You clean a canvas print with a dry, soft microfibre cloth, gently wiping over the canvas. Cleaning products, scouring pads and excessive water should always be avoided, as they damage the ink and the tension of the canvas. With the right routine, wall art stays beautiful for years — and that routine takes no more than a few minutes per month. In this guide you'll learn exactly how to care for canvas, aluminium and acrylic glass, what to do about stains, and which mistakes to avoid.
The basic rule: dry and gentle
The safest method for regular care of a canvas print is dry dusting. Use a clean microfibre cloth or a soft duster and wipe over the canvas from top to bottom with light pressure. Never press hard on the canvas: the fabric is stretched over a wooden frame and can stretch or dent under too much pressure.
A fixed routine prevents dust from building up. For most living spaces, dusting once every two to four weeks is sufficient. In rooms with a lot of dust circulation, such as next to a staircase or above a radiator, weekly dusting is wise.
Removing stains from canvas
For a stain on canvas, the rule is: try dry first, then only slightly damp. Work in this order:
- Step 1: wipe the stain with a dry microfibre cloth in a circular motion.
- Step 2: if the stain remains, slightly dampen the cloth with lukewarm water. The cloth should feel damp, not wet.
- Step 3: gently dab the stain. Do not rub hard and never scrub.
- Step 4: let the canvas air dry, away from direct heat sources.
Never use all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, alcohol or abrasives on canvas. These products attack the print layer and cause dull patches or colour differences that cannot be repaired.
Preventing dust is better than removing it
Prevention makes caring for wall art considerably easier. Three measures have the greatest effect:
- Don't hang canvas directly above a radiator. Rising warm air carries dust that settles on the canvas and can cause the wood of the frame to warp.
- Avoid the kitchen zone. Grease particles from cooking vapours stick to canvas and are difficult to remove. For kitchens, aluminium or acrylic glass is a better material.
- Avoid rooms with high humidity. In a bathroom, canvas can ripple or develop mould over time; here too, aluminium and acrylic glass are the right choice.
Caring for aluminium wall art
Aluminium (Dibond) is the most low-maintenance material for wall art. The surface is smooth and moisture-resistant, so you can easily wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth. Dry afterwards with a soft, dry cloth to prevent streaks. Aggressive cleaners are unnecessary and not recommended here either: lukewarm water suffices in virtually all cases. For greasy stains, a drop of mild washing-up liquid in the water is fine, provided you rinse afterwards with a clean damp cloth.
Acrylic glass: never wipe dry
For acrylic glass there is one important exception to the main rule: never clean acrylic glass with a dry cloth. When rubbed dry, dust particles act like sandpaper and cause fine scratches in the acrylic that permanently dull the glossy surface. So always work like this:
- First rinse or moisten the surface with lukewarm water so dust particles come loose.
- Wipe the panel with a wet, soft microfibre cloth without applying pressure.
- Dab dry with a clean, damp cloth or let it air dry.
Never use glass cleaner, alcohol or products containing ammonia on acrylic glass: these cause hairline cracks in the acrylic. Paper kitchen towels and tissues are also not recommended due to scratching.
Care per material at a glance
| Material | Regular care | For stains | Never do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Dry microfibre cloth or duster | Slightly damp cloth, dabbing | Cleaning products, scrubbing, lots of water |
| Aluminium (Dibond) | Slightly damp cloth | Lukewarm water, possibly mild washing-up liquid | Abrasives, aggressive cleaners |
| Acrylic glass | Wet soft cloth, moisten first | Lukewarm water, dab without pressure | Dry cloth, glass cleaner, alcohol, tissues |
| Poster (framed) | Wipe the glass or frame, not the print itself | Clean only the protective glass | Touching the paper print with moisture |
Wooden frames and the hanging system
Wall art with a frame in black, white, wenge or natural wood requires the same dry care as canvas: dusting with a soft cloth. Wooden frames do not tolerate wet cleaning; moisture soaks into the wood and can damage the lacquer finish or veneer. While dusting, also check that the hanging system is still secure, especially with larger formats such as 90 by 60 centimetres.
Frequently asked questions
Can I vacuum a canvas print?
Yes, as long as you're careful. Use the soft brush attachment on the lowest suction setting and keep the nozzle a few centimetres away from the canvas. Direct contact between vacuum cleaner and canvas is not recommended, as the suction can deform the canvas.
How do I remove fingerprints from acrylic glass?
Moisten the surface with lukewarm water and gently rub the fingerprint away with a wet microfibre cloth. Stubborn grease disappears with a drop of mild washing-up liquid in the water. Rinse with clean water and dab dry. Never use glass cleaner: it damages acrylic.
What do I do if my canvas starts to sag?
Slight sagging is usually caused by fluctuations in humidity. The canvas often recovers by itself when humidity returns to normal. A canvas that sags permanently can be re-tensioned at the back via the wedges in the corners of the frame by tapping the wedges in slightly deeper.
