If you’ve ever stared at old wallpaper and thought, “This has to go,” you’re not alone. Whether it’s outdated floral prints or peeling corners driving you nuts, removing wallpaper can seem like a huge pain. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and a little patience, you can get it done without wrecking your walls—or your weekend.
Step 1: Figure Out What You’re Dealing With
Before you start, figure out what kind of wallpaper you have. Try peeling a corner. If it comes off in one sheet, congrats—you’ve got removable wallpaper. If it tears or leaves backing behind, you’re dealing with traditional paste wallpaper, which takes a bit more work.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
You don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what you’ll want:
-
A putty knife or scraper
-
A spray bottle or garden sprayer
-
Hot water
-
Dish soap or white vinegar
-
A sponge or cloth
-
A drop cloth or towels
-
A scoring tool (optional for stubborn paper)
Step 3: Protect Your Space
Lay down towels or a drop cloth to catch drips. Remove outlet covers and move furniture out of the way. This makes cleanup easier and protects your stuff from water damage.
Step 4: Start Spraying
Mix hot water with a few drops of dish soap (or a splash of vinegar if you’re feeling natural). Spray it generously on the wallpaper. Let it soak in for about 15 minutes. If you’re dealing with a tougher wallpaper, use a scoring tool to poke small holes first—this helps the water seep behind the paper.
Step 5: Peel and Scrape
Once it’s soaked, start peeling. Use your hands for the top layer and the putty knife to scrape off anything that sticks. Work in sections. Don’t rush it—soaking is key. If it dries out, just spray again.
Step 6: Clean the Walls
After all the paper is off, wipe down the walls with warm water to remove leftover glue. Let everything dry completely before painting or applying new wallpaper.
Wallpaper removal isn’t glamorous, but it doesn’t have to be awful either. With some basic tools, a little patience, and the steps above, you’ll have clean, smooth walls ready for whatever you want to do next. Say goodbye to those dated patterns—and hello to a fresh start.