Wallpaper is an investment in both design and craftsmanship. When properly cared for, high-quality wallpaper can retain its color, texture, and impact for decades. Understanding how to maintain wallpaper over time helps preserve its beauty while protecting the walls beneath.
This guide outlines practical, long-term wallpaper care strategies—from daily upkeep to environmental considerations—so your wallpaper continues to look as intended year after year.
Effective wallpaper maintenance begins with knowing what type of wallpaper you have.
Different wallpaper materials respond differently to light, moisture, and cleaning. Hand-printed and paper-based wallpapers typically require gentler care than vinyl or coated surfaces.
Before cleaning or maintaining wallpaper, identify:
Paper vs. vinyl or coated wallpaper
Hand-printed vs. machine-printed designs
Textured vs. smooth surfaces
Luxury wallpapers—such as those produced by Quadrille Fabrics—are often crafted with traditional printing techniques and benefit from preventative, low-impact care rather than aggressive cleaning.
Dust accumulation can dull wallpaper over time. Use:
A soft microfiber cloth
A feather duster
A vacuum with a soft brush attachment (on low suction)
Dust from top to bottom to avoid redistributing debris.
Be mindful of furniture placement, door swings, and high-traffic areas. Repeated friction can wear down wallpaper surfaces, especially along edges and seams.
Sunlight is one of the most common causes of wallpaper fading.
To minimize light damage:
Use lined curtains or shades
Install UV-filtering window film
Rotate artwork and furniture to distribute exposure evenly
Rooms with strong natural light benefit from layered window treatments to protect wallpaper without sacrificing brightness.
For light marks:
Use a dry sponge or soft cloth
Gently blot—never scrub
Test any method in an inconspicuous area first
Avoid water on uncoated or paper wallpapers, as moisture can stain or cause lifting.
If your wallpaper is labeled washable:
Use a slightly damp cloth
Avoid detergents or harsh cleaners
Dry immediately with a soft towel
Even washable wallpaper should be cleaned sparingly.
Excess moisture is a major threat to wallpaper longevity.
To protect wallpaper:
Use ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
Run dehumidifiers in damp climates
Address leaks promptly
Paper wallpapers are especially vulnerable to moisture, which can cause bubbling, staining, or adhesive failure.
Regular inspections help prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
Look for:
Lifting seams
Curling edges
Small tears or scuffs
Early repairs—using appropriate wallpaper adhesive and tools—are far less noticeable than delayed fixes.
Avoid these practices to preserve wallpaper over time:
Scrubbing stains aggressively
Using chemical cleaners
Over-cleaning delicate wallpaper
Allowing prolonged moisture exposure
Ignoring early signs of lifting
Wallpaper is durable, but it rewards gentle care.
Maintain stable indoor temperature and humidity
Protect walls during furniture moves
Use chair rails or paneling in high-traffic areas
Keep wallpaper away from direct heat sources
With thoughtful maintenance, wallpaper can age gracefully and remain a defining design feature for many years.
Maintaining wallpaper over time is less about frequent cleaning and more about prevention, awareness, and environmental control. High-quality wallpaper is designed to be lived with—not constantly handled.
When cared for properly, wallpaper becomes a lasting element of a room’s character, offering depth, pattern, and beauty that evolves gracefully over time.