Grasscloth Care & Maintenance
Essential Guide: Proper care and maintenance will keep your grasscloth wallcoverings looking beautiful for years. Follow these guidelines to protect your investment and preserve the natural beauty of your walls.
Daily & Routine Care
Dusting
- Frequency: Dust weekly or as needed
- Method: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or feather duster
- Direction: Dust gently from top to bottom in the direction of the weave
- Vacuum Option: Use vacuum with soft brush attachment on lowest setting
Spot Cleaning
Act quickly for best results:
- Blot spills immediately with clean, dry cloth
- Do not rub or scrub – gentle dabbing only
- Work from outside edges toward center to prevent spreading
- Allow to air dry completely
Cleaning Methods by Stain Type
Dry Stains (Dust, Dirt, Powder)
- Gently brush with soft, dry cloth
- Use vacuum with brush attachment on low power
- For stubborn dry marks, use clean art gum eraser with very light pressure
Light Liquid Spills (Water-Based)
- Blot immediately with clean, white cloth or paper towel
- Do not press hard – absorb liquid gently
- If stain persists, barely dampen cloth with distilled water
- Blot – never rub or wipe in circular motions
- Allow to air dry completely
Oil-Based Stains
- Blot excess immediately with clean cloth
- Sprinkle with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb oil
- Let sit for 30 minutes
- Gently brush away powder
- Repeat if necessary
- Note: Professional cleaning may be required for stubborn oil stains
Food & Beverage Stains
- Remove solid materials first with soft brush or cloth
- Blot liquid gently with dry cloth
- If residue remains, use barely damp cloth with distilled water
- Avoid using any cleaning products
- Test cleaning method on inconspicuous area first
What to Use & What to Avoid
✓ DO
- Use soft, dry microfiber cloths
- Dust regularly and gently
- Blot spills immediately
- Test cleaning methods in hidden areas
- Use distilled water if dampening is necessary
- Allow to air dry completely
- Call professionals for serious stains
✗ DON'T
- Use harsh chemicals or cleaners
- Scrub or rub aggressively
- Use colored cloths (dyes may transfer)
- Apply excessive water or moisture
- Use steam cleaners
- Use bleach or ammonia-based products
- Apply adhesive tape directly to surface
⚠ Warning: Grasscloth is a natural material and can be damaged by moisture, harsh chemicals, and aggressive cleaning. When in doubt, consult a professional wallcovering cleaning service.
Environmental Care
Humidity Control
- Ideal Range: 40-60% relative humidity
- Too Dry: May cause fibers to become brittle
- Too Humid: May cause mold, mildew, or adhesive failure
- Solution: Use humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain ideal range
Sunlight Protection
- Direct sunlight can fade natural grasscloth over time
- Use UV-filtering window treatments in rooms with strong sunlight
- Consider sheer curtains or blinds for west and south-facing windows
- Some fading is normal and adds to the natural, aged patina
Temperature Control
- Avoid placing grasscloth near heat sources (radiators, fireplaces, heating vents)
- Maintain consistent room temperature (65-75°F ideal)
- Sudden temperature changes can cause expansion and contraction
High-Traffic Areas
Special Considerations
- Hallways & Corridors: Clean more frequently (weekly dusting recommended)
- Restaurant Spaces: Inspect regularly for food splatters and oils
- Hotel Rooms: Spot-check between guest stays
- Behind Furniture: Check periodically for hidden moisture or mold
Damage Prevention
Protecting Your Investment
- Furniture Placement: Leave 1-2" gap between furniture and walls
- Wall Art: Use proper hanging hardware – avoid tape or adhesives
- Chair Rails: Consider installing protective molding in dining areas
- Corner Guards: Use in high-traffic commercial spaces
- Pet Considerations: Protect lower walls from scratching and moisture
Repair & Touch-Ups
Minor Repairs
- Loose Seams: Contact professional installer – avoid DIY adhesive application
- Small Tears: May be repairable by professional
- Damaged Sections: Keep extra material from original dye lot for repairs
- Replacement: Always save leftover material for future patching needs
Important: Repairs should be performed by qualified wallcovering professionals. Improper repairs can make damage worse and may void warranty coverage.
Professional Cleaning
When to Call a Professional
- Stubborn stains that don't respond to gentle cleaning
- Large areas requiring deep cleaning
- Oil-based stains
- Water damage or mold concerns
- Before warranty claim submission
- Annual maintenance for commercial installations
Find a Specialist: Look for wallcovering cleaning specialists experienced with natural fiber materials. Standard house cleaning services may not have appropriate expertise.
Commercial & Hospitality Maintenance
Regular Maintenance Schedule
- Daily: Visual inspection in high-traffic areas
- Weekly: Gentle dusting of all grasscloth surfaces
- Monthly: Detailed inspection for damage or stains
- Quarterly: Professional cleaning assessment
- Annually: Professional deep cleaning (if needed)
Staff Training
For commercial properties, train housekeeping staff on:
- Proper dusting techniques
- Spot cleaning procedures
- What cleaning products to avoid
- When to report damage to management
- Importance of immediate spill response
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water to clean grasscloth?
Use water sparingly and only when necessary. If you must use water, barely dampen a white cloth with distilled water, blot gently, and allow to air dry completely. Never saturate the material.
How do I remove scuff marks?
Try a clean art gum eraser first, using very light pressure. If that doesn't work, barely dampen a cloth and blot gently. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
Can grasscloth be installed in bathrooms?
Not recommended for bathrooms with showers or high humidity. If used in powder rooms, ensure excellent ventilation and avoid areas that may receive water splashes.
How long will grasscloth last?
With proper care and maintenance, grasscloth can last 10-15 years or more in residential settings, and 5-10 years in commercial high-traffic areas.
What if my grasscloth gets wet?
Blot immediately with dry towel. Allow to air dry completely. Do not apply heat. If saturation is significant, contact a professional to assess potential adhesive damage.
Contact Us for Care Advice
Related Resources
These care instructions apply to Hollywood Abaca grasscloth wallcoverings from Grasscloth Wallcoverings. Always test cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area first. For specific stain removal advice, contact our customer service team.