When it’s time to refresh a room, removing old wallpaper is the first step to transforming your space. Whether you’re updating a tired design or switching up your style entirely, clearing the walls gives you a clean slate to work from.
It might seem like a big job, but with a little prep and the right technique, removing wallpaper can be surprisingly straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, with expert tips from Caroline Woolmer, Head of Product Design at I Love Wallpaper.
Contents
- Preparing for wallpaper removal
- How to remove wallpaper with a steamer
- How to remove wallpaper with a chemical stripper
- How to remove wallpaper with water
- Frequently asked questions
Preparing for wallpaper removal
As with any successful decorating project, success lies in a little prep. Taking the time to set up your space properly helps you work more efficiently, saving time and avoiding potential frustrations down the line.
1. Clear and protect your space
Start by moving furniture away from the walls and covering floors with dust sheets or plastic sheeting to protect against drips and debris. If you can’t move furniture, cover it with a cloth or plastic to keep it safe and mess-free.
2. Switch off the power
You’ll likely be using water or steam during the process, so safety is key. Turn off the electricity at the mains, especially if you’re working near sockets or switches. Remove outlet and light switch covers to make it easier to work around them.
3. Score and test a patch
Caroline says: “Not all wallpaper is created equal — some peel away in seconds, while others need a little more persuasion. To find out what you're working with, start by testing a small, hidden area.”
“Use a wallpaper scraper to gently lift a corner. If it peels away easily and leaves little residue, you're likely dealing with strippable wallpaper — lucky you! If not, it’s probably traditional paper or peelable wallpaper, which may need water or steam to loosen the adhesive.”
“If the paper doesn't lift easily, scoring will help. Use a wallpaper scoring tool to create tiny holes across the surface. This allows your removal solution or steam to soak through and break down the glue underneath, making it much easier to remove.”
“Just be gentle while scoring — press lightly to avoid damaging the wall underneath. And while it might be tempting to grab scissors or a kitchen knife, it’s best to avoid them. They're harder to control and can easily gouge or scratch your walls. A specially designed scoring tool gives you better results with far less risk.”
4. Gather your tools
You don’t need anything too fancy to get started, but having the right tools on hand will make all the difference. Here’s what you might need:
- Dust sheets or protective covers
- Scoring tool
- Wallpaper scraper
- Bucket of warm water
- Chemical stripper (if chosen method)
- Steamer (if chosen method)
- Protective gloves (for chemical or steaming method)
- Sponge
- Spray bottle
- Washing up liquid
- Distilled white vinegar (optional)
How to remove wallpaper with a steamer
“Wallpaper steamers are ideal for stubborn glue or multiple layers,” says Caroline. “They use hot steam to break down adhesive quickly and easily."
Before you begin, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Open the windows and doors — This ensures the steam escapes and prevents condensation buildup.
- Place the steamer on a level surface — This keeps it stable and reduces the risk of tipping or spilling.
- Don’t leave it unattended — Always keep an eye on the steamer while it’s switched on.
- Let it cool before refilling — Turn off the power and allow the unit to cool for at least two minutes before topping up the water tank.
- Avoid pulling the hose — Move the steamer carefully by lifting it rather than tugging on the hose.
- Never detach the hose when hot — Only disconnect attachments once the steamer has cooled down and been switched off.
- Wear protective gear — It’s a good idea to use heat-resistant gloves and long sleeves to avoid burns from steam.
1. Fill the steamer
Before filling your steamer, check the manufacturer's instructions. Most wallpaper steamers have a water tank that you fill with clean tap water. To make it easier, use a jug or funnel, and make sure you don’t overfill past the max line.
Close the cap tightly, place the unit on a level surface, and plug it in. It usually takes 5–10 minutes to heat up and start producing steam.
2. Score the wallpaper
While the steamer is heating, lightly score the wallpaper using a wallpaper scorer. This creates small perforations that let the steam reach the glue underneath. Avoid pressing too hard — just enough to break the surface without damaging the wall.
3. Apply the steam to the wall
Once the steamer is ready, hold the steam plate flat against the wallpaper for about 10–15 seconds. You’ll often see the paper start to bubble or loosen — that’s your cue to move on to the next step.
4. Scrape the wallpaper
After steaming, use a wallpaper scraper to gently lift the paper from the wall. Start at the bottom and work upward, reapplying steam to any stubborn areas.
Keep the scraper flat against the wall to avoid digging in — angled or forceful scraping can damage the plaster underneath. Don’t force the wallpaper to come off too much — if it resists, just give it another blast of steam.
Caroline says: “When steaming and scraping, it’s best to work in small sections so the steam doesn’t cool off before you have time to remove the wallpaper.”
5. Work from bottom to top
Always start at the bottom and work your way up when scraping off the wallpaper. Steam rises, which means the upper layers of wallpaper will start to loosen as you progress. This makes it easier to peel the wallpaper off, as the steam is doing some of the hard work for you.
6. Clear as you go
Keep the floor clear of wallpaper scraps as you work by having a bin bag or container nearby that you can quickly throw bits into. This not only keeps your space tidy but also makes the final tidy-up faster. Leftover paste and scraps can stick to your dust sheets, making them harder to clean later.
7. Remove any leftover paste
Once all the wallpaper is off, you’ll likely have some residue left behind. To remove this, fill a bucket with warm water and a splash of washing-up liquid. Then, dip in a sponge and wipe down the walls.
