Removing old wallpaper can feel like tackling a long-forgotten project, but it’s totally doable with the right prep and tools. Whether you’ve inherited dated wallpaper from the previous homeowner or you’re just ready for a fresh look, rolling up your sleeves and getting it off the walls can be surprisingly satisfying. Let’s break down the process step-by-step, so you can get from wallpapered to wall-ready without tearing your hair out (or your walls apart).

 

Preparing the room and protecting surfaces

Before diving into the wallpaper removal, preparation is key. You don’t want to make a bigger mess than necessary. Start by clearing as much furniture as possible from the room, or at least push it into the center and cover it with a protective sheet or plastic tarp. Protect your floors with drop cloths—especially if you’re using water or steam to remove the wallpaper.

Switch off the electricity in the room and cover outlets and light switches with painter’s tape, as you’ll be working with moisture, and you don’t want water dripping into the wiring. Finally, grab a good ladder (preferably one with a wide base) if your wallpaper goes all the way up to the ceiling. Safety first!

 

Dry method vs. wet method: Choose your weapon

There are two main ways to remove wallpaper: dry and wet. Which method works best depends on the type of wallpaper you’re dealing with and how long it’s been stuck to the wall. Let’s explore both options.

 

Dry removal (for peelable wallpaper)

If you’re lucky, your wallpaper is peelable, meaning you can simply peel it off the wall in large strips. Start by loosening one corner of the wallpaper with a utility knife or wallpaper scorer, then carefully peel it back at a low angle. If the wallpaper doesn’t tear, you may be able to remove whole panels at a time. But don’t get too excited if the outer layer comes off easily—often, you’ll be left with a backing paper that still needs to be removed using the wet method.

 

Wet removal (for older or stubborn wallpaper)

For stubborn, old-school wallpaper, the wet method is your best friend. Fill a bucket with hot water and mix in a splash of vinegar or wallpaper-removal solution (available at most hardware stores). You can also try adding a little fabric softener to the water—believe it or not, it helps loosen the glue. Using a sponge or a large brush, generously soak the wallpaper starting from the top of the wall, allowing the water to penetrate for about 10-15 minutes. Be patient here—the longer the wallpaper soaks, the easier it’ll be to scrape off.

Helpful materials for wallpaper removal: Water, vinegar, and steam

If vinegar and water aren’t doing the trick, or the wallpaper has been there since the dawn of time, it’s time to break out the big guns: a wallpaper steamer. Steamers are especially useful for stubborn adhesives that have fused with the wall over the years. A wallpaper steamer essentially applies concentrated heat and moisture, softening the glue and making it easier to scrape off.

 

Your tool kit: What you’ll need

There are a few essential tools you’ll want to have on hand to make this process as smooth as possible:

  • Utility knife or wallpaper scorer: Helps you get under the wallpaper and create perforations for moisture to penetrate.
  • Putty knife or scraper: For lifting and removing wallpaper after it’s been softened with water or steam.
  • Sponge or brush: To apply water or your removal solution to the wall.
  • Bucket and vinegar (or wallpaper remover): Your mix of choice for the wet method.
  • Wallpaper steamer (optional): For particularly stubborn paper that refuses to come off.
  • Goggles and gloves: For protection when working with hot steam or messy solutions.

 

Scraping: Time to get hands-on

Now that your wallpaper is nice and soggy, it’s time to scrape it off. Using a wide putty knife or scraper, gently lift the softened wallpaper from the wall. Be careful not to gouge the wall underneath—slow and steady wins the race. If any stubborn patches remain, reapply more of your water-vinegar solution or hit them with the steamer for a few extra seconds.

Cleaning up and sprucing up the walls

Once the wallpaper is gone (cue applause), you might be left with glue residue. Don’t panic. Using warm water, a sponge, and a little more vinegar, scrub the walls to remove any remaining adhesive. This step is important, especially if you plan to paint or apply new wallpaper, as leftover glue can interfere with the new surface.

Let the walls dry thoroughly, and if any parts of the wall got damaged in the process, now’s the time to patch them up with spackle or filler. Once dry, sand the walls smooth, and voila! You’re ready to move forward with your new design project.

 

Final cleanup

Now that the wallpaper is down, you’ll need to clean up the aftermath. Gather all the wallpaper scraps, along with the drop cloths, and dispose of them properly. Give your floors a quick sweep or vacuum to pick up any remaining bits, and wipe down the furniture you moved. Before putting your room back together, check to ensure the walls are fully dry, especially if you’re planning to paint soon.

 

Conclusion: Ready for a fresh start

Removing old wallpaper may seem daunting, but with the right tools and some patience, you can get it done without too much hassle. Once that outdated design is stripped away, you’ll have a clean canvas ready for your next big idea. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even start enjoying the process enough to tackle another room.

If you’re looking for expert advice or need personalized guidance from an architect, feel free to contact us.