How to Care for and Maintain Peel and Stick Wallpaper for Long-Lasting Results

Peel and stick wallpaper offers an affordable and versatile way to transform any room with minimal hassle. One of the key benefits of this wallpaper is its ease of application, but its longevity depends heavily on how well you maintain and care for it. With the right maintenance, your peel and stick wallpaper can stay looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.

In this guide, we will walk you through the best practices for caring for and maintaining peel and stick wallpaper, helping you ensure it stays in top condition.

1. Regular Cleaning to Keep It Looking Fresh

One of the most important aspects of maintaining peel and stick wallpaper is keeping it clean. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on the surface, diminishing the wallpaper's appearance and potentially interfering with the adhesive's ability to stay intact.

Why It's Important:

Dust and dirt can make the wallpaper look dull, and in some cases, they can cause the adhesive to weaken. Cleaning your wallpaper regularly will help preserve its look and extend its lifespan.

How to Clean:

• Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel to wipe down the wallpaper gently. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the surface.
• For a deeper clean, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and dampen the cloth. Wipe down the wallpaper, but ensure that the cloth isn't too wet, as excessive moisture can damage the wallpaper and cause the adhesive to loosen.
• Always dry the wallpaper thoroughly after cleaning to prevent any moisture from seeping behind it and compromising the adhesive.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners

While it's essential to clean your peel and stick wallpaper, using the wrong cleaning products can cause long-term damage. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can break down the wallpaper material and the adhesive, leading to peeling, fading, and other visible signs of wear.

Why It's Important:

Chemical cleaners and scrubbing tools can weaken both the adhesive and the surface of the wallpaper, making it look damaged and reducing its effectiveness.

How to Clean:

• Stick to mild dish soap, gentle all-purpose cleaners, or specialized wallpaper cleaning products.
• Always avoid bleach, ammonia, or harsh solvents, as these can cause discoloration and damage the wallpaper.
• Test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous section of the wallpaper before applying it more broadly to ensure it won't cause any damage.

3. Handle with Care During Everyday Use

Peel and stick wallpaper, while durable, is still susceptible to wear and tear if not handled with care. Avoid activities that could cause the wallpaper to peel or damage the surface.

Why It's Important:

Constant physical pressure or impact, such as bumping furniture against the walls or using sharp objects near the wallpaper, can weaken its adhesive or tear the material.

How to Protect:

• Be cautious when moving furniture close to walls. Always leave a small gap between furniture and the wall to avoid accidental scraping or rubbing.
• Avoid using sharp objects or heavy-duty cleaning tools that could scratch or puncture the wallpaper.
• If you notice any areas where the wallpaper is lifting or damaged, take immediate action to repair it rather than letting it get worse.

4. Watch for Signs of Lifting or Peeling

Even though peel and stick wallpaper is designed to be durable, certain conditions like humidity or improper wall preparation can cause it to peel or lift over time. It's important to keep an eye out for any signs of peeling, especially along edges or corners.

Why It's Important:

If left unattended, peeling or lifting wallpaper can continue to get worse, leading to a need for more significant repairs or a complete replacement.

How to Maintain:

• If you notice small sections of wallpaper starting to lift, gently press them back into place using a smooth object like a wallpaper smoothing tool or a credit card.
• If the wallpaper won't stay adhered, you can use a small amount of wallpaper adhesive to help secure it back down. Be careful not to overapply, as excess adhesive can show through the wallpaper.
• For significant lifting, you may need to remove the affected section and reapply it.

5. Control Temperature and Humidity Levels

Peel and stick wallpaper is best maintained in a controlled environment. Extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity can weaken the adhesive and cause the wallpaper to lift or bubble.

Why It's Important:

Both temperature and humidity can significantly impact how well the wallpaper adheres to the wall. High humidity, especially, can cause the wallpaper to swell, leading to bubbles and peeling.

How to Control:

• Ensure that the room temperature remains relatively stable, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
• Avoid applying wallpaper in rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, unless you are using wallpaper specifically designed for these environments.
• If you live in a particularly humid area, consider using a dehumidifier to regulate moisture in the air.

6. Repairing Small Damages

Accidents happen, and your wallpaper may sustain minor damage over time. Whether it's a small tear or an edge that's starting to lift, it's important to address these issues quickly to prevent further damage.

Why It's Important:

Ignoring small damages can lead to bigger issues down the road. By taking care of minor issues promptly, you can keep your wallpaper looking pristine.

How to Repair:

• For small tears, you can use clear tape on the back side of the wallpaper to help hold it in place.
• If the tear is larger, you might need to remove the damaged section and replace it with a new piece of wallpaper. When doing this, make sure the replacement strip matches the pattern for a seamless finish.
• If the edges are lifting, apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of the wallpaper and press it back into place.

7. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause some peel and stick wallpapers to fade over time, especially those with bright or bold patterns. Sunlight can also heat up the adhesive, causing it to weaken and leading to peeling or bubbling.

Why It's Important:

The UV rays from the sun can break down the colors in the wallpaper, causing them to fade and look worn. Additionally, exposure to direct sunlight can compromise the adhesive, making it harder for the wallpaper to stay in place.

How to Protect:

• Install your peel and stick wallpaper in areas that receive limited direct sunlight.
• If your wallpaper is exposed to the sun, consider adding curtains or blinds to minimize sun exposure, or opt for UV-protective window film to reduce the impact of sunlight.

8. Avoid Using in High-Traffic Areas

While peel and stick wallpaper is relatively durable, it may not hold up well in high-traffic areas where it's constantly exposed to physical contact, such as hallways, entryways, or children's rooms.

Why It's Important:

High-traffic areas see more wear and tear, and the wallpaper may start to peel or get damaged more quickly due to constant bumps, spills, or scuffs.

How to Protect:

• If you need to install wallpaper in a high-traffic area, make sure to use a heavy-duty or extra-durable peel and stick wallpaper designed for high-use spaces.
• Consider using peel and stick wallpaper in less active areas like accent walls or bedrooms where the chances of damage are lower.

9. Replacing Damaged Sections

If sections of your peel and stick wallpaper become too damaged to repair or maintain, it may be best to replace them entirely. Fortunately, because peel and stick wallpaper is easy to remove, you can simply replace the damaged pieces without too much effort.

Why It's Important:

Replacing sections ensures that your wallpaper maintains a fresh and cohesive look, especially if you are unable to repair certain areas effectively.

How to Replace:

• Carefully peel off the damaged section, starting from one corner and gently lifting the wallpaper off the wall.
• Clean the wall surface before applying a new section of wallpaper to ensure good adhesion.
• Apply the new piece, ensuring it matches the existing wallpaper's pattern and lines.

Conclusion

Maintaining peel and stick wallpaper is relatively easy if you follow a few key principles. By regularly cleaning, protecting it from harsh chemicals, and addressing minor damages promptly, you can enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting finish. Taking a few extra steps to care for your wallpaper will not only help it stay in top shape but also ensure that it continues to bring a fresh and vibrant look to your home for years to come.