The Best Methods for Removing Wallpaper (Without Wrecking Your Walls)

Holly
4 days ago
2 min read

If you're tackling a renovation, one of the most tedious jobs can be removing old wallpaper. Whether it's outdated florals or peeling textured vinyl, removing wallpaper the right way can save you hours of frustration — and protect your walls in the process.

Here are the best tried-and-tested methods to get it done efficiently and cleanly:

🧽 1. The Old-School Soapy Water Method for Removing Wallpaper

Best for: Traditional paper wallpaper, small rooms

Mix warm water with a little washing-up liquid in a spray bottle or bucket.
Use a utility knife to gently score the wallpaper.
Spray generously and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
Use a scraper or putty knife to lift and peel away.

💡 Top Tip: Always protect your floors with sheets or towels to catch the soggy mess.

🌬️ 2. Use a Wallpaper Steamer

Best for: Stubborn wallpaper, large rooms, or vinyl-coated paper

A steamer is your best friend when wallpaper just won’t budge. You can rent or buy one affordably.

Fill the steamer with water and wait for it to heat up.
Press the steaming pad against the wallpaper for 10–20 seconds.
Once loosened, use a scraper to peel the paper away.

💡 Caution: Don’t hold the steamer too long in one spot — it can damage plaster.

🧼 3. The Fabric Softener Trick

Best for: A more fragrant, DIY-friendly approach

Mix equal parts warm water and fabric softener in a spray bottle.
Spray it onto the wallpaper and let sit for 15 minutes.
Scrape away with a putty knife.

💡 Bonus: It smells much better than vinegar-based methods!

🛠️ 4. Dry-Stripping (If You’re Lucky)

Best for: Newer wallpapers labelled as “strippable”

Use a utility knife to lift a corner and pull gently.
If it peels off in full sheets, you’ve hit the jackpot.

💡 Check first: Try a test area before committing — older wallpaper often needs more aggressive methods.

Final Tips:

Score first, always. Lightly scoring wallpaper helps liquid solutions penetrate the adhesive underneath.
Don’t rush. Let your chosen solution soak in before scraping.
Be patient with plaster walls. They’re more fragile — go slowly to avoid gouging or cracking.
Wash down after. Once wallpaper is removed, wipe down the wall with warm water to remove glue residue.

Removing wallpaper might not be glamorous, but doing it properly sets the foundation for a stunning renovation. Take your time — your future paint or new wallpaper will thank you.

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