Water-resistant, scrub-resistant, or highly washable wallpapers? In the past, the idea of installing wallpaper in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom would have been unthinkable. However, thanks to modern materials, this is no longer an issue. Paste the wall (also called non-woven) wallpapers are far less susceptible to moisture than traditional paper wallpapers, offering much greater flexibility when it comes to wall design.
That said, dirt and stains can still occur in bathrooms, kitchens, and indeed in any other part of the home. This is where the term "highly washable wallpapers" often comes into play. But what does it actually mean? In this blog post, we'll explain everything you need to know.
It's simple: clean the wallpaper! This is one of the major advantages of modern paste the wall and vinyl wallpapers. If the wallpaper in your bathroom, kitchen, or children's room gets dirty, it’s usually no longer an issue. Compared to standard wall paint, cleaning wallpaper is often much easier.
Not all wallpapers are equally easy to clean. The ease of cleaning depends on the material properties and coating, with some performing better than others. While non-woven and vinyl wallpapers are generally easy to maintain, paper wallpapers, such as the popular woodchip wallpaper, can be more challenging.
The cleanability of wallpapers is categorised into different classes, indicated by a symbol on the wallpaper packaging. There are five distinct levels of wash resistance for wallpapers in total.
The symbol of a single wavy line indicates that the wallpaper is water-resistant, representing the lowest level of wash resistance. Most inexpensive paper wallpapers without additional coatings fall into this category. However, these wallpapers should not be cleaned with a damp cloth, as they could be damaged. Many renowned wallpaper manufacturers no longer produce purely water-resistant wallpapers.
Three wavy lines above a brush indicate that the wallpaper is highly scrubbable. This is the highest level of wash resistance a wallpaper can achieve, meaning you can even use a mild abrasive cleaner. Highly scrub-resistant wallpapers are ideal as wallpapers for the kitchen. However, most manufacturers primarily offer scrubbable wallpapers, which are already an excellent choice if you’re looking for a wipeable option.
The black and brown wood slat wallpaper is scrubbable, making it ideal for kitchens or dining rooms.
Most high-quality non-woven wallpapers from premium brands like A.S. Création are either scrubbable or highly washable wallpapers. These two product types are well-suited for virtually any room. If you don’t anticipate significant dirt or stains, a highly washable wallpaper is usually more than sufficient. For this reason, these two types of wallpaper dominate the market.
Two wavy lines indicate that a wallpaper is washable. Light stains can be easily removed, preferably with a damp cloth. However, care should be taken to avoid damaging the wallpaper. Washable wallpapers are often found among paper wallpapers, such as those with wood or stone designs.
A note on wall murals: since they typically lack a vinyl coating, they are usually classified as washable.
The wallpaper 899927 A.S. Création Il Decoro, a maritime paper wallpaper with a wood-effect design is washable.
Three wavy lines represent highly washable wallpapers. These are more robust, allowing you to use mild soapy water to clean various types of stains. However, even with this level of resistance, oil and grease stains can still be difficult to remove.
Highly washable wallpapers are available in a wide range of designs. Many modern paste the wall wallpapers with vinyl coatings fall into this category, making them an excellent choice as wallpaper for the livingroom and bedroom, as well as kitchens—provided they are not applied directly in the cooking or food preparation areas.
The wallpaper Retro-Chic "395303" is highly washable.
A wavy line above a brush indicates that a wallpaper is scrubbable. With this type of wallpaper, you can go a step further and use a soft brush in addition to soapy water. However, care should still be taken to avoid damaging the wallpaper with excessive scrubbing.
Scrubbable wallpapers are usually paste the wall wallpapers with a vinyl coating. Many high-quality floral wallpapers, jungle-themed designs, striped wallpapers, and concrete-effect wallpapers are scrubbable. You'll find a wide variety of wall coverings in this category.
The wallpaper Stories of Life "396502" is scrubbable.
So, if you choose a scrubbable wallpaper, there's nothing stopping you from using wallpaper in the kitchen. With this type of wallpaper, you always have the option to remove stains when they occur, opening up a whole world of design possibilities for your kitchen. A highly washable wallpaper is also sufficient in the kitchen, provided you don’t cook frequently or intensively, or if you avoid applying it in the immediate work and splash areas.
For example, concrete wallpapers are perfect for a kitchen with an industrial style, while brick wallpapers are ideal for creating a cosy, country-style atmosphere, as are wood-effect wallpapers. Additionally, striking wall murals are a great option, particularly in larger kitchens, to give your space a unique touch.
Today, you have an enormous selection of wallpapers to choose from. Thanks to modern materials, you even have the option to equip high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom with a special wall covering. To choose the right wallpaper, simply look for the cleaning class symbols on the back, which indicate how easily the wallpaper can be cleaned. We recommend a scrubbable or highly washable wallpaper, which is perfect for most rooms in the home.
We hope we've answered all your questions about highly washable wallpapers and wallpaper cleaning!
Your team at BRICOFLOR, the experts in wall and floor coverings!