How to Clean Wallpaper the Smart Way: Protect, Preserve, and Perfect Your Walls

How to Clean Wallpaper | Birla Opus Paints

Wallpaper instantly transforms a space, adding personality, texture, and colour to walls. Yet, keeping these walls looking pristine can be a challenge, especially in homes with children and pets. Dust, spills, and everyday wear can leave marks that dull the finish, making the walls appear aged or neglected. 

Fortunately, with the right methods, you can maintain sparkling walls and remove dirt from wallpaper safely, preserving both the look and longevity of your interiors.
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
 
  • Understanding Wallpaper Types 
  • Steps on How to Clean Wallpaper at Home
  • Tips to keep your home wallpaper pristine 
  • Quick Reference Table: Cleaning Solutions 
  • Conclusion

 

 

Understanding Wallpaper Types

 

Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s crucial to understand the different wallpaper types. Each material responds differently to moisture, scrubbing, and cleaning solutions, so recognising the type ensures you treat it appropriately.

 

 

1. Vinyl Wallpaper

 

Vinyl wallpaper is highly durable and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Its resilience allows for gentle scrubbing without risking damage.
Tip: Use a soft cloth and mild detergent for any stains and rinse carefully with clean water to avoid leaving residue.

 

 

2. Paper Wallpaper

 

Paper-based wallpapers are more delicate and susceptible to tearing or staining from excessive moisture. They are best suited for low-traffic areas.

Tip: Minimise water exposure; spot clean lightly with a barely damp cloth.

 

 

3. Fabric/Textured Wallpaper

 

These wallpapers provide a tactile, luxurious feel, but they require careful dusting and spot cleaning to maintain their finish. Rough scrubbing can damage fibres or create uneven marks.

Tip: Use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to remove dust and clean stains gently with minimal moisture. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning.

 

 

Steps on How to Clean Wallpaper at Home

 

 

 

 

Cleaning wallpaper safely at home involves a combination of dusting, spot cleaning, and gentle washing. Following a step-by-step approach ensures that you know how to clean wallpaper effectively without compromising the material’s integrity. 

 

 

1. Dust the Surface:

 

Start by removing loose dirt and dust. Use a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. This prevents scratching or embedding dirt into the wallpaper while preparing the surface for deeper cleaning.

 

 

2. Spot Clean Stains:

 

Identify problem areas and treat them with appropriate cleaning solutions:

 

  1. Grease: Apply a cornstarch paste or mild dish soap, leave for 10 minutes, then wipe gently
  2. Crayon / Pencil: Use a soft eraser or baking soda paste and rub lightly to lift marks
  3. Coffee / Tea: Mix a mild soap solution and use a sponge to blot gently. Avoid scrubbing, which can spread the stain
  4. Ink: Dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and dab the stain carefully
  5. General Dirt: Lightly wipe the area with a soft cloth and warm water in circular motions.

 

 

3. Light Washing (Optional):

 

For washable wallpapers, prepare a solution of 1 teaspoon of mild detergent in 1 cup of water. Use a soft sponge to wipe the wall gently, avoiding oversaturation. This method is particularly useful for walls where dust, fingerprints, or minor marks are common.

 

 

4. Dry Thoroughly:

 

Always finish by drying the wallpaper with a clean, soft towel. Excess moisture can lead to bubbling, peeling, or mould growth, undermining your efforts to remove stains from wallpaper.

 

 

Key Tips on How to Clean Wallpaper Safely

 

By following these practical tips on how to clean wallpaper, you’ll ensure long-lasting freshness, preserve its finish, and maintain the elegant look of your walls.

 

  • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
  • Don’t oversaturate the wallpaper with water.
  • Use circular motions to tackle stains effectively.
  • Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first.
  • For textured wallpapers, rely on soft brushes or vacuum attachments rather than water.

 

 

Tips to Keep Your Home Wallpaper Pristine

 

Maintaining wallpaper is easier than deep cleaning once it’s in pristine condition. Regular care ensures you don’t frequently have to how to clean wallpaper stains or deal with stubborn marks. Here are some essential habits:

 

  • Dust weekly: A simple dusting prevents dirt from embedding into the surface.
  • Avoid touching walls with dirty hands: Oils and grime can lead to stains over time.
  • Use protective mats or furniture pads: These prevent accidental scuffs or spills.
  • Remove stains immediately: Quick action ensures stains don’t set, making it easier to remove stains from wallpaper without damaging it.

 

 

Quick Reference Table: Cleaning Solutions

 

This table serves as a handy guide for homeowners and professionals alike, making it easier to tackle a variety of cleaning challenges efficiently and safely.

 

Cleaning Goal

Solution / Tool

Application Tips

Light Dirt

Dry microfiber cloth

Wipe gently in circular motions to lift dust without pressing too hard. Avoid back-and-forth scrubbing to prevent dulling the wallpaper’s surface.

Stains

Mild soap + water

Dip a soft sponge in the solution, wring it out well, and dab lightly. Always test on a hidden section first to ensure no colour fading or surface damage.

Grease

Cornstarch paste

Apply a thin layer of paste over the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe away gently with a clean cloth to absorb the oil without spreading it.

Crayon / Pencil

Baking soda paste or eraser

Rub the mark gently in circular motions using an eraser or a soft cloth with paste. Avoid excessive pressure to keep the wallpaper texture intact.

