How to clean a canvas print the right way
Canvas prints are a *spectacular* way of displaying your favourite photos on the wall.
They can show off anything from happy family photos to stunning holiday landscapes, so you’ll want to make sure your canvas always looks its best.
However, unframed canvas prints aren’t protected from dust, dirt and other damage, so you’ll need to learn how to keep them spotless.
Fortunately, we’ve put together a full guide on how to clean a canvas print the right way, including regular dusting and removing stubborn stains!
How to clean a canvas print the right way
Good news - canvas prints are very easy to clean! Just follow these 3 simple steps and you’ll master how to clean a canvas print properly in almost no time at all.
Step 1. Dust your canvas regularly
Start by using a clean microfiber cloth or duster to gently remove surface dust from your canvas print. Regularly dusting your canvas will prevent dirt and everyday household dust from building up, so you can follow this simple routine to keep your canvas looking squeaky clean.
This is the fastest, simplest and easiest way to clean a canvas, and removes the majority of dust without any need to dampen the canvas. It’s important to wipe and dust your canvas gently, as rubbing too hard will damage the surface.
Step 2. Remove grime with a damp cloth
When canvas prints aren’t dusted regularly, dirt and grime will inevitably build up and become a little harder to clean. This time, you’ll need to soak your microfiber cloth in lukewarm water, wring it out until it’s only slightly damp, and then use your damp cloth to gently wipe the grime away from your canvas. Simple.
Step 3. Gently spot clean tougher stains
If you still see smudgy fingerprints or other stubborn marks on your canvas, you can tackle them with these very simple steps:
- Mix mild dish soap and distilled water in a bowl (do NOT use harsh chemicals)
- Soak your microfiber cloth in the solution
- Wring out your cloth to remove excess water
- Gently wipe the affected area in a circular motion
- Use a soft dry cloth to dry the dampened area
- Check that the smudgy marks have been removed!
Additional canvas cleaning tips
Here are a few extra things to bear in mind when cleaning a canvas print:
1. Avoid harsh chemicals
This is really important. You should NEVER use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners or excessive water when cleaning your canvas. Using bleach or alcohol-based cleaners is a sure-fire way of damaging the inks or even the surface of the canvas itself.
2. Wipe your canvas gently
Let’s be clear, rubbing your canvas too aggressively will likely damage it. If you’re wiping too vigorously with your cloth, then there’s a good chance you’ll either scratch the surface or let water soak into the fabrics. Keep your motion firm, but gentle.
3. Don’t use a vacuum cleaner
Alright, using a vacuum cleaner might seem like a great dusting technique, but the strong suction can actually damage the fibres of your canvas. Instead, stick to using the clean microfiber cloth and feather duster we recommended above.
4. Don’t spray water
You might think that a damp canvas is easier to clean, but making it too wet can make it vulnerable to smudging and ruin your print.
5. Use white vinegar to remove nasty stains
Removing coffee or nicotine stains from a canvas is tricky, but you can try a solution of 3 parts lukewarm water and 1 part white vinegar. There’s a chance you’ll need to get your canvas professionally cleaned here, but it’s worth trying this method first.
How to stop canvas prints getting dirty
Whether you’ve got a gallery-wrapped canvas or a jaw-dropping panoramic canvas, you’ll want to look after it properly and keep it looking spectacular on your walls.
To keep it as clean as possible, there are a few things you can do to prevent your canvas from getting dirty or damaged in the first place:
- Frame your canvas - a wooden frame with a glass front will help keep dust and dirt away from your canvas (you’ll just need to clean the frame instead)
- Don’t smoke indoors - nicotine stains can discolour your canvas and ultimately ruin your print
- Keep it away from kids - when your canvas is out of reach, this will help you avoid any smudgy fingerprints or crayon marks
- Avoid direct sunlight - prolonged exposure can cause colours to fade over time, so we recommend hanging your canvas in a more shaded area
- Avoid humidity - don’t hang your canvas in the bathroom or other humid environments, as the moisture can damage your canvas
Check out our guides on how to hang canvas, what is a canvas print and much more!
