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Wallpaper Removal Guide

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This guide provides a step-by-step approach to removing wallpaper for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking to refresh their interior walls. You will learn how to properly prepare your space, protect your furnishings, and determine the most efficient removal method for your specific wallpaper.

Safety Warnings

  • Turn off the electricity to the room at the circuit breaker to prevent water from entering electrical outlets.
  • Wear work gloves when using chemical strippers or hot solutions to protect your skin.

Tools Needed

Putty knife — Phillips #2
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Screwdriver — Phillips #2
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Scoring tool — Stainless steel teeth
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Spray bottle — Fine mist nozzle
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Materials

Plastic sheeting — Heavy duty(2 sheets)
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Painter's tape — Standard(1 roll)
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Sponge — Non-abrasive(2)
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White vinegar — Distilled(1 gallon)
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Steps

1
Clear the room of all furniture and accessories. For items that cannot be moved, cover them and the floors with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Use painter's tape to cover electrical outlets and shut off the power to the room at the electrical panel.
2
Unscrew all wall fixtures, including light switches, electrical outlet covers, and vents, using a screwdriver. Store the hardware in a resealable plastic bag so it is not lost.
3
Test the wallpaper by using a putty knife to lift a corner. If it peels easily without leaving a backing, continue removing it by hand. If it does not budge or leaves a backing, use a scoring tool to create small holes and slits across the surface in a random pattern.
Wallpaper Putty knife Wall surface Lift corner Use a putty knife to check if wallpaper peels without a backing.
4
Prepare a softening solution. Mix hot water with liquid dish soap and a tablespoon of baking soda; for stubborn adhesive, add one cup of vinegar for every gallon of water. Alternatively, use a commercial wallpaper stripper in a spray bottle.
5
Saturate the wallpaper or backing by spraying the solution or rubbing it on with a sponge. Allow the liquid to soak in for several minutes to loosen the glue. If working on drywall, avoid saturation for more than 15 minutes to prevent permanent damage.
6
Scrape the wallpaper and backing off the walls using a putty knife. Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle and keep the blade flat against the wall to avoid gouging the surface. Rewet the wall as you progress.
Handle Metal blade Saturated paper Scrape flat 45° angle Scrape wallpaper at a 45-degree angle to avoid gouging the wall.
7
Remove residual glue by sponging the wall with the hot soap and baking soda solution. Use a putty knife to scrape away the softened adhesive and wipe the area clean with a cloth using circular motions.
8
For exceptionally stubborn glue patches, apply a commercial gel stripper and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before scraping it away with the putty knife. Finish by rinsing the walls with clean, warm water and a damp sponge.

Pro Tips

  • If you discover a second layer of wallpaper underneath the first, remove the top layer completely before attempting to remove the bottom layer.
  • If the wallpaper is too stubborn for water, consider renting an electric steamer to further soften the glue.

When to Call a Professional

If the wallpaper is multiple layers deep or adhered directly to drywall without primer, consult a professional wallpaper remover.

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