How to Clean Canvas Prints (Easy to Follow Tips)

Whether you're an art enthusiast, artist or curator, there's one thing we can all agree on - your photo canvas prints need a good clean now and then to preserve their beauty and make them last longer.

While cleaning a canvas print doesn't require advanced methods and fancy techniques, it doesn't mean there is nothing to fret about.

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when on a canvas cleaning spree, like minimum water exposure and avoiding specific cleaning agents to maintain their pristine appearance.

To ensure your prints retain their original vibrancy and allure that makes them as lively as they were when you first laid eyes on them, it's essential to nurture them with all your heart. Hint: regular cleaning.

Canvas is a fantastic material for photo prints compared to other mediums, for the numerous advantages it offers. Still, it requires attention and tender care to fulfil its claim of being your decade, even centuries-old friend.

In this post, we'll walk you through how to clean your canvas prints with a few simple yet effective techniques in no time. Keep reading on to master the art of cleaning canvas prints to help you preserve their beauty for years to come.

DIY Canvas Cleaning or Professional Help?

Well, there is no comparison to professional cleaning, as these cleaners are experts with the proper knowledge and techniques. However, that doesn't mean you can't DIY at home!

Depending on the severity of the cleaning your print requires (mild to moderate), you can easily clean them in the comfort of your space.

If the dirt or grime on your artwork is deeply embedded or is covered in mould, it's better to seek professional help.

That being said, Let's delve into how you can clean your prints at home all by yourself.

3 Easy Ways to Bring Your Canvas Prints Back to Life

First thing first, check for the level of cleaning your prints need. Lay the print flat on the surface and check for dust, grime, splashes, mould, or any other harm that may have come to your art.

Once you're done with the inspection, hop onto the cleaning mission to restore your prints.

How to Clean Gentle Dirt and Grime?

If your prints are a little dusty, they will do well with gentle cleaning. It is the most utilised method and is perfect for everyday routine.

Follow these steps and wipe them clean in just a few minutes.

Materials needed

• Rubber gloves

• Lint-free soft cloth (microfibre cloths are the best)

• A feather brush (optional)

• Water

• A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment (optional)

Instructions

• Wear hand gloves and wet a soft microfibre cloth.

• Rinse the cloth so it's just damp and not dripping wet.

• Wipe the surface of your print gently.

• If the image is situated in a hard-to-reach area, you can also use a high-quality feather brush to wipe the dust away.

• Do not, in any case, rub the surface of the canvas harshly.

• Be gentle and remove the dust in multiple swipes.

• Make sure to wipe the edges of your canvas print as well, as most people often forget that the corners also require care.

If the print is large, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Set the vacuum settings to low suction so the pressure is not too high. Turn it on and begin vacuuming following a top-down approach. Ensure the strokes are gentle and smooth to remove the dust from your canvas.

Moreover, cleaning daily or on alternate days is advisable so your canvas retains its natural appeal. Dust accumulation may fade colour, severely impacting your art's aesthetics.

Cleaning Stubborn Grime or Stains From Canvas Prints

If you do not dust your canvas print regularly, the buildup can turn into stubborn dirt and stains, also referred to as grime.

In some cases, your canvas prints might be a victim of coffee spills or other liquid splashes that leave huge stains. If so, you need to go the extra mile to clean your prints.

Materials needed

• Bowl

• Mild liquid dish soap

• Lukewarm distilled water

• Gloves

• Microfiber cloth or cotton swab

Instructions 

• Use an art-approved cleaning liquid or formulate a solution to clean the canvas.

• Mix one part of mild liquid dish soap with three parts of lukewarm distilled water.

• Dampen the clean, soft cloth and perform a small patch test first to ensure there is no damage to the print. You can also use the head of a cotton swab to do the work.

• Once the test is successful, gently wipe the canvas print and blot the stained area to get rid of the grime.

• Do not vigorously scrub or rub the print to lift the stain.

• Wet another soft cloth and gently wipe or blot the print's surface again. Doing this helps in removing any soap residue that's left behind.

• Allow the canvas to air dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. Ensure it is away from direct sun exposure, as it will cause the print to lose its colour.

Removing Nicotine and Smoke Residue

Another typical harm that may come to your image is nicotine, smoke residue, and the marks they leave behind. You may face this issue more if your print is above or near a fireplace or if tobacco use or smoking is common in your home.

Smoke residue can be tougher to rid of; simply using soapy liquid and microfiber cloth may not remove it from your canvas prints.  If this is the case, then follow the guide below:

Materials needed

• White bread

• Soft cloth

Instructions 

• Take a small piece of white bread.

• Ensure that the bread is free from any seeds or crust.

• Roll the bread into a small ball shape.

• Perform a patch test on a small area of the canvas print to ensure the bread isn’t going to do any damage to it.

• Blot the nicotine-stained areas with the ball-shaped white bread using a gentle dabbing technique.

• Do not rub or scrub, as this may cause damage to the artwork.

• Replace the bread when it becomes discoloured.

• Repeat the entire process with a fresh piece of bread until the stain is removed or doesn’t fade anymore.

• Use a soft brush or cloth to dry dust the canvas print for any residual crumbs.

If this technique also fails to remove the nicotine marks, use white vinegar to do the trick. Here's a comprehensive guide for this:

Materials needed 

• Bowl

• Soft cotton balls

• White vinegar

• Distilled water

Instructions 

• Make a solution with three parts of distilled water and one part of white vinegar in a small bowl. Mix it well.

• Dampen the cotton balls in the solution.

• To avoid damage to the print, ensure the cotton balls are only moist and not dripping wet.

• Gently blot the affected areas.

• Keep doing it until the stains have faded away.

Essential Tips to Remember When Cleaning Canvas Prints

You must be careful when cleaning your canvas prints, as it is possible that you end up causing damage to the canvas. Below are a few tips you must keep in mind to ensure your canvas prints remain clean and vibrant.

• Before cleaning, ensure your hands are clean and dry.

• Wear gloves on all occasions when it comes to handling the canvas, as your fingerprints can leave a mark.

• If you are cleaning multiple wall art, make sure to rinse the cloth after each print so they are as clean as possible.

• Do not spray water directly on the canvas prints, as it'll overly dampen the surface and may cause your image to lose its distinct features.

• Never immerse the cloth entirely in water or any liquid cleaning solution, as the fabric may absorb too much moisture, which will damage the surface of the print.

• Always wipe in one direction, from one side to the other, like top to bottom, right to left or vice versa.

• Avoid any circular motions while cleaning.

• Do not apply pressure while rubbing or wiping the canvas. Doing so can remove the colour of the print, causing more damage.

• Dishwashing liquid is the safer option for making a cleaning solution.

• Never use any bleaching agents or laundry liquids to clean the prints.

• Work in a ventilated and open space where you can freely move around.

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure to prevent colour fading.

Conclusion 

Canvas prints are the perfect choice for economical yet trendy home decor. It adds a distinct element to your rooms thanks to its natural appeal.

However, as fantastic as they are, they still require care and maintenance because their allure will not last long in the middle of dirt and grime. Therefore, clean them frequently to maintain their charm. You can use several techniques to clean and make your precious canvas art look its best.

Pro Tip

If you are looking for waterproof and UV protected canvas prints, you can order them from Printing Box.

To help preserve the beauty of your canvas prints, we are offering the option of canvas coating. It’s completely transparent and helps protect your canvases from moisture and abrasions to help your canvas last a lifetime.