How to Clean Canvas Prints
A canvas print is a great investment for any room or space that can last up to a hundred years. To ensure that your print truly stands the test of time requires careful and consistent maintenance and treatment. Follow these simple tips for taking care of your canvas prints properly.
Everyday dirt and dust
Add dusting your canvas print to your daily routine, just like cleaning the rest of your home. To remove the layer of dust, use a soft dry cloth or a feather duster to slowly run it over the surface of the print. Don’t forget to dust all sides of the canvas and avoid using tools with abrasives—sponges or brushes—that can scrub away ink from the surface of your print.
When it’s time for a deep clean
On some days, you won’t have the time or energy to move or clean. That’s okay, it happens to everyone. But if dirt starts seeping through your canvas, don’t panic.
- Get a clean cloth, preferably microfiber since this won’t leave any residue on your prints. Wet the cloth in clean water and wring it out until it’s just moist enough to the touch. Gently wipe your canvas using your damp cloth. Make sure you do this as lightly as possible being careful not to smudge or mess up the piece
- Avoid smearing your print with the dirt from your cleaning cloth. Rinse the cloth in water after you’ve used it a few times. Wring it out and pass it gently over your canvas. Repeat this if necessary to remove all dirt from your canvas.
- When you’re done, let the canvas dry before storing or displaying. Just leave it alone and let it do its own thing. It’ll dry by itself, so don’t worry about it. If you don’t let it dry completely, the dampness could cause molds or dirt to accumulate.
If you’re not satisfied with your work, you can switch out the water in step one for a soapy solution and then repeat the process. Do not use harsh cleaning agents that might damage the ink or the canvas itself.
If you have followed the steps in this guide, and your canvas still looks dirty or stained, you should bring it to a professional art cleaner. They are the experts at restoring canvases to their original condition.
Reminders when cleaning canvas prints:
- Do not use any chemicals or harsh cleaning agents. This may damage the canvas, the ink used in printing, or both. You wouldn’t want a damaged canvas print on your wall, so clean them with care.
- Do not be so rough on the canvas. Clean it as delicately as possible. You don’t want to chip off the print or rub it out. Be gentle. Just a few strokes or passes of clean cloth will do. No need to release your frustrations on the canvas.
- Do not wet the canvas. Don’t soak it. Don’t spray it. Just don’t. Washing it like regular clothes, even if it’s fabric, will only make it worse as it might ruin the ink printed on the canvas.
How to Store Canvas Prints
You may want to switch your canvas wall art with other works when the mood or occasion calls for it. Just make sure they’re clean and dry so they don’t get damaged when you store them away. Remember, humidity and soot are your enemies here.
Storage
To ensure their safety, wrap your canvas prints in acid-free craft paper to prevent them from yellowing. If you don’t have acid-free paper on hand, use bubble wrap instead. Secure the wrappers with tape to keep out dirt and dust.
Place your wrapped canvas upright. Not only will it save space, but it will prevent the canvas prints from sagging or debris from falling onto them. You can keep them in crates, racks and mirror boxes to safeguard them from damages.
Location
Direct sunlight, as well as humidity, won’t do any good to your prints. They can damage the ink and the canvas, causing them to accumulate molds or fade over time. To avoid this, place your canvas prints away from the sun’s harsh rays or moisture. This ensures that they’d last longer while preserving their vibrant colors.
Even when storing them away, it is best to keep them away from your home’s damp, humid areas to ensure they are still looking their best when you bring them out.
Reminders when storing canvas prints:
- Avoid displaying or storing them in damp, humid areas.
- Direct sunlight is not your friend.
- Use acid-free paper for storage to avoid yellowing of the canvas.
- Securely pack them to avoid exposure from dirt, dust, and moisture.
