When choosing the right wallpaper for a room, it may be that you want to know if it’s suitable for withstanding the demands of your home. For example, knowing whether you can sponge it clean or just give it a gentle wipe. But where ‘cleanability’ symbols are concerned, it’s not always that clear. Let’s have a look what each one means.
Manufacturers put their papers through standardised tests to determine the cleaning instructions that are indicated on pack. The test itself is done with a calibrated ‘rubbing’ machine, using a sponge, felt or bristles to mimic the different methods.
It’s important to remember that wallpaper is just that – paper – so care should always be taken when trying to remove marks.
SPONGEABLE
This means that you can use a damp soft cloth or sponge to wipe off wallpaper adhesive at the time you are hanging it, without damaging it. It doesn’t mean you can sponge-clean this wallpaper on an on-going basis.
WASHABLE
You can use a damp sponge and soapy water to carefully clean dirt and some water-based stains from wallpaper that has this symbol. Oils, fats and solvent-based stains are unlikely to be removable.
EXTRA-WASHABLE
You can use a wet cloth and soapy water to carefully clean most dirt and water-based stains from wallpaper that has this symbol. Some greasy stains may be removed if you deal with them straight away, however oils, fats and solvent-based stains are unlikely to be removable.
SCRUBBABLE
This type of wallpaper offers the most cleanability. Using a sponge or soft brush and a mild detergent or gentle abrasive, you should be able to clean dirt and most water-based stains from it. Oils, fats and some solvent-based stains may also be removed if you deal with them straight away.