How do I remove wallpaper?

Theresa Dunlap
by Theresa Dunlap
  8 answers
  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Dec 08, 2019

    I always use a spray bottle of warm water and 1/3 ratio of vinegar. You could add a couple of drops of liquid soap.

    Let it soak and re-spray and soak again.

    Plastic putty knife works well and doesn’t rust.

    If you have a lot to do, buy the spiked roller. It’s worth it.

  • Janice Janice on Dec 08, 2019

    Hi Theresa, in years past, I've used fabric softener and very hot water in a spray bottle to "release" the glue after using a wall paper scorer which is a palm sized tool to penetrate the wallpaper. Here's a video using additional supplies. Many different ways to get wall paper removed.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvBdijrPSGA


  • Deb K Deb K on Dec 08, 2019

    Hi Theresa, I have found the best way is to steam it off, You can rent a fabric steamer, or a cleaning steamer for this, I have one and it sure makes a lot of jobs much easier. They are inexpensive and sell for less than $20. Here's a quick video, hope it helps you

    https://www.hgtv.com/videos/remove-wallpaper-with-steamer-0189832

  • Dee Dee on Dec 08, 2019

    This is exactly how I have removed wallpaper in 3 rooms. In fact I showed this to my neighbor who was pulling her hair out just using a scraper. I used Downey which also made the rooms smell wonderful. Leave it on for about 20 minutes after you first score it with a paper tiger, then take a PLASTIC scraper and the old wallpaper comes off 123.

  • I've found that water and vinegar, plus a plastic putty knife work best. It takes forever, but some projects are like that. Be sure you clean the walls afterwards to remove the glue residue. I wash mine with water and vinegar until they no longer feel slimy. Then wash again with water.

  • Maura White Maura White on Dec 11, 2019

    I sprayed on liquid fabric softener and scraped it off.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 11, 2019

    Hello Theresa

    Use a steamer or wet sponge and a scraper.......... Mucky but worth it.

  • Dee Dee on Jan 13, 2021

    Use a paper tiger to score the wallpaper. Then spray the wall with Downy Fabric softener and water. About half and half. Let it stay for about 10 minutes. Use a plastic scraper. You can get them cheap in the auto section of Walmart or an Auto store. The fabric softener will make it easy peasy.