Removing wallpaper on cabinet inside, back.

Phyllis Holman
by Phyllis Holman
I am refinishing this cabinet for a friend. It has 3 layers of wallpaper on the inside back and sides. Please, what's the fastest, easiest way to remove it?
  14 answers
  • Faans Faans on May 25, 2015
    Hi, normally some fabric softener diluted in water should take it off, but I am not sure if it is going to damage the wood. It must penetrate the wallpaper.
    • Phyllis Holman Phyllis Holman on May 26, 2015
      @Faans Thank you. I'm trying that now. I've got the whole top layer off, using that.
  • Linda Creighton Linda Creighton on May 25, 2015
    Lightly score xes on paper spray with softner water.I would use plastic putty knife if you have one. Use plastic spatula if you don`t.
    • Phyllis Holman Phyllis Holman on May 26, 2015
      @Linda Creighton Thank you. I seem to be having some success with the fabric softener.
  • Shirley Kalinosky Shirley Kalinosky on May 25, 2015
    Don't score it too much or you will be scraping off little tiny pieces and it's so much better to pull of larger ones and get it done sooner.
    • Phyllis Holman Phyllis Holman on May 26, 2015
      @Shirley Kalinosky You are so right, Shirley! The bigger the pieces, the better! Thanks for your response.
  • Cath Cath on May 25, 2015
    fabric softener & water, let set for 1 to 2 min.
  • Cindi Joy Davison Cindi Joy Davison on May 26, 2015
    I always use warm water and vinegar.
    • Phyllis Holman Phyllis Holman on May 26, 2015
      @Cindi Joy Davison Thanks for your reply. Hadn't thought of vinegar...it has so many other uses, it'll probably come in handy for this one!
  • Kris Kowalski Kris Kowalski on May 26, 2015
    Liquid sandpaper
  • Michelle Michelle on May 26, 2015
    I've found that using my clothes steamer works the best, it's small enough to get into tight spaces, let it heat up then move across wall paper ( be careful with the steam, it is super hot ) take a plastic putty knife to remove paper, if any residue is left I fill a bucket with really hot water and a 1/2 cap of liquid fabric softener then use a rag or soft sponge to remove. Just keep a dry rag handy to wipe excess water from wood so it doesn't damage it.
    • Phyllis Holman Phyllis Holman on May 26, 2015
      @Michelle Thank you, Michelle. I don't have a clothes steamer but I've used my iron to steam some things, Maybe that will also help some, with this project!
  • Phyllis Holman Phyllis Holman on May 26, 2015
    Yes, I think with all the tips I've been given, I'll be able to get the job done. I'll post a picture of the finished cabinet.
  • Shirley Kalinosky Shirley Kalinosky on May 26, 2015
    Let's put it this way, do you want your house to smell like a salad or the wonderful soft smell of fabric softener? I pick fabric softener every time. When you have been out of the room or house for a few min, coming back in and smelling that fresh smell makes you want to get it done and see how it turns out. You go, Girl! (FYI--I spelled fabric wrong and clicked on it to get the right spelling and it gave me fabric and Fabian....who knew?) LOL
  • Janice cox Janice cox on May 26, 2015
    wallpaper steamer will work and small enought to fit.
  • Martha Felgar Martha Felgar on May 26, 2015
    Just put about one capful of dish detergent in hot water (1 gallon) soak the paper, a sprayer is easiest. It will come right off plus after you rinse your surface will be clean and ready to work with.
  • Phyllis Holman Phyllis Holman on May 26, 2015
    Thanks again, Kris! Love the smell of oranges!
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Feb 23, 2016
    I use Snuggles & hot water every time. It works and smells great afterwards.
  • Lynn King Lynn King on Oct 05, 2017

    what is Snuggles