6 Effective Ways to Remove Old Wallpaper

Learn the best ways to remove old wallpaper, including soaking and scraping, enzyme removers, steamers, vinegar solutions, fabric softener, and when professional wallpaper removal makes sense.

Removing old wallpaper can be messy and time-consuming, but the job becomes much easier when you match the removal method to the type of wallpaper and wall surface.

Some wallpaper peels off easily with warm water and a scraper. Other wallpaper—especially vinyl-coated, painted-over, or multi-layer wallpaper—may require scoring, an enzyme remover, or steam.

The key is to loosen the adhesive without damaging the drywall or plaster underneath.

Quick Answer

For most wallpaper removal projects, start with warm water, a scoring tool, and a scraper. If the wallpaper resists, use an enzyme-based wallpaper remover. Steamers work well for stubborn wallpaper or multiple layers, but they must be used carefully to avoid damaging drywall or old plaster.

Before You Start

Before applying water, steam, or remover, prepare the room carefully.

• Move furniture away from the walls
• Cover floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting
• Remove switch plates and outlet covers
• Turn off power to outlets and switches on the wall if you’ll be working nearby with water
• Protect baseboards and trim
• Test your removal method in a hidden area first

Best Wallpaper Removal Method

The best method depends on the wallpaper type, adhesive, and wall surface.

Enzyme-Based Wallpaper Remover

Enzyme-based wallpaper removers are a good first choice for many DIY projects because they help break down wallpaper adhesive without the harsher fumes of strong chemical strippers.

Popular products include:

• Zinsser DIF Wallpaper Stripper
• WP Chomp Wallpaper Stripper

These products are especially helpful when plain warm water does not loosen the adhesive effectively.

• Best for: Standard wallpaper, stubborn adhesive, and many older installations
• Pros: Effective, easy to apply, less harsh than many chemical strippers
• Cons: Costs more than water or vinegar methods

How to Use Enzyme Wallpaper Remover

1. Protect the room. Cover floors and move furniture away from the wall.
2. Score the wallpaper. Lightly perforate the surface so remover can reach the adhesive.
3. Apply the remover. Spray or roll it on according to product directions.
4. Let it soak. Allow the remover to sit long enough to soften the paste.
5. Scrape gently. Use a broad scraper or putty knife to lift the wallpaper.
6. Repeat as needed. Reapply remover to stubborn areas.

Soaking & Scraping

Soaking and scraping is the classic low-cost wallpaper removal method.

It works best on traditional wallpaper that has not been painted over or coated with vinyl.

• Best for: Traditional paper wallpaper
• Pros: Inexpensive, simple, minimal chemicals
• Cons: Messy and slower on stubborn wallpaper

How to Soak and Scrape Wallpaper

1. Score the surface. Use a scoring tool lightly so water can reach the paste.
2. Apply warm water. Use a sponge or spray bottle to wet a small section.
3. Wait 15 to 20 minutes. Let the adhesive soften.
4. Start at a seam. Lift an edge with a scraper.
5. Scrape gently. Keep the blade low and flat to avoid gouging the wall.
6. Work in sections. Rewet areas as needed.

For best results, keep the wallpaper damp but not dripping wet. Too much water can damage drywall.

Steaming Wallpaper

A wallpaper steamer uses heat and moisture to soften adhesive, making it especially useful for stubborn wallpaper or multiple layers.

Steamers can be rented or purchased.

• Best for: Stubborn wallpaper, multiple layers, older pasted wallpaper
• Pros: Effective without strong chemicals
• Cons: Can be slow; steam can burn skin or damage vulnerable walls

How to Remove Wallpaper with a Steamer

1. Fill and heat the steamer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Hold the steam plate against the wall. Work in small sections.
3. Wait 10 to 20 seconds. Let the steam soften the paste.
4. Scrape immediately. Remove the softened wallpaper while it is warm.
5. Repeat section by section. Refill the steamer as needed.

Chemical Wallpaper Stripper

Chemical strippers are stronger products designed to dissolve difficult wallpaper adhesives.

