The formation of greasy stains on wallpaper often becomes the cause of most renovations, especially in the kitchen, because this is where such contaminants are most likely to appear. But not all housewives know that it is not at all necessary to change the wallpaper every year when greasy stains appear on it, because such stains can and should be dealt with. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at how to remove greasy stains from wallpaper and effectively clean walls using the most effective folk methods.
The only thing that needs to be done before starting the procedure for removing grease stains is to determine the type of wallpaper, because they can be vinyl, non-woven based, or paper. If greasy marks appear on non-woven or vinyl wallpaper, then dealing with such stains will be much easier than washing grease off paper wallpaper.
Features when removing grease from different types of wallpaper
When choosing a product to get rid of greasy stains, you must take into account that there are several types of wallpaper:
On paper. The cheapest option, which creates more problems. Such wallpaper cannot be washed with water or rubbed vigorously. It is recommended to clean such materials using “dry” methods or using absorbents.
Washable. This option is most convenient when there is a need to clean the walls. Washable materials can be cleaned using any suitable method. In this case, the brush should be of medium hardness.
Vinyl. Such wallpaper is interesting because fat does not penetrate inside for a long time, remaining on the surface. Therefore, vinyl, which tolerates moisture and mechanical stress well, can be easily cleaned from such stains.
Non-woven. This wallpaper can withstand the effects of aggressive substances, abrasives and absorbents. However, when cleaning non-woven fabric, you need to be careful, as the pattern may be damaged.
Paintable wallpaper. Stains from such material are also removed using various means. But if paint has already been applied on top, you need to use more gentle methods.
The type of coating can be found out by referring to the markings (indicated on the rolls). If it is impossible to find out this information, then you should apply a small amount of water to an inconspicuous area, wait 5 minutes and evaluate the result. In cases where the wallpaper has begun to roll off, only “dry” methods should be used for cleaning.
Features of removing greasy stains from wallpaper
Oil stains are considered one of the most difficult to remove. If possible, you should generally avoid getting grease on the wallpaper. However, if this does happen, you can use one of the proven methods for removing contaminants left by oil and grease. In this case, you need to take into account the specifics of the material and use only those methods that are suitable for a particular type.
How to remove grease stains from paper wallpaper
Paper wallpaper is considered the most budget option for covering walls. However, they are popular not only because of their low price. Such wallpapers are presented in a huge variety of designs, do not contain harmful substances in their composition and are easily glued to the wall. In addition, if necessary, they can be very easily removed during renovation; there is no need to use strong chemicals to separate the wallpaper from the wall.
Of course, paper material has serious disadvantages. One of the main ones is that stained paper wallpaper is very difficult to clean. They should not be wetted or subjected to strong mechanical stress - this will simply cause them to deteriorate or tear.
Removing greasy stains from such a coating is associated with significant difficulties:
- You can remove greasy stains from paper wallpaper only using “dry” methods. You cannot treat the material with a wet sponge or rag; at best, the design will float and be erased, and at worst, the coating will deform when drying or simply tear.
- Paper wallpaper should not be cleaned with a stiff brush or hard scrapers. It is permissible to treat them only with brushes with very soft bristles.
- Grease stains from paper wallpaper are removed using the most gentle methods, usually using absorbents - substances that absorb dirt. Therefore, you need to treat the stain while it is fresh; the older the dirt, the more difficult it is to remove.
Advice! If the greasy stain is old and long-dried, and it cannot be removed, then it will be easier to disguise the stain with a picture or curtain, or even re-glue the wallpaper altogether.
How to remove grease from washable wallpaper
Washable wallpaper is the most convenient material to process. Already from the name it is clear that they are suitable for wet cleaning, for example, they are very often glued in the kitchen, where the wall covering gets dirty especially quickly. You can remove greasy stains under washable wallpaper using almost all available methods; the material tolerates moisture well; it can be rubbed with a medium-hard brush to remove grease from microscopic recesses.
Of course, even on washable wallpaper, old stains can stick very firmly. Therefore, you need to try to remove contaminants while they are fresh, this will simplify the task.
Removal using folk remedies
When using folk remedies to remove greasy stains from wallpaper, it is recommended to test each composition on an inconspicuous area.
Universal cleaning methods
If it is impossible to determine the type of coating, then it is recommended to use tooth powder to remove grease from the wallpaper.
To get rid of stains, you need:
- Mix tooth powder and water until the consistency of thick sour cream.
- Apply the mixture to the contaminated area and leave for 12 hours.
- Remove the mixture with a dry toothbrush with soft bristles.
A mixture of tooth powder and pure alcohol helps remove old stains from paper wallpaper. The procedure in this case is similar.
