Custom printed wallpaper is one of those investments that, with just a little routine attention, will look beautiful for years. Whether you've already transformed a room with your design or you're still weighing your options, understanding how to care for your wallpaper is part of knowing what you're getting.
Each of our four wallpaper types has its own personality, and caring for them well means understanding what makes each one different.
Items That Apply to Every Wallpaper Type
There are a few habits that benefit all custom printed wallpaper regardless of the type you've chosen.
Address spills and smudges promptly
The longer something sits on your wallpaper, the harder it is to remove cleanly. A quick, gentle wipe in the moment is almost always more effective than scrubbing later.
Go gentle
Abrasive sponges, stiff brushes, and harsh chemical cleaners are the most common cause of damage to custom printed finishes. Whatever the surface, softer is better.
Respect humidity
Wallpaper and moisture are not great friends. Normal indoor humidity levels are fine, but bathrooms, laundry rooms, and spaces near frequently open windows can accelerate wear over time. If you're planning to wallpaper a higher-humidity space, Peel and Stick is generally your most forgiving option.
Caring for Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper has a smooth, professional finish and is designed for permanent installation. It holds up beautifully over time with minimal maintenance.
For routine upkeep, a soft brush used periodically to whisk away dust is all most walls need. Dust buildup is subtle but cumulative and staying ahead of it keeps colors looking vibrant longer.
For smudges or marks, a soft damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap works well for spot cleaning. The key is "damp," not wet. Excess moisture can affect the paper over time, so wring out the cloth thoroughly before it touches the wall. Work gently in small circular motions rather than rubbing back and forth.
Avoid anything acidic, bleach-based, or solvent-based. These can lift the printed ink or alter the finish even if they seem to remove the stain.
Caring for Textured Paper Wallpaper
Textured Paper Wallpaper adds dimension and depth to your design, with a surface that catches light beautifully. That same texture does require a slightly more careful approach to cleaning.
The fibrous, dimensional surface is susceptible to flattening if it's scrubbed or rubbed aggressively. For regular maintenance, a soft brush or a dry cloth used in gentle, light strokes is ideal. Think of it the way you'd dust a fabric lampshade rather than wipe a countertop.
For spot cleaning, a slightly damp cloth with mild soap can be used carefully but keep the contact area as small as possible and avoid pressing hard into the texture. Patting rather than wiping is a good habit here.
Keep Textured Wallpaper in spaces with stable humidity. Because the surface has more dimension than Traditional, it can be more sensitive to moisture fluctuations over time. Avoid installing it in areas where steam is common.
Direct sunlight over long periods can also cause uneven fading on any wallpaper, but textured surfaces can show this more noticeably because of how they interact with light. If the wall gets strong afternoon sun, window treatments can go a long way toward protecting your investment.
Caring for Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and Stick is the most versatile option. It's the go-to for renters, temporary installations, and Etsy sellers building a product line. And when it comes to cleaning, it's also the most forgiving.
The surface wipes clean easily. A soft damp cloth handles most everyday smudges and light dirt without any fuss. For anything more stubborn, mild soap and warm water will do the job. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or anything that might catch on or scratch the surface finish.
One thing to keep in mind is heat. Peel and Stick wallpaper relies on an adhesive backing, and sustained exposure to direct heat sources such as baseboard heaters, radiators, or vents blowing hot air directly at the wall can affect that adhesive over time. If you're installing near a heat source, give it a few inches of clearance where possible.
If you notice edges starting to lift, don't wait. Press the edge firmly back into place with clean, dry hands. The sooner you do this, the better the adhesive will re-bond. For edges that won't stay down, a small amount of seam repair adhesive designed for wallpaper works well.
Peel and Stick is also the easiest wallpaper to remove when the time comes. Pull slowly and at a low angle to the wall. If you're working in a cold room, warming the surface slightly with a hair dryer on low heat can make removal even smoother.
Caring for Grasscloth Wallpaper
Grasscloth is in a category of its own. The organic, woven texture gives it a richness and warmth that no other surface quite replicates, and the natural fibers are what make that possible. Those same natural fibers also mean Grasscloth wallpaper requires the most careful approach to cleaning of any wallpaper type.
Water is the main thing to avoid. Unlike Traditional or Peel and Stick, Grasscloth can stain when wet, and those stains can be permanent. This isn't a limitation unique to custom printing. It's a characteristic of natural fiber wallcoverings in general, and it's something to factor in when choosing where to use it. Grasscloth is stunning in living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, and bedrooms. It's not the right choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or any space where splashing or humidity is common.
For routine maintenance, the best tool is a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Run it lightly over the surface to lift dust without disturbing the fibers. A dry, soft cloth can also be used for gentle surface cleaning.
If something does get on your Grasscloth wallpaper, act quickly with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much as possible without spreading the stain. Do not apply water. For anything more significant, consult a professional wallpaper cleaner who has experience with natural fiber wallcoverings.
Protect Grasscloth from direct sunlight where you can. Since the texture is irregular, fading can show unevenly, which is more noticeable than on a smooth surface. Window treatments or UV-filtering window film are both good options in sun-heavy rooms.
What to Avoid for All Wallpaper Types
Harsh chemical cleaners, including anything ammonia-based, bleach-based, or solvent-based, can affect custom printed inks and surface finishes. Mild soap and water is the right tool for almost every situation.
Abrasive cleaning tools, including rough sponges and stiff-bristled brushes, can scratch or flatten surface finishes. Soft cloths and soft brushes are always the better choice.
Excessive moisture applied to any surface is a risk. Even wallpapers that can handle spot cleaning are not designed to be soaked. Wring cloths out well and work in small areas.
And when something goes wrong, resist the urge to scrub harder. Gentler and more patient almost always produces a better result.
Less Work Than You Think
Good wallpaper care doesn't have to be a project. Dusting periodically, addressing marks when they happen, and keeping moisture and heat in check covers most of what your wallpaper needs. The rest is just enjoying it.
If you're still deciding which wallpaper type is right for your space, care requirements are one useful factor, and our wallpaper pages walk through each type in detail to help you choose confidently.