As the parent of young children with a growing obsession for all things related to the fuzzy and adorable, you know the drill. Toys are scattered across the room. The floor is littered with crumbs and your little one’s beloved blanket has been turned into a makeshift fort. But what really gives your heart pause is that there’s vinyl wallpaper in one of their bedrooms (or worse, every single room). Now they’re asking you to clean up their “mess.” What is wrong with today’s children?
Don’t be fooled by their innocence. They’re in good company, their predecessors were just as messy and it would take a clean-freak to not let that ruin your day. And the only way to do yeoman’s work in this frustrating space is to learn the proper ways to clean vinyl wallpaper while keeping the room in its natural state. Here are four tips from our own personal experience:
Determine the wallpaper type
Before starting to clean the kids’ wallpaper, make sure you understand the material used and the type of the wallpaper. Vinyl wallpaper is available in several different materials. Some of them might be damaged easier than others, so it is necessary to take a look and compare what you have in order to know how to clean vinyl wallpaper.
Do some prep work
Before you start cleaning, inspect the paper more closely. Look for any peeling or fraying edges. These could lead to additional problems later on if they are left untreated. If the paper is damaged, use a heat tool to slightly melt the edges in order to avoid ripping.
Work on small sections at a time
You can’t do this job all at once. Working on a small area at a time will give you more control over how you clean it and it will be easier to remove debris that might be lurking inside the wallpaper.
Wipe Down the Surface
When it comes to cleaning vinyl wallpaper, you don’t want to slop your mop or scrub away at it with a scrubber. Once that soil has been removed, the surface’s slippery texture makes the mop difficult to manipulate. If you’re not careful, the excess water will create a pool of water and pool-like stains. Again, you’re better off using a sponge for this step, which will clean up the surface in one fell swoop.
Use A Non-Scratch Scrubber
When it’s time to scrub off the wallpaper, a non-scratch scrubber is essential. We recommend the non-scratch scrubber sponge that we created based on our own numerous experiences conquering odd textures like vinyl and velvet.
Vacuum the wallpapers
One of the easiest and the best ways of cleaning wallpapers is vacuuming. You can also use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the wallpapers, but if you want to get rid of the dust and dirt on it, then you should vacuum.
Use A Regular Mop and Squeegees:
Just like other kinds of flooring, vinyl wallpaper is no different. Simply clean it with a regular mop and squeegees will remove all those layers of goo and grease that have been slowly accumulating over time.
Towel dry the wallpaper
When your vinyl wallpaper is fully dry, use a clean towel to wipe off any spots or smudges. You’re not going to want to reach for your microfiber cloths before it’s completely dry, as the fabric will stick to the surface.
Use rubbing alcohol to remove some stains
If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to get the most out of your vinyl wallpaper, then some liquid paint can come to your rescue. It’s a very basic solution that will help you tackle larger messes and lift up dirt. This is the best method of removing some permanent marker stains.
Conclusion
No matter what type of wall paper you have in your home, the key to a clean home is to ensure that the area is properly treated before you start scrubbing. The three methods explained above will successfully help you keep the kids room walls clean and attractive.
Wesley is a home improvement blogger who strives to improve his life and the lives of others. He provides homeowners with helpful tips on how to renovate their homes. His goal is not only to provide easy-to-follow instructions, but also share his own personal experiences for those seeking guidance.
