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Clean Those
Wall coverings Rather Than Replace Them
We're in the New Millennium
Twenty-five years ago most wallpapers were "washable" meaning that
the ink would not run if you wet it lightly. Then came vinyl coated,
vinyl acrylic, solid sheet vinyl, laminated vinyl, etc. Most
wallcoverings are labeled "non-washable", "washable", or "scrubbable".
If your paper wasn't labeled, but you have a small piece, take it to a
wallpaper dealer and ask them what they would recommend. Or test an
inconspicuous area (as behind furniture) by wiping it with a damp
cloth; if the wallpaper does not change in color or appearance, it
probably can be safely cleaned as a washable wall paper. Always test any
cleaning method in an inconspicuous spot before trying in on a wall
open to view.
Vacuum off dust frequently. Don't let paper get too dirty before
cleaning it. Remove dust periodically by brushing gently downward from
the ceiling with a vacuum cleaner wall brush, which does the best job,
or a long handled soft brush, a clean cloth tied around broom or mop.
Remember to change the cloth when it gets soiled to prevent streaks.
If cobwebs are present lift them up with the brush because they may
cause streaks when brushed down. If your wall covering is flocked, use
only the vacuum dusting brush attachment to clean as it prevents
matting or shedding. If the ceiling is papered, dust it first.
Washable Papers
"Washable" papers usually have a plastic coating. Clean with a damp
cloth or sponge; use water sparingly and do not get them wet.
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Make a
sudsy solution of a mild white detergent (hand dish washing liquid) in
cool water in one bucket, and cool rinse water in a second bucket.
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First
clean the ceiling, whether papered or painted.
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Then
clean the walls from the bottom up, very gently wiping overlapping
areas in circular motion, first with a damp sudsy sponge, then with a
damp rinsing sponge.
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Pat
gently with a clean soft cloth or bath towel to remove any surface
moisture.
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If any
area has to be re-washed to remove soil, let it dry completely before
washing again.
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Some
foam cleaners may be used, but only if directions on their label say
they can.
"Scrubbable" Wallcoverings
Wallcoverings labeled "scrubbable" are vinyl or vinyl-impregnated
paper. They can be scrubbed with a foam cleanser or all-purpose
detergent, using a sponge or soft cloth, and rinsed with clean sponge
or cloth. Do not use any abrasive liquid cleaners nor any scouring
powders nor any other abrasives, as these could scratch the vinyl
finish. These wallcoverings are more practical for rooms that get lots
of use. Foam cleaners are normally used as follows
1.
Spray a
four-foot square area, holding the can about 8 inches from surface.
2.
Wipe
off foam and soil with a clean damp sponge.
3.
Wipe
area with a rinsing sponge, and gently pat dry with clean towel.
Fabric and Textile Wallcoverings
Some are vinyl-coated and easy to wash. Others, like burlap or
grass cloth, are very hard to clean when stained. You might try wiping
lightly with a sponge dampened in suds and water; testing first in an
inconspicuous spot to be sure the water won't stain the covering. Best
method is to follow directions provided by the manufacturer of that
covering, or ask a dealer for a cleaner recommended for that
wallcovering.
We recommend you dust occasionally with a clean cloth or vacuum to
remove loose dirt. If you can wash spots and stains use a sponge or
soft bristle brush soaked in a mild detergent or soap solution. Rinse
well. If you really have a trouble spot, add two or three tablespoons
of bleach. Use the non-chlorine type for delicate fabrics. Rinse with
plenty of clear water and dry with an absorbent towel to prevent
streaking.
Non-washable Papers
Buy commercial wallpaper cleaner, (a putty like material). Rub it
over the surface, following directions on the product exactly. Always
test first a on place usually not seen, such as behind furniture, to
see how it affects paper and that it does not streak. Vacuum or brush
off any bits of cleaner that have clung to the wall.
Spots and Stains
Finger Marks, Smudges, and Pencil Marks:
Rub gently with art gum or commercial wallpaper cleaner. On washable
paper, wipe with damp sponge, or sudsy sponge and then damp sponge if
needed to remove mark.