If the paste is particularly sticky, you can add a little distilled white vinegar to your water. The acidity helps break down the adhesive, making it easier to remove.
“Let the wall dry fully before painting or hanging new wallpaper,” recommends Caroline. “This helps spot any small imperfections and ensures your new design sticks properly.”
How to remove wallpaper with a chemical stripper
“Sometimes, water or steam just won’t cut it, especially when there’s a build-up of adhesive over time,” says Caroline. “A chemical wallpaper stripper is great for these situations because it breaks down the glue quickly, but it’s important to use it carefully to avoid damaging the wall or surrounding areas.”
Here’s how to remove wallpaper using a chemical stripper:
1. Prepare the solution
Carefully read the instructions on the chemical stripper to see if it needs to be diluted or if it’s ready to use. Some formulas may come pre-mixed, while others require a little water to activate.
Once your solution is ready, it’s a good idea to transfer it into a spray bottle for easier application.
2. Spray the wall
Start by applying the chemical stripper to a small section of the wall, following the directions on the product packaging. The solution may be coloured or tinted, making it easier to see where you’ve applied it.
Allow the stripper to absorb into the wallpaper for the recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes), which will help loosen the adhesive.
3. Peel the wallpaper off
Once the wallpaper begins to soften and bubble, gently scrape it off with a wallpaper scraper. Begin at the edges and work your way across, using slow and steady pressure to avoid damaging the wall. If you encounter resistance, give the stripper 5 minutes more to work and try again.
4. Repeat if necessary
Some areas may need a second or third application, especially if there are stubborn spots with extra adhesive. Reapply the solution, let it soak in, and scrape again.
5. Clean the wall
Once all the wall is stripped, use warm, soapy water to wipe away any leftover wallpaper or residue, and leave to dry.
How to remove wallpaper with water
Caroline says: “If the top layer peels away but leaves a paper backing behind, you’re probably dealing with traditional wallpaper or there is lining paper underneath the wallpaper — and in most cases, warm water is all you need to break down the remaining glue. Although, it will probably take longer than steam or using a chemical solution.”
Once you’ve scored your wallpaper, here’s how to remove it using water:
1. Mix your solution
“Fill a spray bottle or bucket with warm water,” recommends Caroline. “For most jobs, plain water works fine, but if you’re finding the adhesive stubborn, try adding a splash of mild washing-up liquid or distilled white vinegar.”
2. Soak the wallpaper
Spray or sponge the solution generously onto a small section of wallpaper and let it soak in for around 10–15 minutes. You’re aiming to soften the glue beneath the surface.
Caroline says: “Just be careful not to overdo it — especially on plaster or drywall. The goal is to dampen, not drench. Too much water can actually damage the surface underneath.”
3. Brush to work in the water
Once soaked, take a wallpaper brush and gently go over the section you just soaked. This helps push the moisture deeper into the tiny holes made by your scoring tool, so it reaches the paste rather than just sitting on the surface. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference.
4. Scrape gently
Once the wallpaper feels soft and starts to bubble or lift at the edges, use a wallpaper scraper to peel it away. Start from the bottom and work upwards using steady, gentle pressure.
If the paper starts to tear or resist, reapply the water and give it a few more minutes to soak in.
“Wallpaper rarely comes off perfectly in one go — especially if there are multiple layers,” says Caroline. “Just take your time, re-wet and brush stubborn areas, and keep working in sections.”
5. Clean up the residue
Once all the wallpaper is gone, you might see some paste residue left behind. Use warm water and a clean sponge to wipe it down.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to remove wallpaper?
“Every wallpaper is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Caroline. “The easiest way to remove wallpaper depends on the type you’re working with. For traditional wallpaper, water or a steamer is usually enough. For tougher jobs, like when there’s old adhesive or multiple layers, a chemical stripper might be your best bet.”
How can I remove wallpaper without a steamer?
“You don’t need a steamer to remove wallpaper, especially if you’re working with something like peelable paper or wallpaper that has already loosened,” says Caroline. “Warm water with a bit of washing-up liquid or vinegar can do wonders, as long as you’re patient and let it soak in. For stubborn wallpaper, a chemical stripper can also be an effective option when you don’t have a steamer.”
How do I remove wallpaper paste?
“Warm water and a bit of washing-up liquid usually do the trick,” explains Caroline. “For really stubborn paste, add a splash of white vinegar — the acidity helps break it down.”
She adds: “You don’t need to scrub every last speck, but it’s important to remove as much as you can. Leftover paste can affect how well your new wallpaper or paint sticks.”
How do I remove old wallpaper?
“Old wallpaper can be more of a challenge — especially if it’s been painted over or has several layers,” says Caroline. “Start by scoring the surface, then use a steamer or chemical stripper to loosen the glue. You might need to let it soak a bit longer or go over tricky areas more than once, but with some patience, it will come away.”
Shop wallpaper and paint at I Love Wallpaper
Now that your walls are stripped and ready, it's time to refresh your space! At I Love Wallpaper, we have a wide selection of wallpaper and paints in colours to suit any style. Whether you’re after vibrant wallpaper, minimalist designs, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our blog for more expert tips and inspiration! We’ve got advice on everything from how to hang wallpaper to how to clean your walls without damaging your wallpaper.
Or contact us today — we’re always happy to answer any questions.
