Taking down wallpaper can be scary, but you can do it yourself without wrecking your walls if you do it right. Here’s how to make it easy, even if you’re new to DIY.
Stuff You Need
- Drop cloth or plastic (for the floor)
- Painter’s tape
- Putty knife or scraper
- Wallpaper scorer (maybe)
- Spray bottle with warm water and a bit of dish soap (or wallpaper remover)
- Sponge or rag
How to Do It
-
Get the Room Ready
- Move stuff away from the walls.
- Cover the floor.
- Turn off power to outlets nearby.
-
Test a Spot
- Peel a corner to see if it comes off easily.
- If yes, great! If not, keep reading.
-
Score It (if Needed)
- Use a scorer to poke tiny holes in the wallpaper.
- Water can then get to the glue.
-
Spray and Soak
- Spray the paper with soapy water (or remover).
- Wait 10–15 minutes.
-
Scrape Slowly
- Use the putty knife to lift the wallpaper at the seams.
- Be careful.
-
Get Rid of Glue
- Wipe the wall with warm water and a sponge.
- For tough spots, soak it again and scrub gently.
All Done
Take your time. If you rush, you might mess up the wall and have to fix it. You’ll get smooth walls for painting if you prep right and scrape carefully.
