
Step 1: Find out what you have
Check the roll label or the maker's care sheet if you kept it. Vinyl, non-woven and plain paper tolerate moisture very differently.[1]
Step 2: Dust from top to bottom
Run a microfiber cloth, a feather duster or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment lightly down the wall.[1]
Step 3: Test a hidden spot
Try your cleaning method behind a door or furniture before using it on the visible wall.[1]
Step 4: Mix a mild solution
Put warm water and a small drop of mild dish soap in a bowl.[1]
Step 5: Wring the cloth out
Dip a soft sponge or microfiber cloth in the mixture and wring it out thoroughly so it is only slightly damp.[1]
Step 6: Wipe gently
Wipe the mark gently without scrubbing.[1]
Step 7: Pat dry
Use a dry cloth to pat the area dry.[1]
Step 8: Use an eraser for pencil
For pencil marks, try a soft eraser first, using light pressure.[1]
Dust first, then match the method to the paper
Most of what lands on wallpaper is dust, so a gentle dusting every few months is the best cleaning you can do. One wallpaper maker suggests this rhythm: light dusting every 2 to 3 months, spot cleaning as needed, and deep cleaning once or twice per year.[1] Use a microfiber cloth, a feather duster or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, moving top to bottom.[1]
The right way to go further depends on what the paper is made of. If you kept a spare roll label or the care sheet from the installer, use it. If not, start with the gentlest method and work up.
What each type of wallpaper can take
Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most durable and washable options.[1] It can usually handle gentle cleaning with a damp sponge and mild soap.[1]
Non-woven wallpaper can typically be wiped lightly with a damp cloth but should not be soaked.[1]
Paper-based wallpaper is more delicate and should usually be cleaned dry whenever possible.[1]
One manufacturer says its stain-repellent textured wallcovering, if dusty, can be vacuum cleaned or cleaned with a special textile sponge (which is used dry, like an eraser).[2]
Textile and natural-fibre coverings are the most delicate. One manufacturer says of textile wallcoverings that liquid stains can be removed if immediately wiped off with a clean and dry tissue or sponge,[2] and that hard rubbing should be avoided in order not to damage the fibres.[2] For its natural-fibre papers the instruction is short: only vacuum cleaning is allowed.[2]
How to spot clean a washable paper
Test first. Always test the cleaning solution in a hidden area first,[1] such as behind a door or a large piece of furniture, and wait for it to dry to see whether the finish or colour changes.
Mix warm water with a small drop of mild dish soap, dip a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, and wring it out until it is only slightly damp. Wipe the mark gently, without scrubbing, and pat the wall dry with a clean cloth. Do not leave wet patches sitting, especially at seams, where moisture can loosen the paste.
Some marks have a better fix than soap:
- Fingerprints. A slightly damp microfiber cloth usually removes oils from fingerprints quickly.[1]
- Kitchen grease. Use warm water with a very small amount of dish soap, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.[1]
- Pencil. Try a soft eraser first, using light pressure.[1]
What to avoid
The same maker lists what damages wallpaper quickly: bleach or harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbing pads, excessive water, strong household cleaners and rough brushes.[1] Aggressive cleaning can remove the wallpaper's protective coating or damage printed patterns.[1]
Bleach is the one with exceptions. A manufacturer of a high-performance range says a diluted bleach solution (as per the manufacturer's guidance) can be safely used for cleaning,[2] but that applies to that range only. Unless your paper's care sheet says the same, leave bleach out.
Keep it clean longer
Keep furniture slightly away from wallpapered walls and avoid leaning on delicate surfaces, and clean stains as soon as they appear. Use ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity,[1] and the EPA gives a target: keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity.[3] A damp room is also what makes seams lift; see why wallpaper peels at the seams.
Stop and call a pro if
- A stain keeps coming back or the paper feels damp and smells musty. That points to moisture or mold behind the paper, not surface dirt. The EPA warns that removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper,[3] and says if you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.[3]
- The finish is already lifting, bubbling or staining when you wipe. Stop; more water makes it worse.
- The paper is natural fibre, silk or an expensive hand-printed design and the stain will not come out dry. A paper hanger or painter who works with wallcoverings can advise before you risk it.
Getting help in Virginia
If the paper is past saving, read how to remove old wallpaper and what removal costs in Virginia, then whether to hire someone to hang the new paper. Browse more painting answers or painters on Loclis.
When you want a pro to take over, describe the wall and local painters will quote it.
Common questions
- How often should I clean wallpaper?
- Very little. One wallpaper maker suggests light dusting every 2 to 3 months, spot cleaning as needed, and deep cleaning once or twice per year. Regular dusting prevents buildup and reduces the need for deeper cleaning.
- Can I use bleach on wallpaper?
- Generally not. A wallpaper maker lists bleach and harsh chemicals among the things to avoid. A few high-performance ranges are an exception: one manufacturer says its range can be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution as per its guidance. Unless your paper's own care sheet says so, do not.
- How do I clean grease in a kitchen?
- Use warm water with a very small amount of dish soap, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Wring the cloth out well and test a hidden spot first, since water that is fine on vinyl can mark plain paper.
- How do I get fingerprints off wallpaper?
- A slightly damp microfiber cloth usually removes oils from fingerprints quickly. Fingerprints tend to collect around light switches and doorways, so those are the spots to check first.
- Can grasscloth or fabric wallpaper be washed?
- Usually not. One manufacturer says natural-fibre wallcoverings should only be vacuumed, and textile ones can have liquid stains wiped off with a clean, dry tissue or sponge if done immediately, with hard rubbing avoided. Check the maker's care sheet before using any water.
Sources
- [1] A Safe and Simple Guide to Maintaining Beautiful Wallpaper, Quadrille Wallpapers & Fabrics (wallpaper manufacturer). Checked October 28, 2026.
- [2] Maintenance instructions 2025, Omexco (wallcovering manufacturer). Checked October 28, 2026.
- [3] A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Checked October 28, 2026.
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