What to clean walls with before wallpaper?

Before you start putting up awesome wallpaper in your room, it’s super important to make sure your walls are clean and ready. At Wall Mastery, we know that a clean wall means your wallpaper will look smooth and stick well. Here’s a simple guide to help you get your walls ready.

Why Cleaning Your Walls Matters
Think of it like this: if you try to put stickers on a dirty or greasy surface, they won’t stick properly, right? The same goes for wallpaper. If your walls are dirty, the wallpaper glue won’t work well, and your wallpaper could peel off or get bubbles. So, clean walls are a must!

Best Ways to Clean Your Walls
Different kinds of dirt need different cleaning solutions. Here are some you can use:

Mild Detergent Solution

Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. This is good for everyday dirt and dust.
Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts vinegar and water. This works great for greasy spots, like in the kitchen.
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)

This is a strong cleaner for really dirty walls or old glue. Be careful because it’s powerful.
DIY Wall Cleaner

Mix baking soda, vinegar, and water. This homemade cleaner is safe and works well for lots of stains.
Steps to Clean Your Walls
Here’s how you can get your walls spotless:

Take Off Old Wallpaper

If there’s old wallpaper, remove it first. Use warm water with fabric softener or a special wallpaper steamer to loosen it. Then scrape it off with a putty knife.
Dust the Walls

Use a cloth or a vacuum with a brush to get rid of dust and cobwebs. Dust can stop cleaners from working well.
Wash the Walls

Use your chosen cleaner to wash the walls from bottom to top. This prevents streaks. Use a sponge or soft cloth, and pay extra attention to greasy areas.
Rinse and Dry

Rinse the walls with clean water to get rid of any soap. Let the walls dry completely before you start wallpapering.
Extra Tips for Perfect Walls
Fix and Smooth

Look for holes or cracks and fill them with patching compound. Once it’s dry, sand it smooth.
Prime the Walls

Using a primer helps the wallpaper stick better. It seals the wall and makes the surface even.
Check for Moisture

In places like Florida where it’s humid, make sure your walls aren’t too damp. Use a moisture meter. If the walls are too wet, you need to dry them out to prevent mold.
Tips for Different Rooms
Kitchens

Use the vinegar solution or TSP to clean grease and food splatters, especially near the stove.
Bathrooms

Bathrooms might have mold or soap scum. Use a mix of bleach and water (one part bleach to four parts water) to clean these areas. Be sure to ventilate the room.
Living Rooms and Bedrooms

A mild detergent solution works well here. Clean around light switches and outlets where fingerprints gather.
Conclusion
Getting your walls ready is a big step in wallpapering. Following these tips from Wall Mastery will help your wallpaper look amazing and last a long time. Whether you use soap, vinegar, or a strong cleaner like TSP, just be thorough. And don’t forget to fix, sand, and prime your walls.

In places like Florida, watch out for moisture. Clean, prepared walls make for beautiful wallpapered rooms. Remember, the better you prep your walls, the better your wallpaper will look!