The first step in any design makeover is rejuvenating your walls for a fresh foundation. Wallpaper has the power to create a dramatic transformation or subtly enhance the feel of your space. But before you add your new wallpaper style, you’ll need to know how to remove the old wallpaper easily.
No matter what type of wallpaper you have on your walls, you’ll be pleased to hear that removing it is a relatively simple and easy process. There are multiple removal methods for how to get the wallpaper off your walls, and no one way is best.
Follow our handy guide to find out how to strip wallpaper by hand or with a steamer and how to remove more stubborn wallpapers or glue stains to leave a smooth wall ready for redecorating.
Table of Contents
- What tools do I need?
- How to prepare for removing wallpaper
- Choose the best way to remove wallpaper
- How to remove wallpaper using a stripping solution
- How to remove wallpaper using a steamer
- How to remove more difficult wallpaper
What tools do I need to remove wallpaper?
Before starting your wallpapering project, ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment for a seamless project.
For protection:
- Dust sheets
- Plastic bags
- Masking tape
- Bin bags
- Cloths
- Rubber gloves
Tools:
- Socket Tester
- Voltage tester
- Scissors
- Wide stripping knife
- Step ladder
- Bucket
- Large sponge
Safety:
- Protective clothing
- Safety goggles
How to prepare to remove wallpaper
- Gather your equipment
Before starting your wallpapering project, ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment for a seamless project.
- Clear the walls
Remove any items from the walls, including photographs, shelves and fixings.
- Switch off the electricity and cover outlets
Whether you’re removing wallpaper with a wet cloth or a steamer, there is a danger of water and steam getting into sockets or switches. Switching off the fuse box will keep you safe. Use a socket tester to check that the correct switches have been cut off and cover them using a plastic bag and masking tape.
- Lay down protective sheets
Try to remove as much furniture as possible and push the rest into the centre of the room. Cover the floor and furniture with protective sheets to prevent any damage. When stripping your wallpaper, be sure to put it into a bin bag as soon as possible before it dries and sticks to your sheets.
How to choose the best way to remove wallpaper
There are two main options for removing wallpaper from your walls:
- A stripping solution by hand
- An electric steam wallpaper stripper
Removing wallpaper by hand with a stripping solution
Stripping solutions are the best way to remove wallpaper without a steamer.
A stripping solution is more suitable for removing wallpaper from small areas or removing one or two layers. This solution can be bought ready-made from the store or made at home using water and washing-up liquid.
Removing wallpaper with an electric steamer
Steamers are ideal for removing large areas of wallpaper and harder-to-remove wallpaper. Usually, a steamer is the easiest way to remove wallpaper, making the job quicker and easier.
How to remove wallpaper using a stripping solution
- Prepare your solution
Some store-bought solutions are ready-to-use, while some may need mixing with water. Or, if you’re a keen DIYer, make your own solution by mixing water and washing-up liquid. Once you have made the solution, transfer it into a spray bottle to easily spray it on the wall.
- Spray the wall
Start from the top. This way, you will benefit from the water dripping down. Spray your solution onto a small section of the wall (if you spray a large section, it may dry before you’ve had the chance to strip it) and leave it to absorb for a few minutes. Ensure the wallpaper is damp but not soaked so the plasterboard underneath isn’t damaged.
- Scrape the wallpaper off
Hold your stripping knife flat against the wall and scrape to remove the wallpaper. Be gentle so you don’t cause any damage to the wall behind. Once you’ve removed this section of wallpaper, repeat steps 2 and 3 across the rest of the walls.
- Clean the walls
Remove any remaining residue from the wall to make it clean and smooth for decorating. Use your stripping knife to remove any remaining pieces, then use a damp sponge to clean the wall. Dry the wall with a clean cloth and leave the wall to dry thoroughly before turning the electricity back on.
How to remove wallpaper using an electric steamer
- Fill up your steamer
Fill up your steamer with water and allow it to heat up adequately. Follow the instructions on your steamer to prepare it properly.
- Steam the wallpaper
Hold the steamer to the wallpaper on the bottom of the wall for about 10 seconds. Starting at the bottom means you will benefit from the steam rising upwards. The paper should appear damp but take care not to damage the plaster walls underneath. Work the steamer up the wall and pull off loose wallpaper as you go.
- Scrape off the wallpaper
Use your stripping knife to scrape off any stubborn wallpaper. For any wallpaper that is difficult to remove, use a scoring tool to make small holes in the paper to help the steam penetrate the wallpaper.
- Clean the wall
Use your stripping knife to remove any remaining pieces for a clean, smooth wall ready to be primed. Use a damp sponge to clean the wall and go over it as many times as needed. Dry the wall with a clean cloth and leave the wall to dry thoroughly before turning the fuse box back on.
How to remove more stubborn wallpaper
Removing wallpaper is a relatively straightforward – albeit messy – task. Some wallpaper can be more stubborn than others. However, you can use the following tips and tricks to speed up removal.
How to remove painted wallpaper
Use a scoring tool to make small holes in the outer layer of the paint. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the wall. This will help the stripping solution or steam penetrate the wallpaper. Follow steps 2, 3 and 4 as above.
How to remove woodchip wallpaper
To remove woodchip wallpaper easily, it needs to be thoroughly soaked before it will start to budge. Use a scoring tool to create holes in the wallpaper. The more holes you make, the easier it will be for the liquid to soak into the paper and break down the glue on the other side. Follow steps 2, 3 and 4 as above.
How to remove wallpaper glue
To remove wallpaper glue, mix warm water, washing-up liquid and a tablespoon of baking soda. This will soften the glue and make it easier to scrape away. If this still doesn’t work, add some distilled white vinegar to the mix for particularly stubborn glue.
Follow the same preparation instructions above by turning off the electrics and covering sockets and switches. A lot of water may be used to remove the glue, and you don’t want it entering any plugs.
Time to redecorate
Now you’re finished learning how to remove wallpaper, start planning your new interior decor style.
Browse our full wallpaper collection to find on-trend styles, top brands and style inspiration to get your makeover on the go. With affordable price tags, bring your dream makeover to life with Wallpaper Shop.