How to Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging Walls

Wallpaper is popular again, but many homes still have dingy, dated, or unattractive wallpaper that the current owners didn’t choose. In our older house we encountered wallpaper in five rooms, which gave us the chance to test several removal techniques. Below we share what worked, what didn’t, and the approach we recommend so you can get the job done efficiently and with the best result.

Removing wallpaper doesn’t require expensive tools, but it often needs elbow grease and patience. As motivation, here’s a before-and-after of our wallpapered bathroom to show how dramatic the change can be when you stick with the process.

If you plan to add wallpaper later, consider removable peel-and-stick options. They’re easier to remove if you change your mind, and they reduce the risk of damaging the wall surface underneath.

How Wallpaper Works

Most traditional wallpapers have two layers: the top decorative layer (made of paper, vinyl, textile, or other material) and an adhesive backing or glue layer that bonds the paper to the wall. Removal methods focus on softening, dissolving, or reactivating that adhesive so the paper lifts away. Depending on the wallpaper’s age and construction, the decorative layer and adhesive may come off together or in separate passes — and each layer can require a different technique.

This differs from newer removable wallpapers, which behave like large stickers. Peel-and-stick options are often much easier to remove, but you should still take care—some can pull paint when removed.

Wallpaper Removal Supplies

Before you begin, gather these basic supplies to make the job smoother and cleaner:

• Large sponge or rag
• Putty knife
• Utility knife
• Painter’s tape
• Plastic drop cloths
• Trash bags and paper towels
• Steamer (recommended if available)
• Commercial stripping solution (optional)
• Wallpaper scoring tool (optional)
• Wallpaper scraper (optional)

The optional tools can help in some situations, but they’re not essential. Premixed stripping solutions work fine, and you can also make effective homemade mixtures with common household products (recipes and details are below).

Four Ways to Remove Wallpaper

We tested multiple methods recommended by followers and sources. The four main approaches we used were:

1. Dry removal (peeling by hand)
2. Warm water and sponge
3. Stripping solutions (commercial or homemade)
4. Steaming

Each method has strengths and weaknesses. Often the most efficient approach combines techniques: start with dry removal, then use steam or warm water/stripper to dissolve remaining adhesive.

Wallpaper Removal Tutorial

Based on our experience, follow these steps for the best results. More detailed tips for each step follow below.

1. Prepare your room
2. Start with dry removal
3. Try steaming
4. Finish with warm water or a stripping solution
5. Repair the wall if needed

A Note About Scoring

A scoring tool perforates wallpaper so stripping liquids can penetrate to the glue. In our tests, scoring was often counterproductive: it made the paper come down in small choppy pieces instead of large sheets and slowed progress. It can help in some circumstances, but it isn’t always necessary and can increase labor for modest benefit.

Step 1: Prepare Your Room

Wallpaper removal can be messy: expect water, paper scraps, and glue. Prepare the space to protect surfaces and make cleanup easier:

Move items away from walls

Clear furniture from the perimeter or push it to the room center. Remove artwork and decor from the walls.

Remove switch plates and outlet covers

Unscrew electrical covers to expose wallpaper edges hidden behind them. This lets you remove paper cleanly around outlets and switches.

Protect floors, furniture, and outlets from moisture

Use plastic drop cloths to protect floors and furniture. Apply painter’s tape to seal around outlets and switches and prevent moisture intrusion.

Step 2: Start With Dry Removal

Before reaching for steamers or chemicals, try peeling a seam by hand. Use a putty knife to lift a corner and pull slowly. Depending on the wallpaper’s age and how well it was installed, large sheets or small strips may come away easily.

This approach rarely completes the entire job, but it can remove loose panels and speed up later steps. We had good luck with dry removal in humid areas, like bathrooms, where the adhesive had weakened over time.

Step 3: Try Steaming

An electric steamer is the most reliable method we tested. Steaming reactivates the adhesive so the paper and glue often come off together, which saves time. You can borrow a larger upright steamer, rent or buy a dedicated wallpaper steamer, or use a handheld fabric steamer if necessary.

We found the most efficient technique was to strip as we steamed: apply steam to a section, then pull the paper down as the glue softens. Steaming requires patience — refill and wait for heating cycles if using a smaller steamer — but it’s typically faster than water alone.

Steaming can reach adhesive deeper than surface wetting, often removing both paper and glue at once. If you don’t have a steamer, proceed to warm water and homemade strippers.

You’ll notice with steaming that the glue often softens and lifts — it can appear to bubble or loosen under the sponge. Don’t leave glue layers in place and paint over them; they’ll affect finish and adhesion. Use a damp (not soaking) sponge and protect floors and outlets while working.

Step 4: Finish With Warm Water or Stripping Solution

If steaming isn’t available or stubborn adhesive remains, use a large sponge with very warm water or a stripping solution. A spray bottle can help, but a damp sponge gives better coverage and control. Wring the sponge so it’s wet but not dripping.

Homemade strippers that work well include combinations of hot water with a small amount of fabric softener, liquid laundry detergent, white vinegar, or dish soap. Mix roughly half-and-half with hot water, leaning toward more water for vinegar or detergent mixes. The warm solution helps soften adhesive while the detergent or softener assists breaking it down.

Work in small sections: dampen the area, let sit 2–3 minutes, then peel by hand or use a putty knife. Repeat as needed until both paper and glue are removed. For small glue patches, rub gently with the rough side of a damp sponge or use a wallpaper scraper if necessary.

Other Wallpaper Removal Tips

No matter which removal method you choose, keep these tips in mind to save time and avoid damage:

Take your time

Work deliberately. Give solutions time to penetrate the adhesive, move carefully with tools, and peel slowly to avoid tearing paper into many small pieces.

Work in small sections

Focus on one or two panels at a time so surfaces stay damp and easy to peel. Covering a whole wall at once can lead to drying before you remove the paper.

Manage your mess

Keep trash bags handy and clear scraps frequently so glue doesn’t dry onto floors. Protect surfaces and clean as you go to reduce final cleanup time.

Keep a utility knife nearby

Cut along edges where wallpaper tucks under trim or molding. Tweezers can help remove small leftover bits of paper.

Step 5: Repair Your Wall (If Needed)

Even careful removals can damage paint or the drywall surface. Paint can lift with adhesive, putty knives can gouge, and drywall paper may tear. Most damage is repairable—don’t panic if you uncover rough patches.

Fill small dings and peeled patches with a thin layer of spackle using a putty knife. Larger damaged areas may require drywall mud or a skim coat. After the compound dries, sand smooth with a high-grit sanding block or palm sander. Prime the repaired areas before painting: residual adhesive can cause paint to appear uneven unless sealed first.

You Removed Wallpaper. Now What?

After the wallpaper and adhesive are removed and repairs are made, you have many options: repaint with your favorite neutral or bold color, install new peel-and-stick wallpaper, add a painted mural, or create a textured wall treatment like board-and-batten or fabric panels. Choose the finish that fits your style and the wall’s condition.

• Consider peel-and-stick wallpaper if you want a removable option.
• For a painted look, prime repaired areas thoroughly before applying color.
• Explore wall treatments—molding, planking, or fabric—if you want a different texture or architectural detail.