Wallpaper adds a unique touch to your home’s interior design. It can add personality, style, and even texture to your walls. But like anything else in your home, wallpaper needs proper care to maintain its beauty and longevity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some best practices for keeping your wallpaper looking its best for years to come.
By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your wallpaper and keep your home looking stylish.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper
The first step to maintaining your wallpaper is choosing the right type for your needs. There are many different factors to consider, such as the material, the pattern, and the durability.
Material:
Wallpaper comes in a variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, and fabric. Paper wallpaper is the most affordable option, but it is also the least durable. Vinyl wallpaper is more durable and moisture-resistant, making it a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Fabric wallpaper is the most luxurious option, but it is also the most expensive.
Pattern:
The pattern of your wallpaper can also affect its longevity. Busy patterns can hide imperfections more easily than solid colors. However, busy patterns can also be more difficult to match up when you need to make repairs.
Durability:
Consider how much wear and tear your wallpaper will be exposed to. For high-traffic areas, such as hallways and children’s rooms, you’ll need a more durable wallpaper.
Proper Installation
Once you’ve chosen the right wallpaper, it’s important to install it properly. Improper installation can lead to peeling, seams coming apart, and other problems.
Hire a professional:
If you’re not comfortable installing wallpaper yourself, it’s best to hire a professional. Professional wallpaper installers have the experience and expertise to ensure a proper installation.
Prepare the surface:
Before you install wallpaper, it’s important to prepare the surface of the wall. The surface should be clean, smooth, and free of any defects.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions:
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing your wallpaper. Different wallpapers may have different installation requirements.
Everyday Care
With proper care, your wallpaper can last for many years. Here are some tips for everyday care:
Avoid direct sunlight:
Direct sunlight can fade wallpaper over time. If you have wallpaper in a sunny room, consider using curtains or blinds to protect it from the sun’s rays.
Keep it clean:
Dust your wallpaper regularly with a soft, dry cloth. You can also spot clean your wallpaper with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. However, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wallpaper.
Repair minor damage promptly:
If your wallpaper starts to peel or tear, repair the damage promptly. Small tears and rips can be easily repaired with wallpaper adhesive. Left unrepaired, minor damage can become major problems.
When to Replace Your Wallpaper
Even with proper care, wallpaper will eventually need to be replaced. There are a few signs that it’s time to replace your wallpaper:
The wallpaper is peeling or tearing:
If your wallpaper is peeling or tearing extensively, it’s time to replace it. Repairing extensive damage is difficult and may not be effective.
The wallpaper is faded:
Over time, wallpaper can fade from exposure to sunlight. If your wallpaper is significantly faded, it will make your room look dull.
The wallpaper is outdated:
Wallpaper styles go in and out of fashion. If your wallpaper is outdated, it can date your home’s décor.
Hiring a Professional Wallpaper Installer
If you’re thinking about installing new wallpaper, it’s best to hire a professional. Professional wallpaper installers have the experience and expertise to ensure a beautiful and long-lasting installation.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Wallpaper Installers
There are many benefits to hiring professional wallpaper installers. Here are a few:
- Professional wallpaper installers have the experience and expertise to properly install wallpaper. This will help ensure that your wallpaper looks its best and lasts for many years.
- Professional wallpaper installers have the tools and equipment necessary to get the job done right. They will have the right tools to cut, paste, and smooth wallpaper without damaging your walls.
- Professional wallpaper installers can save you time and frustration. Installing wallpaper can be a time-consuming and tedious task. By hiring a professional, you can save yourself the hassle and focus on other things.
Troubleshooting Common Wallpaper Problems
Even with the best care, wallpaper can sometimes develop problems. Here are some common wallpaper problems and how to troubleshoot them:
Peeling Wallpaper:
Peeling wallpaper can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper installation, moisture exposure, or aging adhesive.
- For minor peeling, you can try re-adhering the wallpaper with a wallpaper adhesive specifically designed for the type of wallpaper you have.
- If the peeling is extensive, you may need to hire a professional to repair or replace the wallpaper.
Blistering Wallpaper:
Wallpaper blisters can be caused by moisture trapped between the wallpaper and the wall. This can happen in humid environments or if there is a leak behind the wallpaper.
- To fix blistering wallpaper, you’ll need to identify the source of the moisture and address it. Once the moisture source is fixed, you can try using a small pin to prick the blister and then use a wallpaper syringe to inject wallpaper adhesive behind the blister. Smooth out the wallpaper with a soft cloth.
Staining Wallpaper:
Wallpaper stains can be caused by a variety of things, such as food, dirt, or pet accidents.
- The best way to clean wallpaper stains depends on the type of stain. For greasy stains, you can try blotting the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth. For water-based stains, you can try using a damp cloth and a mild detergent. However, it’s important to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the wallpaper first to make sure it doesn’t damage the wallpaper.
Yellowing Wallpaper:
Over time, white or light-colored wallpaper can yellow due to exposure to sunlight or airborne pollutants.
- Unfortunately, there is no easy way to reverse yellowing wallpaper. If your wallpaper is yellowed, you may need to replace it.
Beyond Basic Care: Professional Wallpaper Cleaning
For heavily soiled or stained wallpaper, professional cleaning may be the best option. Professional wallpaper cleaners have the experience and equipment to clean your wallpaper safely and effectively. They can also remove stubborn stains that you may not be able to remove yourself.
Considering Wallpaper Removal?
If your wallpaper is damaged beyond repair or you’re simply tired of the look, you may be considering wallpaper removal. Wallpaper removal can be a time-consuming and messy task. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering wallpaper removal yourself:
- The type of wallpaper: Different types of wallpaper require different removal methods.
- The condition of the wallpaper: If the wallpaper is heavily damaged, it may be more difficult to remove.
- The condition of the walls beneath the wallpaper: Removing wallpaper can sometimes damage the walls beneath it.
If you’re not comfortable removing wallpaper yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional. Professional wallpaper removers have the experience and expertise to remove wallpaper safely and efficiently. They can also minimize the risk of damage to your walls.
Conclusion
Wallpaper can be a beautiful and stylish addition to your home’s décor. By following the tips in this blog post, you can keep your wallpaper looking its best for years to come. If you’re considering installing new wallpaper or removing existing wallpaper, be sure to hire a professional from MJ Workforce Solutions in Allen, TX. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right.
We hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions about wallpaper installation, maintenance, or removal, please don’t hesitate to contact MJ Workforce Solutions. We’re always happy to help!