How to remove any type of stain from wallpaper
We love wallpapers, almost every wall of our house is decorated with a unique model we have carefully chosen. However, since having twin boys our passion for wallpapers has been challenged by the mayhem they create. From food to fingerprints and colour crayons, nothing is safe from their joyful rampages. I know it’s a lot to ask, but could you provide me with some sort of guidelines on how to deal with the various different stains?
Thanks a lot!
Lucie P.,
Margate, Kent, England
Dear Lucie,
I can only imagine how difficult it must be to deal with the energy and chaotic enthusiasm of two young kids! Many parents contact us with similar issues, so this is a perfect opportunity to clarify how to deal with the most common stains on wallpaper. Let’s get right to it!
If you are in a rush and would just like to find out in how to deal with a specific type of stain, you can simply click on the one that is of interest to you:
How do I get rid of handprints and fingerprints on my wallpaper?
How do I remove red wine stains from my wallpaper?
How do I get rid of grease stains and smears on my wallpaper?
How do I get rid of crayon marks on my wallpaper?
How can I remove ballpoint ink scribbles from my wallpaper?
How can I remove insect-related stains from my wallpaper?
How do I remove water stains from my wallpaper?
What should I do if I find a stain on my wallpaper?
Discovering a stain on our precious wallpaper can be a truly disheartening experience! Most of us rush headfirst to a quick solution that can often worsen the problem. So here’s my handy a step-by-step guide on what to do when you find a stain on your wallpaper. Fear not, with the right approach and a bit of patience you can restore it to its former glory!
- Take your time
My first advice is simple: don’t panic. Stains happen (especially when kids are roaming around the house), and most of them can be effectively dealt with if you approach the situation calmly and methodically. - Check manufacturer instructions
Before you do anything, consult the manufacturer's guidelines to understand what cleaning agents and methods are safe to use on your wallpaper. If you’ve followed my previous advice, you’ll have safely stored the label that came with the wallpaper rolls. If not, find the model in the online shop you purchased it from and check the product page. - Gather what you need
To clean your wallpaper, you’ll need a few items. I will go into more details below, but know that in most cases you will require:
• A couple of soft, clean cloths or sponges
• A mild cleaning solution
• Clean, lukewarm water
• A free-standing stepladder to reach high spots. - Prep the wallpaper around the stain
Before applying any cleaning agent or solution, I recommend that you remove any dirt and dust around the stain to prevent further scratching or smudging. Use a dry, soft cloth or a gentle brush to get rid of debris from the stained area. If food or other solid elements caused the stain, carefully remove it, making sure that it doesn’t spread. - Spot-check cleaning solutions
No matter what you read and what you’ve been advised to do, my golden rule is to first test the proposed cleaning solution on a hidden or inconspicuous part of your wallpaper. Once you are confident it won't discolour or damage it, you can proceed further. - Clean methodically
Always clean the stain by moving carefully from the top of the wall to the bottom. Avoid excessive rubbing as it might damage the wallpaper fibres. Be patient and persistent, as some stains may require several attempts until they disappear. - Wipe and let dry
After removing the stain, gently wipe off any excess cleaning solution with a clean cloth and then let the wallpaper air-dry naturally. Avoid using a hairdryer or any source of direct heat as this could cause the wallpaper to peel or warp.
What should I avoid when dealing with a stain on my wallpaper?
Having outlined what do to, let’s now make sure you know what NOT to do if you have a stain on your wallpaper:
- Don’t rush; analyse the situation first
I know, the sight of a stain often triggers an immediate reaction - you want to get rid of it presto! However, this is a recipe for disaster! Take a step back and consider the type of stain, the wallpaper material, and the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines before proceeding. - Avoid common household detergents and bleach
Resist the temptation to grab any detergent you have at home. Household detergents and bleach are far too harsh for wallpaper and usually contain chemicals that can damage the texture or cause discolouration. - Don’t apply soap or washing-up liquid directly to the stain
Even when the recommended approach is to use soap or washing-up liquid, you should never apply them directly onto the stain. Instead, dilute the product with lukewarm water to create a mild, soapy solution. - Stay away from abrasive brushes or sponges
Abrasive sponges might seem like a good idea for stubborn stains, but they do far more harm than good as they will scratch the wallpaper surface, leading to irreparable damage. Patience and a gentle touch are key if you want to get rid of that stain! - Don’t lean anything against your wallpaper; use a stepladder
When the stain is in a high spot, never use a ladder that leans against your wallpaper, even if it's just for a moment. It will create a pressure point that might cause additional damage. Always use a free-standing stepladder.
Why is it essential that you treat stains on your wallpaper quickly?
No stain gets easier to remove with time. Whenever you see one, it’s better to deal with it straight away rather than leave it for another day. Stains, especially those caused by liquids like coffee, wine, or ink, can seep into the wallpaper material, making them more difficult to remove. Furthermore, liquids tend to work their way through the wallpaper, extending the affected area and damaging an ever-increasing section of your wallpaper. In addition, certain substances can cause unsightly discoloration over time, and I am sure you’d rather avoid this!
Can I create my own cleaning solution to get rid of stains on my wallpaper?
If you’ve looked up on the internet how to remove stains from wallpaper, I am sure you have come across all sorts of possible approaches. From peroxide to talcum, from baking soda to toothpaste, some of the suggestions border on witchcraft and more often than not will damage your wallpaper further. If your wallpaper is labelled as “washable” by the manufacturer, I recommend using a simple DIY solution: in a bucket, mix a small amount of mild washing-up liquid, household soap, or even laundry detergent with plenty of warm water. You don’t need a large amount of soap, use it sparingly.
