Taking down wallpaper can be a bit of a chore, but it’s not too tricky if you want to protect your walls. There are four effective methods you can try—steamer, water mixed with vinegar or fabric softener, liquid remover, or gel remover—each capable of clearing about 100 square feet of wallpaper per hour without causing damage.
Discover how to remove wallpaper with these four techniques.
Choose the best method for your specific needs:
- Steamer: Ideal for stubborn or old wallpaper, or when dealing with plaster walls.
- Water and vinegar or fabric softener: Perfect for peelable or temporary wallpaper, and a great DIY option without harsh chemicals.
- Liquid remover: Best for vinyl wallpaper, commonly found in bathrooms.
- Gel remover: Handy when you need something that sticks to the wall and remains wet for a longer time.
Prepare Your Walls for Wallpaper Removal
Getting your walls ready for wallpaper removal can help you avoid any damage to your floors. Since every method involves a lot of liquid, it’s essential to protect your floors and baseboards. Use sheet plastic, cardboard, or towels to cover them.
Start by taking down everything from your walls, including pictures, shelves, and mirrors. Also, unscrew and remove the covers from electrical outlets and light switches.
Safety Considerations
- Lead-based paint: If your wall paint dates back to before 1978, it might contain lead, which is hazardous to health. If you suspect lead, wear an N95 respirator and take necessary precautions.
- Wallpaper steamers: Always wait for the steamer to cool down completely before refilling it with water to prevent burns.
What You’ll Need to Remove Old Wallpaper
Equipment / Tools
Steam Removal
- Wallpaper steamer
- Putty knife
- Clean sponge
- Wallpaper scoring tool
Water and Vinegar or Fabric Softener
- Spray bottle
- Putty knife
Liquid Stripper
- Putty knife
- Wallpaper scoring tool
- Clean sponge
Gel Remover
- Putty knife
- Wallpaper scoring tool
Materials
Steam Removal
- Sheet plastic
- Tape
Water and Vinegar or Fabric Softener
- Water
- Vinegar or fabric softener
- Sheet plastic
- Tape
Liquid Stripper
- Wallpaper stripper in a spray bottle
- Sheet plastic
- Tape
Gel Remover
- Gel-based wallpaper remover
How to Remove Wallpaper with Steam
Prepare the Steamer
- Attach the steamer plate to the steamer unit.
- Fill the reservoir with water up to the designated waterline mark.
- Plug in the steamer and turn it on.
- Wait until the steamer builds up a full head of steam.
Steam the Wallpaper
- Place the steamer plate against a section of wallpaper.
- Press and hold the trigger for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Remove the steamer plate and set it aside safely.
Scrape the Wallpaper and Adhesive
- Immediately use a putty knife to peel off the steamed section of wallpaper.
- Continue this process of steaming and peeling until all the wallpaper is removed.
- Once the wallpaper is gone, re-steam the wall to loosen any remaining adhesive.
- Scrape off the residual wallpaper glue.
- Finish by wiping down the wall with a damp sponge to remove any leftover residue.
How to Remove Wallpaper with Vinegar or Fabric Softener
Mix the Solution
- In a spray bottle, combine your chosen solution:
- Equal parts water and white vinegar, or
- Three parts water and one part fabric softener.
- Gently shake the bottle to mix the solution.
Saturate the Wallpaper
- Generously spray the wallpaper with the solution.
- Allow the paper to soak until it starts separating from the wall.
Scrape and Peel the Wallpaper
- Use a scraper to gently peel off the saturated wallpaper.
- If the paper resists, spray it again and try peeling it off after it’s soaked longer.
How to Remove Wallpaper with Liquid Stripper
Apply the Wallpaper Stripper
- Spray or sponge the wallpaper stripper onto a small area.
- Wait for about five minutes to let the stripper penetrate the paper.
- Wipe away any drips before they reach the baseboard or floor.
Remove With a Putty Knife
- Carefully slide a putty knife under the paper and lift it away.
- Avoid scraping or gouging the wall to ensure the wallpaper comes off cleanly.
How to Remove Wallpaper with Gel Remover
Apply the Gel Remover
- Apply the gel remover to the wallpaper using a spray, brush, or roller.
- For best results, score the wallpaper with a scoring tool before applying the gel.
Remove With a Putty Knife
- Let the gel sit for 15 to 30 minutes to remain moist and effective.
- Use a putty knife to lift off the wallpaper gently.
Tips for Removing Wallpaper
- Plaster walls: Use a wallpaper steamer for best results.
- Avoid wall damage: Do not leave the steamer on the wall for more than 30 seconds.
- Prevent gouging drywall: Carefully slide the knife between the wallpaper and drywall.
- Use plastic putty knives: They are gentler on walls compared to metal knives.
Key Takeaways
The easiest way to remove old wallpaper is by using a steamer, holding it against the wallpaper for about 30 seconds before peeling it away with a putty knife. While wallpaper removal can be challenging, methods like steaming, liquid removers, and gel removers can simplify the process when done patiently in sections. Professionals usually score the wallpaper before steaming and peeling it.
It’s generally better to remove old wallpaper before applying new wallpaper to assess wall condition and ensure a proper base for the new application.