I don't know if you can wash it but I have seen it painted.  I actually looked very nice.

I would imagine you can wash it if you can paint it.  I guess go gently in an area that you can hide to see what the results are.... tread softly of course!

Paint is a good solution - try washing in an inconspicuous spot...otherwise vacuum well and apply Febreeze!  Julie

Grasscloth is:

#1 - Made of an intricate network of natural fibers woven together.

#2 - Adhered to the wall with paper backing which is glued.

Do NOT wet grasscloth. It will destroy the structure.

You gently vacuum it with a softbristle attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

You can paint it with latex matte (aka flat) or eggshell paint. Higher sheel levels don't look so hot.

If smoker's odor is present, ionize it with a commercial grade ionizer.

Grasscloth is back in style, and highly sought after. If it looks good, and it is neutral in color, and enhances the home, keep it if you can!

~Michelle

www,featurethisdotdotdot.com

Joyce ~ My 2 cents worth is that I have painted the grasscloth with white paint .

 It looked really good too

Like Fernando, I have also painted grasscloth, the effect is quite nice as it adds texture.  The problem will be the odor from the smoke.  Think you'll have to prime with a good sealer first.  Try it, it's hard to remove it so this is a good option and looks great.

The whole idea of grass cloth makes me shudder. 

Is this older grass cloth from the 60s?

A lot depends on what kind of walls they are on.  It's easier to remove if they are wetplaster walls and impossible if they are drywalled.

Paint over it if they are drywalled and removed if they was wet plaster walls.

The stainblocker primers also block smoke odors - it is the oils from the burning tobacco that causes the smell - tarry stuff. It will be on everything else as well - good luck.

I have painted over grass cloth and wall paper and always use an oil based primer first -- I know -- what a hassle -- but -- the paper will not bubble up like it does with water based products.  Those bubbles may disappear when it dries, but not always and the glue becomes diluted with the water based primers. 

Aloha Joyce,

I agree with the base coat and painting idea. I use Killz as a base coat product. It kills mold and eliminates odors and painted rice and grass paper looks great. Best of luck.

Peace,