How to Clean and Maintain Modern Wallpaper

Cleaning wallpaper shouldn’t be stressful – and with the right materials, it isn’t. When you purchase Dreamscape materials via Fine Print, the wallpaper you’ve chosen represents a significant upgrade from typical residential options, both in durability and ease of maintenance.

Why Dreamscape Wallcoverings Are Built Different

Before we dive into cleaning, let’s talk about what makes this wallpaper special. Dreamscape wallcoverings aren’t just tough materials – they’re printed with UV-cured inks that are virtually indestructible. These inks aren’t just sitting on top of the surface like traditional printing; they’re cured instantly with ultraviolet light, creating a bond that resists fading, scratching, and chemical damage.

The traditional Type II wallcoverings meet federal specifications with 20-ounce vinyl construction and fabric backing. But even the lighter-weight 13oz peel & stick options share that same UV-cured ink technology and surprising durability. Both versions routinely grace the corridors of luxury hotels, busy restaurants, and high-end office buildings where they’re cleaned daily and still look fresh after years of service.

The Simple 4-Step Cleaning Process

Here’s the beautiful thing: whether you have traditional wallcoverings or peel & stick, the cleaning process is identical. Those UV-cured inks mean you don’t have to baby the surface – the colors aren’t going anywhere.

The process requires nothing more sophisticated than the supplies you already have: mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Here’s everything you need to know to keep it looking fresh for years.

Step 1: Mix Your Gentle Cleaning Solution

Start with your cleaning solution in a small container. Mix just a small aount of soap in warm water – that’s all the cleaning power you need.

Grab a small bowl and mix warm water (not hot) with a tiny amount of mild, clear dish soap. We’re talking 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water – less is more here. The water should feel comfortably warm to your hand, around room temperature to slightly warm.

Dip your soft sponge in the cleaning solution and wring it out thoroughly. The sponge should be damp, not dripping – excess water is wallpaper’s enemy.

Step 2: Start from the Bottom, Work Up

Clean in gentle vertical motions, working in manageable 2-3 foot sections. Notice how the sponge moves parallel to the wallpaper seams, not against them.

This might seem counterintuitive, but trust the process. Starting at the bottom prevents dirty water from creating streaks as it runs down clean areas. Use the soft side of your sponge – never the abrasive scrubbing side – and work in gentle, vertical strokes following the seam lines.

Work in small sections, about 2-3 feet at a time. Here’s where that UV-cured ink technology really shines – you can be confident that gentle scrubbing won’t affect the colors or damage the print. The inks are locked into the material, not sitting on top waiting to be scrubbed off.

Step 3: Rinse from Top to Bottom

After cleaning each section, rinse with a clean, damp cloth from top to bottom. This removes any soap residue that could attract dirt later.

Switch to a clean, damp cloth (just water, no soap) and wipe from top to bottom to remove any soap residue. This step is crucial – leftover soap will attract dirt and make your wallpaper look grimy faster.

Step 4: Dry Immediately

Image Caption: Final step: immediately dry the cleaned area with a clean, dry cotton cloth. This prevents water spots and ensures your wallpaper looks streak-free.

Pat dry with a clean, dry cotton cloth or towel. Don’t let water sit on the surface – while Dreamscape wallcoverings can handle moisture, quick drying prevents any potential issues and leaves you with a perfect, streak-free finish.

What Makes This So Much Easier Than Regular Wallpaper

Since the material and colors are fade-resistant and won’t wash out, the vinyl surfaces are designed to be cleaned, and the overall construction means you’re not walking on eggshells during maintenance.

Think about it – these same materials are installed in places where cleanliness isn’t optional. Hospital corridors get disinfected daily. Restaurant dining rooms face constant spills and splatter. Luxury hotel lobbies see thousands of hands touching the walls. And the wallcoverings still look great after years of this treatment.

Handling Tough Stains and Spills

For stubborn marks, you can step up your game slightly without worrying about damaging the print:

• Grease or food stains: Add a drop more dish soap to your solution and let it sit for a minute before gentle scrubbing
• Scuff marks: Try a slightly damp melamine foam eraser (like Magic Eraser) with very light pressure
• Crayon or marker: Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab often works wonders

Remember, those UV-cured inks aren’t going anywhere. You’re dealing with colors that are essentially welded into the material. Still, always test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first – it’s just good practice.

Frequency: Less is More

Daily: Spot clean any visible marks or spills immediately Weekly: Light dusting with a microfiber cloth Monthly: The full soap-and-water treatment described above, but only if needed Seasonally: A thorough cleaning of high-touch areas

The truth is, quality wallcoverings with UV-cured inks stay cleaner longer than cheaper alternatives. The vinyl surface doesn’t absorb dirt and oils, and the fade-resistant inks mean even sun-exposed areas maintain their fresh appearance.

Why This Investment Keeps Paying Off

Every time you clean wallpaper from Fine Print, you’re reminded why you made a smart choice. They’re engineered materials with fade-resistant UV-cured inks designed for the long haul. While your neighbors are touching up faded paint for the third time or dealing with peeling residential wallpaper, you’re doing a quick wipe-down and moving on with your life.

The same wallcoverings in commercial settings routinely handle: - Daily disinfectant cleaning - High-traffic wear from hundreds of people - Constant exposure to fluorescent and natural light (with zero fading) - Temperature and humidity fluctuations - Accidental impacts and scrapes

In your environment, with occasional gentle cleaning, they’re practically bulletproof.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining your wallpaper is about as complicated as washing dishes: soap, water, soft sponge, rinse, dry. That’s it. You invested in wallpaper with fade-resistant UV-cured inks that will look vibrant for decades with minimal effort.

The best part? Every cleaning leaves it looking as fresh as installation day. The colors don’t fade, don’t wash out, and don’t deteriorate. You bought quality that stays beautiful – and now you know exactly how to keep it that way.