Which Wall Covering Is Easiest to Clean in a Home with Children?

In a home with children the easiest wall coverings to clean are vinyl-surfaced wallpaper and washable paint. On the lower part of the wall, where pencil, handprints and food stains are most common, vinyl wallpaper or washable paint over glass textile is the longest-lasting solution.

The options

• Vinyl-surfaced wallpaper: those with two or three waves on the label wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Washable paint: silk-matt and semi-matt paints release stains; fully matt paint holds them.
• Glass textile and paint: it resists knocks and, when dirty, is repainted without being removed.
• Panelling on the lower wall: protects the wall in play areas and hallways.

Room by room

• Child's room: washable wallpaper; easily changed as the child grows.
• Hallway and entrance: washable paint over glass textile.
• Dining corner: vinyl wallpaper or silk-matt paint.

What to avoid

Paper-faced and real textile wallpapers, fully matt paints and unprotected lime-based finishes absorb stains; keep them for walls children cannot reach.

How is a stain removed?

With a soft, damp cloth and neutral soap, without scrubbing. In detail: our post on whether wallpaper can be wiped.

What about health?

Prefer water-based, low-odour products and air the room well after the work. We covered the choice of paper for a child's room in the safest wallpaper options; you can see designs at ithalduvarkagit.com.