They are generally a last resort when gentler methods fail.

• Best for: Painted-over wallpaper, stubborn adhesive, difficult removal jobs
• Pros: Strong adhesive-dissolving action
• Cons: Stronger fumes, more cleanup, greater wall-damage risk if misused

How to Use Chemical Stripper

1. Ventilate the room. Open windows and use fans if appropriate.
2. Wear protection. Use gloves and eye protection.
3. Score the wallpaper. This allows stripper to reach the adhesive.
4. Apply according to directions. Do not overapply.
5. Allow proper dwell time. Let the product work before scraping.
6. Scrape carefully. Remove paper without gouging the wall.
7. Clean the wall thoroughly. Follow label directions for rinsing or neutralizing.

Fabric Softener Solution

A fabric softener solution is an inexpensive DIY method that may help loosen light-duty wallpaper adhesive.

• Best for: Non-vinyl wallpaper and light adhesive
• Pros: Inexpensive and easy to mix
• Cons: Less effective on stubborn wallpaper; can leave residue that must be cleaned well

How to Use Fabric Softener

1. Mix equal parts fabric softener and warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Score the wallpaper lightly if needed.
3. Spray the wall thoroughly but avoid soaking the drywall.
4. Wait 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Scrape gently and reapply as needed.
6. Wash the wall well afterward to remove residue.

Vinegar Solution

White vinegar and warm water can soften some wallpaper adhesives, especially on smaller or less stubborn jobs.

• Best for: Non-vinyl wallpaper and light adhesive residue
• Pros: Inexpensive, readily available, simple
• Cons: Not powerful enough for all wallpaper types

How to Use Vinegar to Remove Wallpaper

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
2. Apply with a spray bottle or sponge.
3. Let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Scrape carefully.
5. Repeat if needed.
6. Wash the wall afterward before priming or painting.

Professional Wallpaper Removal

Professional wallpaper removal may be worth the cost when the project is large, the wallpaper has been painted over, or the walls are delicate.

Professional removal is often best for:

• Large rooms or whole-house wallpaper removal
• Historic plaster walls
• Painted-over wallpaper
• Multiple wallpaper layers
• Delicate wall surfaces
• Homes where time is more valuable than DIY savings

Cost varies widely depending on room size, wallpaper type, wall condition, and local labor rates.

After Wallpaper Removal

After the wallpaper is removed, the wall usually needs cleaning and repair before paint or new wallpaper goes up.

Remove Adhesive Residue

Wash walls with warm water and a sponge to remove leftover paste.

For stubborn residue, use wallpaper remover or a mild cleaning solution.

Repair Wall Damage

Look for:

• Gouges
• Torn drywall paper
• Loose plaster
• Nail holes
• Cracks

Patch and sand damaged areas smooth.

Prime Before Painting

Always prime walls before painting after wallpaper removal.

Primer helps seal:

• Old adhesive residue
• Repaired drywall paper
• Uneven porosity

This step is important for a smooth, durable paint finish.

FAQs for Wallpaper Removal

What is the easiest way to remove wallpaper?

For many projects, the easiest method is scoring the wallpaper and applying an enzyme-based remover. Traditional wallpaper may also come off with warm water and scraping.

How do you remove wallpaper without a steamer?

Use warm water, an enzyme remover, vinegar solution, fabric softener solution, or chemical stripper depending on the wallpaper type and adhesive.

Does vinegar remove wallpaper glue?

Vinegar can help soften some wallpaper paste, but it may not work well on very old, vinyl-coated, or stubborn adhesives.

Can I paint over old wallpaper?

It is usually better to remove wallpaper before painting. Painting over wallpaper can lead to bubbling, peeling, visible seams, or an uneven finish.

What if the wallpaper has been painted over?

Painted-over wallpaper is harder to remove because moisture cannot easily reach the adhesive. Scoring, steam, or a stronger remover may be needed.

Next See

• How to Paint Interior Walls
• How to Repair Drywall
• Interior Paint Buying Guide
• How to Prepare Walls for Painting

Back to top