By Shirley
Washable vs scrubbable is a cleanability distinction, not a marketing adjective: under ASTM F793, a washable wallcovering withstands occasional sponging with a prescribed detergent solution, while a scrubbable wallcovering withstands actual scrubbing with a brush and detergent. Scrubbable is the more demanding rating, which is why most commercial Type II specifications require it. The gap matters for buyers because a “washable” product put into a hospital corridor or a restaurant will not survive the cleaning routine that space demands. This guide explains washable vs scrubbable under ASTM F793, where each belongs, what the cleanability ratings actually test, and how to specify the right level so a wallcovering lasts its full service life instead of wearing through at the first deep clean.
Washable vs Scrubbable: The ASTM F793 Definitions
Washable vs scrubbable comes straight from ASTM F793, the “Standard Classification of Wall Covering by Use Characteristics,” which grades wallcoverings by serviceability. Two of those characteristics are cleanability ratings:
- Washable: the ability to withstand occasional sponging with a prescribed detergent solution. Think light, gentle cleaning.
- Scrubbable: the ability to withstand scrubbing — mechanical action with a brush and a prescribed detergent solution. Think repeated, vigorous cleaning.
The difference is intensity and frequency of cleaning the surface can take. Washable handles the occasional wipe; scrubbable handles routine, forceful cleaning without the print or coating breaking down. That is the whole of washable vs scrubbable, and it is why the two are not interchangeable on a commercial spec.
What the Cleanability Test Actually Measures
Behind washable vs scrubbable are repeated-rub tests, measured in cycles (double rubs) of a brush or pad with detergent in an abrasion tester. Industry test summaries indicate washability is evaluated for roughly 100 cycles, and scrubbability for several hundred — commonly cited as 300, and up to 500 for higher classes — though exact counts vary by standard edition and class, so confirm against the current ASTM F793.
The practical reading of washable vs scrubbable is simple: more cycles survived means the surface tolerates more aggressive, repeated cleaning. A cleanability ladder helps buyers rank options:
| Rating | What it withstands | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|
| Wipeable | A light wipe of loose soil | Low-touch, decorative areas |
| Washable | Occasional sponging with detergent | Residential, light offices, guest rooms |
| Scrubbable | Repeated scrubbing with a brush and detergent | Commercial corridors, healthcare, hospitality, food service |
| Scrubbable + stain-resistant / antimicrobial | Scrubbing plus stain and microbial control | Healthcare, high-soil and hygiene-critical spaces |
Cleanability add-ons (stain resistance, antimicrobial finishes) stack on top of scrubbable; they do not replace it. For cleaning protocols that keep these ratings valid in service, see our commercial wallcovering durability grades for hotels.
Which Spaces Need Scrubbable, Not Just Washable
The washable vs scrubbable decision is driven by the space’s cleaning routine, not the look of the product. Match the rating to how the wall will actually be cleaned:
- Scrubbable: hospital and clinic corridors, patient rooms, restaurants and QSR, K-12 and higher-ed corridors, hotel public areas, gyms, retail back-of-house. These get routine, forceful cleaning and disinfection.
- Washable: hotel guest rooms, private offices, waiting areas, residential — surfaces cleaned occasionally and gently.
- Wipeable only: decorative accent walls and low-touch areas where deep cleaning is rare.
Commercial Type II wallcovering — the most widely specified contract class — carries a scrubbable requirement, so specifying “Type II” already implies scrubbable. The washable vs scrubbable mistake buyers make is putting a residential-grade washable product into a commercial space to save money, then watching it degrade under the facility’s cleaning schedule. Cleanability must match the protocol, not just the budget.
How to Specify Washable vs Scrubbable Correctly
Specifying washable vs scrubbable correctly means tying the cleanability rating to the real cleaning requirement and documenting it. Follow these steps:
- Describe the cleaning routine for the space — frequency, chemicals, and whether disinfection or scrubbing is involved.
- Pick the rating: scrubbable for routine forceful cleaning; washable for occasional gentle cleaning.
- Use the type as shorthand where it fits — commercial Type II implies scrubbable under the standard.
- Add stain-resistant or antimicrobial finishes where hygiene or soil load demands, on top of scrubbable.
- Require the ASTM F793 classification on the submittal, so the cleanability rating is documented, not assumed.
RunpWell manufactures contract-grade non-woven, PVC-free and vinyl wallcovering as an OEM and private-label supplier, and can supply products matched to washable or scrubbable requirements with documented specs, batch color QC and test-report support — MOQ, FBA/FBM and dropshipping handled per project. Browse our wallpaper products or review our QA/QC process to match cleanability to your project.
FAQ
What is the difference between washable and scrubbable wallcovering?
Under ASTM F793, washable means the wallcovering withstands occasional sponging with a prescribed detergent solution, while scrubbable means it withstands scrubbing with a brush and detergent — mechanical, repeated cleaning. Scrubbable is the more demanding rating. Washable suits gentle, occasional cleaning; scrubbable suits routine, forceful cleaning in commercial spaces.
Is Type II wallcovering scrubbable?
Yes. Commercial Type II wallcovering — the most widely specified contract class — carries a scrubbable requirement under the federal and ASTM framework, so specifying Type II already implies scrubbable cleanability. If a product is only rated washable, it is not meeting the Type II cleanability requirement, regardless of how it is marketed.
How many cycles is a scrubbable rating?
Cleanability is tested in cycles (double rubs) of a brush with detergent. Industry test summaries indicate washability around 100 cycles and scrubbability several hundred — commonly cited as 300, and up to 500 for higher classes — but exact counts depend on the ASTM F793 edition and class. Confirm the required cycles against the current standard and the product’s test report.
Which spaces need scrubbable wallcovering?
Scrubbable wallcovering is needed wherever walls get routine, forceful cleaning or disinfection: hospital and clinic corridors, restaurants and food service, schools, hotel public areas, gyms, and retail back-of-house. Washable is adequate for hotel guest rooms, private offices and residential spaces that are cleaned occasionally and gently.
The Bottom Line
Washable vs scrubbable is a real performance distinction under ASTM F793: washable survives occasional sponging, scrubbable survives repeated brush cleaning, and commercial Type II requires scrubbable. Match the rating to the space’s cleaning routine, add stain-resistant or antimicrobial finishes where needed, and require the ASTM F793 classification on the submittal so cleanability is documented. Need wallcovering supplied to a specific washable or scrubbable requirement with documentation? Email support@runpwell.com and our team will help you specify the right cleanability.
Sources: ASTM F793 Standard Classification of Wall Covering by Use Characteristics (GlobalSpec); ASTM F793/F793M-25 (ASTM); ASTM F793/F793M-20 (iteh catalog); Wolf-Gordon — Wallcovering 101.