Ink / Marker

Rubbing alcohol

Dampen a cotton swab with alcohol and dab carefully on the spot. Replace the swab as it picks up ink to avoid smudging the surrounding area.

Textured Wallpaper

Soft brush or vacuum attachment

Use gentle strokes or a low-suction vacuum to remove dust from crevices. Avoid any moisture, as it can get trapped and damage the textured layers.

 

 

Sustaining the Beauty Behind Every Design

 

Wallpaper brings sophistication and depth to any space, and maintaining its elegance depends on dedicated care. Understanding the type of wallpaper, cleaning it safely, and addressing stains promptly are essential to keeping your walls in pristine condition. 

 

We at Birla Opus Paints are committed to helping you create and preserve beautiful homes. Explore our expert finishes and innovative wall solutions to ensure your interiors stay as stunning as the day they were designed.

 

 

Explore The Next Steps

 

Pick Your Colours – Explore the Birla Opus Colour Catalogue and find the perfect shade for your space.

Visualise Your Walls – Try the Birla Opus Visualiser and see how different paints look in real time.

Browse Paint Products – From interiors to exteriors, textures to wood and metal, discover our complete range.

Book Painting Services – Get expert end-to-end painting solutions from Birla Opus professionals.


Opus Assurance – Enjoy superior painting backed by our commitment to quality with easy registration, hassle-free claims, free repainting (product + labour), and the freedom to choose your preferred contractor.

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GRASIM INDUSTRIES LIMITED, Birla Paints division

 

9th floor, Birla Centurion, Century Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai– 400030, Maharashtra, India. 
 

Registered Office:
Birlagram, Nagda- 456 331 (M.P.) Tel: (07366) 246760-66, Fax: (07366) 244114, 246024, CIN: L17124MP1947PLC000410  
 

Allwood Contractor App Helpdesk 

Call: 1800 120 1234, Monday to Saturday, 09:30 am – 6:30 pm (Except Public Holidays).

Email: paints.custcare@adityabirla.com

Product Warranty

Terms and Conditions for product warranty registration of Birla Opus products



  1. The Warranty shall be effective from the date of purchase of the Product as per the tax invoice (“Warranty Start Date”), provided that painting work is fully complete, and the Consumer registers the Product for warranty.

  2. The Product must be registered within 15 days from the date of purchase by calling customer care at 18001201234 or registering on www.birlaopus.com and furnishing purchase details as required during the Warranty registration.

  3. The Warranty shall be valid for parameters and period as defined in the respective product warranty document (‘Warranty Period’) from the Warranty Start Date. 

  4. Upon settlement of any claim, Warranty of replaced Product will not start afresh, and will continue for the remainder of the Warranty Period from the Warranty Start Date.

  5. If there is a break/ lag in completing the painting work, the registration of the Warranty and Warranty Start Date will be determined by the Company at its sole discretion.

  6. The Company may appoint a person to examine and confirm the application of the Product as per the directions specified prior to registering the Warranty.

  7. For registering of Warranty, where quantity of Product purchase is equal to or more than 200 litres, please call our Helpline on 1800 120 1234 with requisite details. The registration of Warranty in such cases is subject to a satisfactory pre‐inspection at site by Company’s representative.

  8. For the warranty to be applicable:
    1. Minimum volume of the product required to be purchased needs to be met
    2. Birla Opus recommended system needs to be used
    3. Product coverage and application guidelines need to be adhered
       

For more details, please refer to respective  product specific warranty document and product information sheet.

  1. Consumer may raise a claim within 30 days of discovering issue(s) noticed on the affected areas based on Warranty Parameters/ scope

  2. The Consumer is required to notify the Company of the issue(s) noticed along with the invoice details, sample pictures and basis for Warranty invocation by contacting the customer care at 1800 120 1234. The Consumer shall provide such additional details as required by the Company and/or allow the Company to visit/inspect the painting site either in portion or entirety at the Company’s discretion.  

  3. In case where the Company decides that the Warranty is applicable on the issue(s) noticed on the affected areas, the Company shall bear the Replacements Costs as detailed in respective product warranty document to repair/ repaint the affected areas.

  4. Replacement Costs shall mean the cost of material and labour required to correct the affected portions, as determined by the Company.

  5. In case where the Company decides that Warranty is not applicable, the same shall be communicated to the Consumer.

  6. Warranty is applicable only to the affected area where the Product is used in accordance with application guidelines and not to the rest of the areas.

  7. In case the Consumer carries out repair works on the areas covered under the Warranty, the same shall be at their own risk and the Company’s Warranty on the Product shall not be valid on such repaired areas.

  8. The Warranty will cover only manufacturing defects of the Product and will not cover any defects arising out of factors not in control of the Company. For more details of exclusions, please refer to the warranty document of respective product. 

  9. Except expressly stated, the Company disclaims any liabilities whether in contract, tort or otherwise. The Company makes no warranty regarding merchantability or fitness of products for any particular purpose. 

  10. The Company shall not be held liable towards loss or damages of incidental, indirect or consequential nature or for any value more than the tax invoice value. 

  11. In case of any disputes, exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mumbai shall apply. Governing laws shall be Laws of India.

  12. The facts and all matters concerning any Warranty/ claim/ dispute will always be kept confidential by both the Consumer and the Company.