How to Remove Wallpaper: The Complete Guide for Beginners

Identify Your Wallpaper Type

Recommended Products

Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:

👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=identify+your+wallpaper+type&tag=filsdu2025-20

Before beginning the removal process, determine what type of wallpaper you're dealing with. Start by trying to peel up a corner - if it comes off easily in a sheet, you likely have strippable wallpaper. If it resists or tears, you're working with traditional wallpaper that will require more effort. Some walls may have multiple layers of wallpaper, which will need special attention. You can also look for seams or edges to help identify the type.

Recommended Products

Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:

👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=before+beginning+removal+process&tag=filsdu2025-20

Prepare Your Work Area

Recommended Products

Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:

👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=prepare+your+work+area&tag=filsdu2025-20

Proper preparation is crucial for protecting your space and making cleanup easier. Remove all furniture from the room or move it to the center and cover with plastic sheets. Cover floors with drop cloths or rosin paper, and tape off baseboards, window frames, and electrical outlets. Turn off power to any electrical outlets in the work area for safety.

Recommended Products

Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:

👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=proper+preparation+crucial+protecting&tag=filsdu2025-20

Score the Wallpaper

Recommended Products

Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:

👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=score+wallpaper&tag=filsdu2025-20

Using a wallpaper scoring tool, create small perforations in the wallpaper surface. This allows the stripping solution to penetrate beneath the paper. Work in small sections, applying gentle pressure to avoid damaging the wall underneath. For vinyl wallpaper, scoring is especially important as the vinyl layer is water-resistant.

Recommended Products

Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:

👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=using+wallpaper+scoring+tool&tag=filsdu2025-20

Apply Stripping Solution

Recommended Products

Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:

👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=apply+stripping+solution&tag=filsdu2025-20

Mix your wallpaper stripping solution according to package directions, or create a homemade solution using hot water and liquid fabric softener. Apply the solution generously using a spray bottle or sponge. Work in manageable sections of about 3x3 feet. Let the solution soak for 15-20 minutes to penetrate the paper thoroughly.

Recommended Products

Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:

👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mix+your+wallpaper+stripping&tag=filsdu2025-20