Removing old wallpaper is the kind of task that requires a pep talk. All the glue and paste and unknown layers potentially awaiting you can be intimidating. Do you need a steamer? Should you just hire a professional no matter what it costs? You can relax because we have good news for you, whether you just moved into a new space and are dealing with the old owner’s design choices, attempting to get your security deposit back from your landlord, or stripping the walls as you prepare to sell: Once you learn how to remove wallpaper, the job is easier than you might think. Hanging it may be a pain (though the beautiful patterns are well worth the hassle), but removing it takes just four easy steps.
The easiest way to remove old wallpaper is to use a wallpaper stripper, a paint scraper, and a steamer (heat loosens up stubborn glue). However, unless it is specifically removable wallpaper, there’s no good way to remove traditional wallpaper without damaging the backing or ripping it. You can make a DIY wallpaper remover from dish soap and water or use mixture of vinegar and water—the chemicals break down adhesives in the same way. Distilled white vinegar is especially useful for removing old glue residue.
Yes, wallpaper can stubbornly cling to the walls, but with the right tools, directions, and attitude, you will prevail. Here’s what to do.
Supplies:
- Paint scraper
- Sponge
- Scrub brush
- Wallpaper removal spray or all-purpose cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Scoring tool (optional)
- Steamer (optional)
STEP ONE: Remove any outlet covers, switch plates, and hardware such as towel bars. Starting at the corners, strip off the surface layer (the printed wallpaper side you see) using a paint scraper and peeling it back slowly.
STEP TWO: Loosen the backing. Working in sections, soak the remaining wallpaper by running a wet sponge over the surface and letting it sit for at least 10 minutes (the longer, the better). Loosen the residue with the scrub brush and scrape it off the wall with the paint scraper.
STEP THREE: Use wallpaper-removal spray to tackle sticky spots. Alternatively, you can try a regular all-purpose cleaner; they can do the job well, according to Flat Vernacular founder Payton Cosell Turner.
STEP FOUR: If you’re still not making headway, a scoring tool can help scratch the paper loose.
***For extra-stubborn or old wallpaper, you can use a steamer to loosen the paste before you scrape.