Caring for your wallpaper
A practical guide from
La Muur WALLPAPER
SOUTH AFRICA
Last updated: July 2026
Quality wallpaper is designed to last for many years. With the right care, most fine European wallpapers will continue looking beautiful long after the room has been decorated.
The good news? Caring for your wallpaper requires surprisingly little maintenance. A little care goes a long way.
and Make Your Wallpaper Last for Years
Quick Answers
How often should wallpaper be cleaned?
Dust it lightly every few weeks. Most wallpapers only need occasional cleaning unless they’re in high-traffic areas.
Can wallpaper be washed?
It depends on the wallpaper. Always check the washability rating on the product page or roll label before cleaning.
Can you use soap and water?
Only on washable wallpapers, using a soft cloth, mild dish soap and very little water.
What should never be used on wallpaper?
Avoid bleach, abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and excessive water.
How to Clean Wallpaper
For most wallpaper, regular dusting is all that’s required.
The aim isn’t vigorous cleaning – it’s simply preventing dust from building up over time.
Can Wallpaper Be Washed?
Your wallpaper’s product page (and the roll label) will indicate how it should be cleaned.
As a general guide:
Scrubbable
Suitable for more frequent and vigorous cleaning with a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap
(e.g. Sunlight Dishwashing Liquid)
Non-washable wallpapers
Dust only
If you’re ever unsure, test a small hidden area first.
How to Remove Marks from Wallpaper
For washable wallpaper:
1. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with clean water.
2. Dampen (don’t soak) a soft sponge or cloth.
3. Dab gently rather than rubbing.
4. Wipe again with clean water.
5. Dry immediately with a soft towel.
Fresh marks are almost always easier to remove than older stains.
What Should You Avoid?
Even luxury wallpaper can be damaged by incorrect cleaning.
Avoid:
Too much moisture is often more damaging than the stain itself.
Does Sunlight Damage Wallpaper?
Yes.
Like fabrics, timber flooring and artwork, wallpaper will gradually fade if exposed to strong, direct sunlight for long periods.
As many houses in South Africa have rooms that are north-facing (especially in Johannesburg and Pretoria),
windows that are north facing (or west-facing afternoon sun) benefit from:
– sheer curtains
– UV-filtering blinds
– window films
These help protect not only your wallpaper but the entire room.
What If a Seam Starts Lifting?
Small lifting seams are easy to repair if caught early.
Apply a small amount of wallpaper adhesive with a fine artist’s brush,
press the seam flat and wipe away any excess adhesive immediately.
Don’t ignore lifting edges. Small repairs take minutes; larger tears are much harder to fix.
Looking After Wallpaper
in Bathrooms and Kitchens
Humidity-not water-is usually the biggest challenge.
For wallpaper to last:
– use extractor fans
– open windows where possible
– reduce prolonged steam build-up
Many modern non-woven wallpapers are perfectly suitable for well-ventilated bathrooms.
Always check our product pages for room suitability.
Caring for Natural Wallpapers
Natural materials such as grasscloth, jute and linen deserve a little extra care.
Because these fibres absorb moisture differently, they should usually be dusted only.
Avoid wet cleaning grasscloth and natural wallpaper unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Their subtle colour variation and natural texture are part of their character – not imperfections.
Why We Recommend
Ordering One Extra Roll
One spare roll is inexpensive insurance.
Wallpaper is printed in production batches, and slight colour variation between batches is completely normal.
Keeping one unopened roll allows for:
– future repairs
– accidental damage
– renovations years later
This is particularly important for imported wallpapers, where the same batch may never be available again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does wallpaper last?
Quality wallpaper can last 10–15 years or longer when correctly installed and cared for.
Can wallpaper be cleaned with vinegar?
We don’t recommend it.
Mild dish soap (like Sunlight) and a damp cloth are much safer for scrubbable and extra-washable wallpapers.
Can wallpaper be steam cleaned?
No. Steam introduces too much moisture and heat, which can weaken adhesive and damage the surface.
Should wallpaper be repainted?
Paintable wallpaper is designed for this. Decorative wallpapers are not.
Need Advice?
If you’re unsure how to care for a particular wallpaper, we’re always happy to help.
Whether you purchased from The Edit or The Reserve Collection, we’ll gladly advise on cleaning, maintenance and the best way to keep your wallpaper looking beautiful for years to come.