Washable Wallpaper Cleaning: Washable vs Scrubbable Finishes

Washable wallpaper and advanced wallcovering finishes make daily cleaning easier in bathrooms, kitchens, kids’ rooms, and busy entries. These surfaces resist moisture, handle light wiping, and keep their color clear over time. A washable wall mural offers the same advantage but at full-wall scale, giving you a durable, easy-care feature wall.

Homeowners often ask which finish they need for long-term performance. This guide explains how washable and scrubbable surfaces differ. It also shows how to choose the right finish for a bedroom, living room, nursery, or bathroom. You will also learn how to maintain your mural with safe cleaning steps. 

 

What Makes a Wallcovering “Washable”?

A washable wallcovering uses durable inks and protective coatings that resist light cleaning and daily moisture. A washable wallpaper stays stable when you wipe fingerprints, dust, or small marks from the surface. These coatings keep the ink clear and prevent color loss. They also maintain a smooth texture during daily use.

A washable wall mural offers the same benefits on a larger scale, which keeps full-wall designs clean even in busy rooms. This finish supports gentle wiping with mild soap and a soft cloth. It also holds up well in spaces that face routine humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Washable coatings work best when paired with materials like non-woven bases or Type II vinyl. These options resist moisture, protect edges, and stay matte under warm or bright light. When combined with VOC/eco-inks, they create surfaces that stay clean, healthy, and long-lasting in real homes.

 

Washable vs Scrubbable: Key Differences

Both finishes support easy cleaning, but they perform differently. Washable surfaces accept mild wiping. Scrubbable surfaces handle heavier friction and deeper cleaning. Choose the finish that fits your room's activity, moisture level, and cleaning habits.

• Washable surfaces accept a damp cloth with mild soap.
• Scrubbable surfaces tolerate stronger cleaning and firmer pressure.
• Washable finishes work well for bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries.
• Scrubbable finishes shine in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways.
• Washable murals resist moisture but need gentle care.
• Scrubbable vinyl provides the strongest everyday durability.

 

Material Options for Washable Wallpaper and Murals

Each material handles water and cleaning tools in a specific way. Understanding the base material helps you plan for real daily use.

• Peel-and-stick (PVC-free) – Matte / Light moisture resistance / Washable
• Non-woven – Matte or soft sheen / Moderate moisture resistance / Washable
• Type II commercial vinyl – Low sheen / High moisture resistance / Scrubbable

For full material details, see the material guide.

 

Where Washable Wallpaper Performs Best

Washable finishes help many rooms stay clean with very little work. The mild cleaning requirement makes them ideal for homes with children, pets, or busy daily routines. A washable wallpaper supports gentle wiping, resists small marks, and keeps colors clear in different lighting conditions. Because the finish stays matte, the wall avoids glare and remains calm even in bright spaces. 

A washable wall mural offers the same benefits across a larger surface. This helps full feature walls stay fresh in high-activity rooms.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms collect dust, skin oils, and fingerprints over time. A washable wall mural behind the bed stays clean with quick, simple upkeep. Gentle wiping keeps the colors clear under lamps or morning light. 

This finish also supports matte textures, which help the wall feel warm and restful. Bedrooms see daily movement. Washable coatings protect the mural and keep the finish matte. They also preserve the calm mood of the space.

Living Rooms

Living rooms experience frequent contact near sofas, shelves, and media units. A washable wallpaper shields high-touch areas and keeps the surface smooth and clean. It resists fingerprints and small marks that appear during daily use. 

The matte finish stays elegant even under strong daylight, and the coating helps the mural support a clean layout. This stability keeps the room organized and allows you to adjust décor without worrying about damage.

Nurseries

Nurseries need gentle, easy-clean surfaces that stay safe for young children. Washable finishes support quick cleaning around cribs, reading corners, and play areas. They resist minor marks from toys or tiny hands and remain safe with low-VOC, eco-ink printing. 

A washable wall mural also supports soft lighting and quiet colors. It helps the room stay calm during naps or bedtime routines. Parents can maintain the wall with simple wiping instead of strong cleaners.

Bathrooms

Bathroom murals face moisture, steam, and frequent wiping. Washable non-woven or Type II vinyl performs best in these spaces. It resists humidity and protects the edges from lifting. The finish stays stable when exposed to warm air after showers and can handle regular light cleaning. 

