If you’re planning to remodel or refresh a room in your house, learning how to remove wallpaper might be one of the important skills you’ll need to have. Whether you’re dealing with old floral prints, textured vinyl, or stubborn glue residue, it can feel overwhelming, but I have tips for you to remove wallpaper easily.
Removing wallpaper isn’t as difficult as it seems, and you don’t need to hire a professional to get it done. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from assessing your wall type to peeling off that last pesky strip of paper.
Why You Might Want to Remove Wallpaper
So why you’d want to remove wallpaper in the first place? Well, what if the wallpaper is outdated, faded, or simply no longer matches your taste? What if it’s peeling or bubbling from age or moisture. Whatever the reason, removing wallpaper opens up a blank canvas for your creativity.
Here are a few reasons you might decide to strip those walls:
- You’re planning to paint or apply new wallpaper
- The wallpaper is damaged or stained
- You’re renovating or flipping a home
- You’re just tired of the current look
In my case, I wanted to create a modern vibe in my dining area — and that 90s floral border had to go!
How to Remove Wallpaper: What You’ll Need
Before you begin, you’ll want to gather a few essential tools and supplies. Trust me, having the right tools makes the process smoother. Here’s what I recommend:
- Wallpaper scraper or putty knife
- Spray bottle or garden sprayer
- Hot water
- White vinegar or wallpaper remover solution
- Sponge or cloth
- Bucket
- Drop cloth or plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- Steamer (optional for stubborn wallpaper)
- Ladder (if dealing with high walls)
Step 1: Test the Wallpaper Type
You can’t remove wallpaper properly without first knowing what you’re dealing with. There are several types of wallpaper:
- Peelable wallpaper: Comes off in two layers — the top decorative layer peels off, leaving behind a backing paper.
- Strippable wallpaper: Easily removed in full sheets without much residue.
- Traditional wallpaper: Often requires water and chemical solutions for removal.
- Vinyl-coated wallpaper: Water-resistant, making it harder to penetrate.
I like to start by gently pulling at a corner. If it lifts easily, you may have a peelable or strippable wallpaper. If not, get ready to roll up your sleeves — we’ll use water and patience.
Step 2: Prepare Your Room Before You Remove Wallpaper
This part might feel like a chore, but I promise it’s worth it. Prepping your space keeps your furniture and floors safe from mess and damage.
Here’s what I usually do:
- Move furniture away from walls
- Cover floors with a drop cloth or old sheet
- Use painter’s tape to seal off electrical outlets and switches
- Keep a trash bag nearby for discarded wallpaper scraps
Also, make sure the room is well-ventilated — especially if you’re using a chemical remover.
Step 3: Remove the Top Layer (If Peelable)
If you’re lucky and dealing with peelable wallpaper, removing the top layer is usually straightforward.
Just grab a corner and slowly pull it downward at a 45-degree angle. You want to avoid yanking too hard or pulling upward, as that can damage the wall beneath.
If only part of it comes off or it starts tearing, don’t worry — we’ll handle the backing paper in the next step.
Step 4: Soften the Adhesive with Water or Solution
In this step, we loosen the glue so you can scrape the paper off more easily.
- Mix hot water with a cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle or garden sprayer.
- Generously spray the wallpaper backing or full sheet.
- Let it soak for at least 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can use a commercial wallpaper remover solution like DIF or Goo Gone. But I prefer vinegar — it’s natural and gets the job done.
Step 5: Scrape the Wallpaper Off
Once the glue softens, it’s time to scrape. This is where things get a little messy — but also satisfying!
- Use a putty knife or wallpaper scraper
- Start at a loose edge or seam
- Scrape downward in small sections
- Don’t press too hard — you want to avoid damaging the drywall
Some parts might peel off easily, while others do not. That’s normal. Just keep spraying and scraping in cycles.
Step 6: Use a Steamer for Tough Wallpaper
If nothing else works and you’re still struggling to remove wallpaper, it’s time to use the steam wallpaper remover. Steam wallpaper remover heats water and releases steam to break down the adhesive quickly. I’ve used one on vinyl wallpaper, and it saved me hours.
To use it:
- Fill the steamer with water and wait for it to heat
- Hold the plate against the wall for 10–20 seconds
- Immediately scrape after steaming
Just be careful — steamers get hot, so wear gloves and protect your hands.
Step 7: Clean and Repair the Walls
After all the paper is off, don’t skip this final step. You want your walls to be clean and smooth before painting or applying new wallpaper.
Here’s what I do:
- Wipe down the walls with warm water and a sponge
- Use mild soap if needed to remove glue residue
- Let the walls dry completely
- Fill in any holes or nicks with spackle
- Sand the patched areas for a smooth finish
Now you’ve got a perfect blank canvas!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Remove Wallpaper
I’ve made these mistakes myself, so let me help you avoid them:
- Skipping the test patch: Always test a small area before attacking the whole wall.
- Using too much water: Excess moisture can damage drywall.
- Rushing: Take your time, especially when scraping.
- Forgetting to protect floors and outlets: Water and glue can be messy.
Removing wallpaper can be tedious, but rushing only leads to a mess.
Tips to Make Wallpaper Removal Easier
You’ve got the basics down, but let me share a few expert tips I’ve picked up over the years:
- Score the wallpaper lightly (make small cuts or scratches on the surface of the wallpaper) before spraying solution — it helps it absorb better.
- Use a spray bottle with a fine mist to avoid soaking the wall too much.
- Keep a portable speaker nearby — good music makes everything better!
- Work in small sections so the adhesive doesn’t dry before scraping.
- Stay patient. Sometimes I set a timer to keep myself focused.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, the wallpaper removal process just isn’t worth your time — especially if:
- The wallpaper is painted over (yes, people actually do that)
- You’re dealing with historic plaster walls
- You have water damage underneath the wallpaper
- You don’t have the time or tools to handle it properly
In those cases, hiring a pro can save you headaches and potential repair costs.
Final Thoughts
I’ve removed wallpaper in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and even stairwells. Each project came with its own challenges, but once you understand the process and arm yourself with the right tools and mindset, it becomes a manageable (and even satisfying) task.
Whether you’re updating a nursery or transforming an old guest room, removing wallpaper is the first step toward a fresh new space. Trust the process, take your time, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy.
Have You Tried Removing Wallpaper?
I’d love to know — what’s your story? Have you ever found three layers stacked on top of each other? Or maybe you discovered writing on the wall behind it? Drop your experience in the comments!