Maintenance & cleaning: how to keep wallpaper looking great (even with kids/pets)

Wallpaper adds atmosphere and character, but in a lived-in home it also takes some wear. Think greasy fingers at the dining table, a wet dog tail in the hallway, or small scratches from toys along the wall.

The good news: with the right maintenance, your wallpaper will stay crisp and fresh for years—without you having to fuss over it every day. It really comes down to two things: knowing which type of wallpaper you have and cleaning it the right way, before a stain sets in.

In this blog, you'll read how to clean wallpaper safely, which products you should avoid, and how to make smart choices for spaces where kids and pets often brush past. That way your interior stays beautiful, even when home gets a bit chaotic.

First things first: what type of wallpaper is on your wall?

Before you start scrubbing, it's important to know exactly what you're cleaning. Not all wallpaper can handle the same treatment. Washable or scrub-resistant wallpaper (often vinyl or wallpaper with a protective coating) is best for busy households, because it tolerates moisture and light cleaning better.

Paper wallpaper and some matte, natural-looking textures are more delicate and can discolor or get damaged more quickly if you use too much water. Always check the product features or cleanability symbols for your wallpaper.

The location in the house also matters: in a hallway or by a dining table a wipeable quality is practical, while in a bedroom you can often get away with a softer, less robust finish. By choosing the material first, you avoid “solving” a stain in a way that dulls the print or damages the top layer.

Cleaning without damage: how to tackle stains safely

The golden rule is simple: always start mild and work dry or nearly dry. Dust and loose dirt are best removed with a soft duster, a microfiber cloth, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush head on a low setting.

For stains a lightly damp cloth usually works better than a wet one, because too much water can affect adhesive or lift seams. Blot instead of rubbing, especially with matte prints or textured surfaces: rubbing can create shiny spots or effectively “polish” the pattern.

Use lukewarm water and, if needed, a small amount of mild soap, but avoid degreasers and abrasives. Always test first in an inconspicuous spot, for example behind a piece of furniture or in a corner.

Is the stain stubborn? It's better to repeat gently twice than to scrub hard once. That way your wallpaper stays beautiful and you prevent permanent marks.

Kid- and pet-proof: smart prevention that really works

In families damage usually isn't caused by one big accident, but by daily contact. Think walking routes along the wall, places where children play, or where a pet likes to rub. That's exactly where prevention helps a lot.

In vulnerable areas, opt for wallpaper that can be wiped clean, and consider a print or texture where small spots are less noticeable than on plain light wallpaper. In the hallway, a smart layout—such as a bench, a coat-rack zone, or extra space for shoes—can prevent coats and bags from constantly rubbing against the wall.

By the dining table it helps to protect the adjacent wall with a scrub-resistant quality. For pets it works surprisingly well to subtly redirect their “route” in the home: a rug, bed, or fixed pathway can make them less likely to pass along the wall.

Small changes, big impact: from "constant touch-ups" to years of carefree enjoyment of your wallpaper.

Quick fixes: loose edges and small damages

You don't have to see small damages as a disaster right away. Loose edges can often be neatly reattached with a little wallpaper paste and a soft roller or cloth—as long as you don't use too much paste and press the edge down well.

Got a tiny tear? You can sometimes repair it almost invisibly by keeping a leftover piece of wallpaper and cutting a mini patch to match the pattern exactly.

The most important thing is to work calmly and avoid adding extra moisture or pressure on sensitive spots. After every wallpaper job, therefore, always keep a spare piece and note the name/collection so you can easily reorder later.

Want wallpaper that stays beautiful in a home that's really lived in? Explore the Selected Wallpapers collection, choose a wipeable, low-maintenance favorite, and order a sample. That way, you can see at home which quality and look best suit your space.