A washable wallpaper in a bathroom also supports matte or soft-sheen surfaces that hide small water marks. Good ventilation keeps the mural clear during daily use. It also helps the surface stay stable over the long term.

 

Where Scrubbable Vinyl Is the Better Choice

Scrubbable finishes work best in spaces with constant activity. These rooms face more contact, deeper cleaning needs, and frequent moisture changes. Scrubbable vinyl protects the wall from friction, strong wiping, and repeated use. 

It stays stable under firm cleaning pressure and keeps the surface clear even in demanding environments. This makes it ideal for homes where walls must handle real daily wear.

Kitchens

Kitchens collect oil mist, heat, and frequent fingerprints. Walls near counters and dining zones face splashes and regular wiping. Scrubbable vinyl stays stable under firm cleaning and controls surface wear from repeated contact. 

It also resists small stains from cooking routines and protects the print layer from dulling. This helps the wall stay clean even in busy meal times. When placed behind prep areas, the surface remains safe to wipe daily without fading or peeling.

Hallways & Entry Areas

Hallways and entries carry the highest movement in many homes. Bags, jackets, and shoes brush against the wall throughout the day. Scrubbable coatings handle constant friction with ease. They also support deeper cleaning when needed. 

The finish keeps edges sharp and maintains color under bright or low light. These spaces often see sudden temperature changes when doors open, and scrubbable vinyl remains steady through those shifts. It also hides small scuffs and cleans easily after busy days.

Family Rooms

Family rooms gather children, pets, and everyday activity. Furniture movement and daily routines can leave marks on the wall. Scrubbable vinyl offers long-term durability and supports frequent cleaning without losing clarity. It also protects the print in areas where hands, toys, or devices touch the surface often. 

The low-sheen finish stays calm under lamps or natural light, helping the room look organized even with high use. This makes it a steady choice for homes that blend comfort with daily activity.

 

How to Clean a Washable Wall Mural

All cleaning steps are simple and safe for modern surfaces. Mild pressure protects the ink layer and keeps details sharp.

1. Dust the mural with a soft microfiber cloth.
2. Prepare mild soap and warm water.
3. Use a soft sponge or cloth — no abrasive pads.
4. Wipe the mural gently in circular motion.
5. Rinse with clean water if needed.
6. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
7. Ventilate the room after cleaning.

Check the installation guide for seam stability and proper setup.

 

Planning a Washable Feature Wall

A washable wall needs correct placement and the right material choice. Panel layout affects how the mural behaves under cleaning pressure.

• Choose a wall free of direct splash zones.
• Check viewing distance to match pattern scale.
• Measure width and height carefully or use a measuring guide.
• Confirm panel layout so seams avoid key focal points.
• Decide how much texture or pattern the room can support.
• Select material based on moisture, cleaning needs, and traffic.
• Request custom color/scale if the pattern feels too strong or too soft.

 

Why Washable Materials Matter for Long-Term Use

Modern homes need wall surfaces that support real daily life. Steam, spills, fingerprints, and routine cleaning all place steady pressure on the wall. 

A washable wallpaper protects the design during these moments. It keeps the surface clear without losing color depth or its matte texture. This finish helps the wall stay clean even when you wipe it often.

A washable wall mural delivers this same advantage across larger feature walls. It protects the ink layer across wide panels and keeps edges stable under daily contact. The finish also handles gentle cleaners and warm light, which helps the mural stay fresh in bedrooms, living rooms, or bathrooms. 

The coating resists small marks and light moisture. This keeps the surface clear and intact over long-term use without fading or peeling.

These qualities make washable materials a smart choice for active homes. They offer clean surfaces, balanced color, and simple maintenance across many room types.

 

XWALLX: Durable Washable Wallpaper Designs for Every Room

At XWALLX, every mural prints on premium peel-and-stick, non-woven, or Type II vinyl. Printing uses VOC/eco-inks with clean edges and matte surfaces. Washable and moisture-resistant finishes support long-term stability in bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and nurseries.

You can explore washable designs in the bathroom wallpaper mural collection. To test materials before ordering, try the sample pack. For layout planning, use the free visualization tool.