Removing Wallpaper with Household Methods: 5 Effective Ways to Tackle Stubborn Materials

Removing wallpaper seems like a tedious, difficult, and… boring job. But it's worth looking at it differently. It's the first step in a room makeover that will soon give your space a whole new look. Before that happens, though, the old wallpaper has to come off. How do you do it efficiently, effectively, and without damaging the walls? We reveal proven ways to strip wallpaper – easily and even enjoyably.

The simplest home method: how can a water and vinegar solution make removing paper wallpaper easier?

Removing paper wallpaper can be a hassle, but using water and vinegar can speed up the process considerably. It's a trick known not only to home decorating enthusiasts but also to renovation pros. Just pour half a liter (about 2 cups) of vinegar and a liter (about 4 cups) of water into a spray bottle (if needed, increase the amount of both while keeping the ratio), mix well, and spray the wallpaper generously. After a few minutes, the paste should soften, and you should be able to lift the wallpaper easily with a putty knife.

It's best to work in stages, wetting a small section of the old wallpaper at a time. That way, the wallpaper won't dry out – it should be removed while wet.

Hot steam in action – when should you use a steamer to remove wallpaper fast?

If the water-and-vinegar home method doesn't work, try a wallpaper steamer. It's one of the more convenient ways to remove wallpaper, although it does mean investing in the device.

A steamer uses hot steam to dissolve the paste, so you can remove the wallpaper without tugging. A steamer is the answer to how to remove wallpaper from a wall when the wallpapered area is large. It's a good choice for non-paper wallpapers that resist the water-and-vinegar solution.

Before you start, test the steamer in a less visible spot. To remove wallpaper with a steamer, hold the steam plate against the wall for a few seconds, then lift the wallpaper with a putty knife.

A steamer also comes in handy if you need to remove thick wallpaper for uneven walls. Before steaming, it's worth scoring this type of wallpaper.

How do you remove old vinyl wallpaper? A proven method for a stubborn wall covering

Vinyl wallpapers are highly durable and moisture-resistant, which is why they're usually the hardest to remove.

How do you remove old vinyl wallpaper without damaging the wall? To dissolve the paste and remove the wallpaper, first score it gently so moisture can get underneath. A spiked roller that makes tiny holes in the wallpaper works best for this.

The next step is to soak the wallpaper with warm water and dish soap, or use a special wallpaper remover. You can also use a steamer.

What if the wallpaper won't come off? Techniques for removing wallpaper from tricky surfaces such as drywall

Removing wallpaper from drywall requires special care, because the delicate surface is easily damaged. Use as little water as possible and limit the pressure. Swap a metal putty knife for a plastic one.

If you need to score the wallpaper, you can, but only through the top layer.

A steamer? Yes, but only in spots and for no more than a few seconds in one place, so the drywall doesn't get a chance to absorb water.

If the surface gets damaged, prime and level it before wallpapering again. Our guide explains step by step how to prepare walls for wallpapering.

The wallpaper's off, but what about the paste? Effective ways to remove sticky residue

In theory, everything should go smoothly, and all the paste should come off with the wallpaper. In practice, that's not always the case. If paste residue remains on the wall, remove it before painting or wallpapering again.

Gently wiping with a sponge soaked in warm, soapy water should take care of paste residue. But if it's dried on hard and stubborn, reach for a wallpaper remover.

Also keep in mind that wallpaper should be disposed of properly – check your local rules: clean paper wallpaper can often be recycled with paper, while vinyl wallpaper and scraps with paste residue usually go in the trash.

Specialty removers vs. home remedies – which works better for removing wallpaper?

Wallpaper remover is the solution for those who want to work quickly and without experimenting. These products contain paste-dissolving agents that can cut the time by as much as half. Meanwhile, home remedies – like vinegar or dish soap – are cheap, eco-friendly, and safe for most surfaces.

Different types of wallpaper may require different methods. Removing paper wallpaper is different from removing vinyl. It's always worth starting with home methods and turning to specialty products only if they don't work.

Stripping wallpaper doesn't have to be a renovation nightmare. A little patience and a methodical approach are all it takes to get your walls ready for the next stage. How long does removing wallpaper take? It all depends on how firmly the old wallpaper was hung and what type you're dealing with.