Wallpaper is back in style, but many homes still have old, dingy, or dated paper they didn’t choose. Our house had wallpaper in five rooms, so we tested several removal methods. Below we share what worked, what didn’t, and practical recommendations to help you remove wallpaper efficiently.
Removing wallpaper doesn’t require expensive tools, but it does demand elbow grease and patience. Here’s a before-and-after from our wallpapered bathroom to show why it’s worth sticking with the process.
If you’re considering adding wallpaper instead, removable peel-and-stick varieties are much easier to take down if you ever change your mind.
How Wallpaper Works
Most traditional wallpapers have two layers: a decorative top layer (vinyl, paper, textile, or bamboo) and an adhesive backing or paper that holds the glue. Removal methods aim to loosen or dissolve that adhesive layer so the paper can be peeled away. Depending on the age and type of wallpaper, the two layers may come off together or separately, and each layer can require a different technique.
Removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper behaves differently: it acts like a giant sticker and usually comes off more easily, though you should still proceed carefully to avoid pulling paint with it.
Wallpaper Removal Supplies
Before you begin, gather basic supplies so work goes smoothly:
- Large sponge
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic drop cloth
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Steamer (recommended)
- Optional: premixed stripping solution or homemade mixture
- Optional: scoring tool or wallpaper scraper
Scoring and scraping tools are inexpensive, but in our experience they aren’t always helpful. You can use premixed strippers, or make simple DIY solutions from common household ingredients (recipes included below).
Four Ways to Remove Wallpaper
We tested four main approaches, crowdsourcing ideas from readers and trying the most common methods:
- Dry removal (peeling by hand)
- Warm water
- Stripping solutions (store-bought or homemade)
- Steaming
Some methods worked better on certain papers than others, and we often combined techniques to finish a wall.
Wallpaper Removal Tutorial
From our testing, we recommend this step-by-step process:
- Prepare the 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 perforates wallpaper so liquid can reach the adhesive. While it can help in some situations, we found scoring time-consuming and prone to producing many small fragments rather than large sheets. It’s optional—try it on a small area first to decide if it helps in your case.
Step 1: Prepare Your Room
Wallpaper removal is messy—expect drips, paper scraps, and glue residue. Prepare the space to protect surfaces and make cleanup easier:
Move items away from the walls
Remove furniture or push it to the center and take down wall art so you have clear access to each wall.
Remove switch plates and outlet covers
Unscrew electrical covers to remove any paper behind them and to protect the outlets when you use water or steam.
Protect floors, furniture, and outlets from moisture
Use plastic drop cloths on the floor and painter’s tape to seal outlets and switch plates. Keep the work area contained to reduce cleanup time.
Step 2: Start With Dry Removal
Before reaching for tools or liquids, try peeling a corner by hand. If a seam lifts, use a putty knife to pry and then pull slowly. Depending on installation and age, some papers come off in full sheets while others tear into strips.
This method won’t always finish the job, but it can save time if large pieces come down cleanly. It worked especially well in our bathroom where humidity had loosened panels.
Step 3: Try Steaming
In our tests, steaming was the most reliable approach. A steamer applies hot steam to reactivate the adhesive and loosen it from the wall. We used an upright clothing steamer, but handheld fabric steamers and dedicated wallpaper steamers are also effective.
The best technique we found was to peel as you steam: move the steamer down a section and pull the paper away as you go. Steaming often allows the paper and glue to come off together, speeding the job.
Steaming still requires patience—tank refills and heating time are common downsides with smaller handheld models. A larger steamer with a long hose will reduce interruptions, though reaching high areas can still be tiring.
Steaming often loosened the glue underneath the paper so it could be wiped away with a damp sponge. It’s important to remove that glue layer too—painting over it will usually lead to an uneven finish. Keep the sponge damp, not dripping, and protect floors and outlets since the area will get wet.
Step 4: Finish With Warm Water or Stripping Solution
If you don’t have a steamer or you still have stubborn glue after steaming, try warm water or a stripping solution. A large, damp sponge with very warm water is effective—wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping. Let it sit on the area for a few minutes to soften the adhesive, then peel or scrape gently.
Popular homemade strippers include mixtures of:
- Fabric softener + hot water
- Laundry detergent + hot water
- White vinegar + hot water
- Dish soap + hot water
Mix roughly equal parts solution and water, or a bit more water for vinegar or dish soap blends. Apply with a sponge, let sit 2–3 minutes, then peel or use a putty knife to lift the softened paper and glue.
- Dampen a sponge (not dripping)
- Wet a small section of paper
- Let sit 2–3 minutes
- Peel by hand or with a putty knife
Work in small sections so areas don’t dry before you can peel. For leftover glue, rub with the rough side of a damp sponge or use a wallpaper scraper if needed.
Other Wallpaper Removal Tips
Keep these general tips in mind no matter which method you use:
Take your time
Be patient. Let warm water or stripping solution soak in and work. Use the putty knife carefully to avoid gouging drywall, and peel slowly so panels come off in larger pieces.
Work in small sections
Focus on one or two panels at a time. Treat each section so it doesn’t dry before you can peel it.
Manage your mess
Keep trash bags nearby and clear away scraps frequently so glue doesn’t dry onto floors.
Keep a utility knife nearby
Cut along trim or molding where wallpaper is tucked under edges, and use tweezers to pull small leftovers if needed.
Step 5: Repair Your Wall (If Needed)
Even careful removal can damage paint or drywall paper. Don’t panic—most issues are fixable. Use drywall spackle to fill dings, peeled patches, or shallow texture issues. For larger damage, drywall mud or a skimcoat may be necessary.
After spackling, sand smooth with a high-grit sanding block or palm sander. In some cases you can sand rough areas without spackling. Always prime the repaired wall before painting—the primer helps block any residual glue and prevents patchy paint finish.
You Removed Wallpaper. Now What?
Once the wallpaper is gone and repairs are complete, you can paint, apply peel-and-stick wallpaper, install paneling or wainscoting, or try a decorative wall treatment. Take your time priming and painting for a consistent, long-lasting finish.