If greasy stains appear near sockets and switches, you should use a school eraser. To quickly clean such contaminants, you can take gasoline, soak a napkin in it and apply the latter to the problem area for 1–2 minutes.
In addition, heat treatment is used to clean any wallpaper from oil stains. To do this, heat the iron to maximum temperature and iron a cloth placed on the contaminated area.
Removing problem spots
If greasy marks appear on vinyl or non-woven fabric, use table vinegar. In this case, the material is cleaned according to the following algorithm:
- Mix in 1 tbsp. l. vinegar a few grains of potassium permanganate.
- Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and wipe the stain.
- Wash the walls with a damp sponge to remove the vinegar smell.
Vinegar should not be used on paper wallpaper. This mixture will corrode the material.
Vinegar works well on both fresh and old stains. However, it is not recommended to intensively rub the contaminated area with this solution.
Cleaning stubborn stains
As mentioned above, gasoline helps remove greasy stains from wallpaper.
But previously the use of fuel was considered in relation to paper-based material. In this case, gasoline acts as an aggressive agent that removes stubborn stains. To get rid of such contaminants, you need:
- Soak a rag or sponge in gasoline.
- Rub the stain with a little force, trying to remove the grease.
- Leave the problem area for 5-10 minutes so that the gasoline has time to absorb into the material.
- Wash the wall several times with soapy water to get rid of the smell of gasoline.
The described method is suitable for cleaning wallpaper with water-repellent properties (non-woven, paintable and vinyl).
Due to the fact that gasoline has an aggressive effect on various materials, before starting the procedure it is recommended to test the effect of fuel on color and design in an inconspicuous area.
Delicate cleaning
To gently clean oil stains you need:
- Mix corn or potato starch in water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain and leave for 7 minutes.
- Remove the slurry with a damp cloth, wiping the material several times.
This method is used to clean fresh grease stains.
Due to the fact that water is used to remove oil traces, it is prohibited to use this method on paper wallpaper.
How to get rid of greasy stains on paper wallpaper?
Removing greasy marks from paper wallpaper is much more difficult, but it is also possible if you follow the following tips:
- It is recommended to remove greasy stains in the area of a socket or switch using a regular eraser, but you should erase dirt with extreme care so that a hole does not form.
- Bread will also help clean the paper. To carry out this procedure, you should cut a piece of bread, the size of which will match the size of the stain. Then apply this piece to the problem area and hold it there for 3-4 minutes. Bread, when touched with a greasy surface, will absorb fatty particles into its structures, so after carrying out several such manipulations, the stain will noticeably decrease. To increase the effectiveness of this method, it is recommended to use freshly baked bread, which can erase greasy marks much faster.
Using household chemicals
Among the household chemicals used to clean wallpaper from oil traces, the following stand out:
Domestos. An aggressive product, for a bottle they ask for about 100–120 rubles. This cleaner can be used on non-woven or vinyl wallpaper. To remove oil traces, you need to treat the contaminated material with Domestos, wait 1–2 minutes and rinse with a damp sponge.
Silit. This product has the same characteristics as Domestos. Silit costs about 120 rubles. Cleaning grease stains in this case is carried out according to the same algorithm.
Vanish. Foaming product that needs to be mixed with water. Depending on the composition and volume, the price for Vanish varies from 120 to 350 rubles. After mixing, this product should be applied with a sponge to greasy marks and rubbed in without applying any effort. After this, you need to remove the residue with a dry sponge.
Freshbubble. This spray consists of natural ingredients. Freshbubble copes with various types of pollution, and therefore the price of the product reaches 250 rubles. To remove greasy marks, spray the spray over the problem area and wipe with a dry cloth.
The convenience of using household chemicals when cleaning oil stains is due to the fact that such products usually indicate which materials can be used for. If grease gets on the paper wallpaper, you can use a melamine sponge. This product can also get rid of old stains.
Toilet paper and iron
The grease gets onto the wallpaper in a molten state, that is, warm and liquid, and then dries into a durable dirty stain. You can wash off greasy oil stains using the reverse steps - melt the fat, turning it into liquid, and blot with a dry napkin or toilet paper.
Removing stains with an iron
To do this, the iron needs to be heated a little (but so that it is not too hot), they need to iron the greasy stain through a paper napkin. At elevated temperatures, the fat will begin to melt and be absorbed into the napkin.
Advice! It is important to replace the napkin with a new one in time so that the fat does not burn on the iron - it is no longer possible to remove such contamination.
The iron should be so warm that only the fat melts; an excessively hot iron may leave permanent brown marks and the area will have to be re-glued.
