Wallpaper is back in style, but many of us still have old, dingy, or dated paper that we didn’t choose. In our older house, five rooms had wallpaper, which gave us the opportunity to test several removal techniques. Below we share what worked, what didn’t, and the approach we recommend.
You don’t need fancy tools or a big budget to remove wallpaper, but the process does require patience and some elbow grease. If you need motivation, here’s a before-and-after of our bathroom to show what patience can do.
If you’re planning to add wallpaper, consider removable peel-and-stick options; they’re much easier to take down later and less likely to damage the wall surface.
How Wallpaper Works
Most traditional wallpapers have two layers: a decorative top layer made from paper, vinyl, textile, or another material, and an adhesive backing or glue layer. Removal methods focus on loosening or dissolving that glue so the paper can be peeled away. Sometimes the top layer and the glue come off together; other times they separate and require different techniques. Removable modern wallpapers behave more like large stickers and usually peel off more cleanly, but they can still pull paint if removed too quickly.
Wallpaper Removal Supplies
Before you begin, gather these essentials:
- Large sponge
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic drop cloth
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Steamer (recommended)
- Stripping solution (optional)
- Wallpaper scoring tool (optional)
- Wallpaper scraper (optional)
Scoring and scraping tools are inexpensive but not always necessary; in our experience they sometimes made removal more tedious. Premixed strippers work fine, but homemade solutions also do the job and save money.
Four Ways to Remove Wallpaper
We tested four common methods recommended by fellow DIYers:
- Dry removal (peeling by hand)
- Warm water
- Stripping solutions (store-bought or homemade)
- Steaming
Different wallpapers react differently to each method, and sometimes a combination of techniques is the fastest route to a clean wall.
Wallpaper Removal Tutorial
From our tests, this step-by-step process is reliable and efficient. Details for each step appear below.
- Prepare your room
- Start with dry removal
- Try steaming
- Finish with warm water or stripping solution
- Repair walls if needed
A Note About Scoring
A scoring tool makes tiny perforations in the paper so liquid can penetrate to the glue. While popular, we found scoring time-consuming and it often caused the paper to break into small pieces rather than large sheets. It’s optional—try it on a small area first to see if it helps in your situation.
Step 1: Prepare Your Room
Wallpaper removal can be messy. Protect floors and furniture and get the room ready before you start.
Move items away from the walls
Remove furniture or move it to the center of the room. Take down artwork and wall decor so you have clear access to each wall.
Remove switch plates and outlet covers
Unscrew outlet and switch covers so you can access wallpaper behind them. These are often papered over and need to be removed anyway.
Protect floors, furniture, and outlets from moisture
Walls will get wet during removal, so use plastic drop cloths and painter’s tape to protect floors, furniture, and electrical components.
Step 2: Start With Dry Removal
Begin by trying to peel a corner by hand. Use a putty knife to lift a seam and pull slowly. You might be able to remove full sheets or at least the decorative top layer without any liquid. This is especially effective in humid rooms where the paper has already started to separate from the glue.
Dry removal rarely finishes the entire job, but it can remove large sections quickly and reduce the work for later steps.
Step 3: Try Steaming
An electric steamer was the most reliable method we tested. A steamer directs hot steam onto the paper to reactivate the glue so you can peel the paper away. Smaller fabric steamers work, but a steamer with a larger tank and longer hose speeds the job. The most effective method is to peel as you steam, working the steamer down the wall while pulling the paper away.
Steaming can be tiring and requires refilling and reheating, depending on the model, but it often removes both paper and glue in one step, making it faster overall.
Steaming often loosens the glue so it bubbles up and can be wiped away with a damp sponge. Be careful to keep the sponge damp but not dripping, and protect floors and outlets from moisture.
Step 4: Finish With Warm Water or Stripping Solution
If you don’t have a steamer or some glue remains after steaming, use very warm water or a stripping solution to finish the job. Apply with a large sponge rather than a spray bottle so you can control the amount of moisture.
Common homemade mixtures that work well include:
- Fabric softener mixed with hot water
- Laundry detergent mixed with hot water
- White vinegar mixed with hot water
- Dish soap mixed with hot water
Mix roughly equal parts solution and hot water, or adjust to your needs. To remove remaining paper or glue:
- Dampen the sponge so it’s not dripping
- Wet a small section of wallpaper
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes
- Peel by hand or lift with a putty knife
Work in small sections so the area stays wet long enough for the solution to work. For stubborn glue, rub gently with the rough side of a damp sponge or use a wallpaper scraper if needed.
Other Wallpaper Removal Tips
No matter which removal method you use, these general tips will make the process smoother:
Take your time
Rushing increases the chance of ripping the paper, gouging the drywall, or removing paint. Let solutions soak into the glue and peel slowly for the best results.
Work in small sections
Tackle one or two panels at a time so the adhesive stays soft while you peel. Covering an entire wall at once can leave areas drying before you reach them.
Manage your mess
Keep trash bags nearby and clear scraps frequently so glue doesn’t dry onto the floor.
Keep a utility knife nearby
If wallpaper runs under trim or molding, use a sharp utility knife to cut along the edge for a clean separation. Tweezers can help remove small leftover bits.
Step 5: Repair Your Wall (If Needed)
Wallpaper removal can sometimes damage the wall—paint can peel, drywall paper can tear, and putty knives can leave gouges. These issues range from minor to significant, but most are fixable.
To repair: apply drywall spackle to small dings and peeled patches with a putty knife. For shallow texture or orange-peel imperfections, spackle usually smooths the surface. Larger damage may require drywall mud or a skim coat.
After spackling, sand smooth with a high-grit block or a palm sander. In some cases you can skip spackling and simply sand rough spots. Always prime before painting—any remaining glue can cause paint to appear uneven, and primer helps ensure a consistent finish.
You Removed Wallpaper. Now What?
Once the wall is clean and repaired, you have several options: paint, install removable wallpaper, add a mural, cover the wall with fabric, or try a decorative wall treatment like board-and-batten or planked panels. Choose the finish that best suits the room and your personal style.
Removing wallpaper is a time-consuming job, but with the right approach—preparation, patience, and the right tools—you can restore your walls and move forward with a fresh, updated look.