Important: Before you proceed, carefully read the label of the cleaning product to ensure it does not contain any bleaching agents. Even a small amount of bleach can cause significant discolouration and damage to your wallpaper!
Can I use vinegar to remove a stain from my wallpaper?
One of the most common home remedies, passed on by word-of-mouth and amplified by the internet, is that white vinegar is the ideal product to remove any spot off your wallpaper. Over the years, I’ve frequently seen people swearing by a solution of water and white vinegar (1:1) as a great cleaning agent for washable wallpapers. The rationale is that vinegar, being a mild acid, is believed to dissolve stains and grime. Personally, I don’t recommend vinegar to clean stains from wallpapers. Stick to the manufacturer recommendations and only use a mixture of soap and water for your washable wallpapers.
How do I get rid of handprints and fingerprints from my wallpaper?
Young children playing around the house bring two things: endless joy, laughter - and fingerprints all over your walls. Luckily, most handprints and fingerprints can be removed with either one of the following two methods:
- Gently rub away the fingerprint using a clean pencil eraser
One of the most effective methods for removing fingerprints from wallpaper is using a soft pencil eraser. Remember to use a new eraser to avoid transferring any dirt or graphite residue onto the wallpaper. - Use a slice of white bread
If you don’t have an eraser at hand, a slice of white bread can be your secret weapon against stubborn fingerprints. Remove the crust from the bread, leaving only the soft inner part, then squeeze it in a ball and use it to dab the stain. The bread’s texture is great at absorbing oils and residues from the prints and is suitable even for delicate or textured wallpapers.
How do I remove red wine stains from my wallpaper?
An accidental spill of red wine is one of the most challenging stains to remove from a wallpaper and it’s only really possible on washable models. When dealing with wine damage, time is of the essence: avoid rubbing the stain, as it may spread and embed further into the texture; instead, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the wine as possible. Check the wallpaper’s manufacturer's guidelines to find out if a commercial stain remover can be used, otherwise gently blot the stain away with a soapy water solution. I do not recommend using vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or any other remedies you might read about elsewhere, as they might cause further damage.
How do I get rid of grease stains and smears on my wallpaper?
Acting swiftly is key to dealing with grease stains on wallpaper, as you want to keep the fatty oils from penetrating the surface. Grab a clean paper towel or cloth as soon as you realise a stain has occurred and start gently blotting the affected area to absorb as much of the grease as possible. Remember: do not rub, just blot! If your wallpaper is washable, create a mild cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid. Dampen a sponge in the solution and gently blot the grease stain. The detergent helps break down the grease while the sponge absorbs it. Work delicately and with minimal pressure.
How do I get rid of crayon marks on my wallpaper?
Crayon marks on the wall are a feature in almost any household with toddlers. To remove crayon stains from your wallpaper, the first step is to carefully take off any excess wax from the surface using a plastic scraper, or the edge of a credit card. Once you have removed most of the wax, place a clean, white paper towel over the crayon mark, set your iron to a low heat setting - ensuring it’s warm but not too hot - and gently press the iron on the paper towel, moving it in a circular motion. The heat from the iron will melt the remaining crayon wax, allowing the paper towel to absorb it. Replace the paper towel as needed until the crayon mark is no longer transferring onto the paper towel.
Important: use this method only on robust, non-woven wallpapers. Do not use it on any other material.
For more information on this topic, head to our blog article: How to remove children's paintings and drawings from wallpapers.
How can I remove ballpoint ink scribbles from my wallpaper?
If you find a ballpoint ink marking on your wallpaper and want to remove it, use a clean eraser, dab it in water and gently use it as a sponge to remove the ink. You can also try and use sparkling water, as the active oxygen contained in it will help dissolve the marking. Be gentle and patient, do not rub but just carefully blot over the affected area.
How can I remove insect-related stains from my wallpaper?
In warm weather, pesky insects make themselves at home in our house and it can happen that, while trying to get rid of them, one of the unfortunate creatures ends up squashed on our precious wallpaper. To remove this type of stain, you need to move quickly, so that the liquid remains don’t penetrate the wallpaper surface. Begin by carefully removing any remnants of the insect using a tissue or a piece of kitchen paper to gently lift them off. If the stain includes blood, use another clean tissue to gently blot the area. If the stain is still visible, slightly dampen a clean cloth and gently dab the area, making sure you are not soaking the wallpaper. Sparkling water is a good option here, as the active gas contained in it helps with the cleaning process. For a more in-depth analysis of how to tackle this issue, I recommend reading my article How to remove (and prevent) insect marks on wallpaper.
How do I remove water stains from my wallpaper?
If you find a water stain on your wallpaper, the very first thing I recommend you do is to find out the source of the problem. If it comes from a leaking roof, pipe, or any other active water source, then you should tackle this issue before any cosmetic action. You want to address a water stain as quickly as possible to avoid it spreading over a larger area. Gently pat the affected area with a clean, dry cloth or a paper towel. The goal is to absorb as much moisture as possible to prevent further saturation and potential discolouration. Do this carefully, without rubbing. If available to you, I recommend using a dehumidifier in the room in question to accelerate the drying of the wallpaper. Remember that with water stains, proper ventilation is essential to prevent the growth of mould and mildew, so keep the room well aired.
Your wallpaper expert
Isabel