Grease Spots: Hold a clean white blotter or several white paper towels
over the spot and press with a warm iron until the grease is absorbed
by towels. If grease still remains, apply a paste spot remover and
brush it off after it dries to a powder. If washable paper you may be
able to wipe off with a sudsy sponge, followed by damp sponge.
Crayon: (You have to remove both wax/grease and color.) If thick amount
left, scrape off excess with table knife. Use a warm iron and white
paper towel method as under "grease spots." For non-washable papers,
try paste spot remover as under "grease spots," or wipe gently with a
cloth moistened with denatured alcohol or spot remover; these are
flammable and the vapors are toxic, so be sure there is no flame,
spark, or pilot light in area and have plenty of ventilation. Do not
clean walls by this method! Use only on small spots. For washable
papers, use sudsy sponge after lifting grease. Do not smear the
residue. Make certain you only buy washable crayons for children,
however do not let them write on walls!
This
article has been contributed in part by Michigan State University
Extension
Common Problems, Causes and
Solutions
Following are some of the more common problems which may occur when
installing wallcoverings, along with their likely causes and
solutions. Most involve improper or poor surface preparation,
inadequate inspection prior to hanging or installation errors. All of
these problems can be avoided if proper instructions are provided and
followed.
Seams Opening
Causes:
1.
Excessive rolling of seams forcing adhesive from behind wallcovering.
2.
Failure
to apply adhesive to edges when pasting.
3.
Allowing paste to dry on edges while booking.
Solution: Loose seams can usually be reaffixed using available
wallcoverings adhesives.
Curling or Loose Ends
Causes:
1.
Improper wall preparation, i.e. wall not sealed or no sizing.
2.
Not
enough adhesive used.
3.
Adhesive dried too fast due to high temperatures in room.
Solution: If problem is restricted to ends or edges, wallcovering
can be re-affixed using the proper adhesive.
Streaks on Wallcovering
or Other Surfaces
Cause:
1.
Failure
to rinse off wallcovering and walls after hanging to remove all excess
paste.
Solution: Rinse with water or proper cleaning solution (check
manufacturer's instructions).
Ragged Edges When
Trimming
Cause:
1.
Usually
caused by a dull blade.
Solution: Fresh blades should be used with every strip to ensure a
clean cut.
Shading
Causes:
1.
Varies
by wallcovering type.
2.
With
natural materials, such as grasscloth, slight variations in colors are
natural. If the effect is too stark, reversing each strip by hanging
every other strip upside down can minimize the problem. Another method
is to sort the rolls by tonal values and hang near matches together.
Solution: If the shading is due to the ground color not being
consistent from roll to roll, the problem is one that occurred during
printing and the wallcovering should not be hung. Contact the
retailer or manufacturer for assistance.
Design Dropping or
Rising at Ceiling Line
Causes:
1.
Initial
plumb line not truly vertical.
2.
Ceiling
not on a horizontal plane.
3.
A
combination of the two.
Solution: No way to correct if hanging has been completed. If
caught at end of first wall, placing a new, true plumb line on next
wall can help correct or minimize problem of ceiling not being
horizontal. If caught after second or the third strip, problem can be
corrected by drawing new plumb line and double cutting adjoining
incorrect strip.
Show Through
Causes:
1.
Some
wallcoverings are thin enough to be semi-transparent and thus allow
dark images caused by patching, etc. on the wall to show through.
Solution: This potential problem can be avoided by priming the wall
with a pigmented wallcovering primer/sealer. If the wall is in
particularly bad shape and a semi-transparent wallcovering will be
used, lining paper should also be used.
Bubbles & Blisters
Causes:
1.
Not
smoothing out a strip smoothly.
2.
Hanging
in temperatures below 50' Fahrenheit.
3.
Improper surface preparation .
4.
Not
allowing the booked strips to relax the proper time.
Solution: Some bubbles and blisters can be eliminated by pricking
and smoothing out or, if large, slitting and squeezing in more paste
and patting flat..
Keep That Paper Hanging - Dealing
with Humidity
Your wallpaper's worst enemy (after a child with a marker in his
hand) is humidity. High humidity in a room (like a bathroom) can cause
the paper to start peeling at the seams. So apply a coat of clear
varnish at the seams to seal them and help prevent the moisture from
seeping in. You'll find a non-gloss polyurethane varnish in the paint
department of your local hardware store.
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