How to Remove Wallpaper: Tips and Guidelines

two women peeling wallpaper off a wall — You might want to enlist help if you plan to remove wallpaper from an entire room. Gary Houlder / Getty Images

So, you've just moved into a new house, and while the layout is dreamy, that dated vinyl wallpaper? Not so much. In that scenario, learning how to remove wallpaper is a must.

Removing wallpaper might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can strip away those layers and start fresh. Depending on the wall covering and the kind of wall it's on, there are several ways to approach the job.

Let's dive into the science of wallpaper removal — because there's definitely a method to this madness.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Prep Your Space

Before you tackle the wallpaper removal process, you’ll need to gather supplies and protect your workspace. Here's what you'll need:

Wallpaper stripper
Putty knife or painting tool for scraping
Spray bottle
Wallpaper steamer (optional but handy for tough jobs)
Scoring tool for perforating the paper
Fabric softener and dish soap (for a DIY solution)
Drop cloths to protect your floors
Bucket, sponge and warm water
Ladder or step stool

Once you've gathered everything, prep the room by covering the floors with drop cloths and moving furniture away from the walls. Turn off power to outlets and remove outlet covers to keep things safe and accessible.

Step 2: Identify Your Wallpaper Type

Not all wallpaper is created equal. The easiest way to remove wallpaper depends on its type.

Removable wallpaper: This type often peels right off in big sheets because it's designed specifically for removal. Start by pulling at a corner and see if it comes off cleanly.
Strippable wallpaper: While this type is similar to removable wallpaper, it may leave behind a top layer of wallpaper glue or adhesive that needs cleaning.
Vinyl wallpaper: This variety of wallpaper requires extra effort because of its water-resistant layer. You'll need to perforate it with a wallpaper scoring tool to let your removal solution penetrate.
Peelable wallpaper: Expect a top coat left behind that you'll need to soak and scrape off.

If you're unsure about your existing wallpaper, test a small section by peeling it away. This will give you an idea of the removal methods you'll need to use.

Step 3: Apply a Solution

The secret to removing wallpaper? It's all in the solution you use to break down that stubborn wallpaper adhesive. Here are some options.

Commercial wallpaper stripper: A store-bought wallpaper stripper is designed to soften wallpaper glue quickly. Follow the instructions on the label, and don't forget to wear gloves to protect your hands.
DIY vinegar solution: If you prefer a natural approach, mix equal parts vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle. White vinegar is excellent at breaking down glue and adhesive.
Fabric softener mix: Combine one part fabric softener with one part warm water. This solution works well for soaking the top layer of old wallpaper and loosening its grip on the wall.

Spray your chosen solution generously over the wall and let it sit for a few minutes to work its magic.

Step 4: Perforate and Peel

For particularly stubborn vinyl wallpaper or grass cloth, use a wallpaper scoring tool to create small holes in the surface. This step allows your solution to penetrate the top layer and reach the glue underneath.

Once the paper is saturated, start peeling at a corner using your fingers or a putty knife. Pull slowly and steadily to avoid tearing the paper into tiny pieces.

For sections that won't budge, spray them again and let the solution sit a bit longer. Using a wallpaper steamer can also help loosen stubborn sections by applying steam to the area. Just be careful not to damage drywall or plaster walls with too much heat or moisture.

Step 5: Scrape Off Residual Glue

After you strip wallpaper, you might notice leftover wallpaper glue or adhesive sticking to the wall. Use your putty knife or painting tool to gently scrape it off. Avoid digging too hard to prevent gouging the drywall.

To clean up the residue:

Mix hot water, a few drops of dish soap and white vinegar in a bucket.
Dip a sponge into the solution and scrub the wall gently.
Rinse with clean water and let the walls dry completely.

Step 6: Address Any Damage

After removing the wallpaper, inspect your walls for damage. If you notice any gouges or imperfections, use spackling paste to fill them. Once the paste dries, lightly sand the area until smooth.

If your walls are in good shape, give them a final wipe-down to remove any lingering dust or adhesive. You're now ready to paint or hang new wallpaper!

Bonus Tips for Success

Here are some great tips to make your wallpaper removal project as smooth as possible.

Work on one wall at a time to stay organized.
Keep your tools clean. Wipe your putty knife or scoring tool regularly to prevent gunk buildup.
Always test your solution on a small section before committing to a full wall.
For wallpaper borders, focus on soaking the edges before peeling.

If you're dealing with multiple layers of old paper, plaster walls or particularly tough stubborn sections, hiring a professional might be the easiest way to remove all the wallpaper without damaging your walls.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.