Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500190
06/24/03

Fabric Wallcoverings-Care and Selection


1. Select only firmly woven fabrics which will not
stretch or bubble when being wet with paste, or stretched
to be stapled.

2. Avoid selecting light or white background fabrics
which may be discolored by paste. Sheer fabrics are not
suitable as they too will show streaks of paste. Some
fabrics not color fast will have colors 'run' when wet
with paste. Light or sheer fabrics may not show streaks
when past has dried, but in a year to 5 years the paste
may discolor the fabric.

3. Avoid using fabric on walls where there is continual
touching with hands, or where oil or grease may stain it.

4. Consider air quality of house and neighborhood;

Direct air circulating heating units using coal, wood
(furnace or fireplace), gas or oil will cause a slow
accumulating of penetrating soil which will be next to
impossible to remove. If hot air furnace or air
conditioner contains a filter, change or clean the filter
much more often than normally would be necessary.

If home is in an area where there is air pollution
from blowing dust, smokestack soot or oily fumes, fabric
on walls will soil more quickly.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Mary Ellen
Delsipee and Isabel Jones, previous Extension specialists.

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