How to Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging Walls

So, You’ve Decided to Ditch the Wallpaper…

Been staring at that ‘90s floral wallpaper like it personally offended you? Same. Whether it’s a DIY gone rogue, or you just bought a house that screams “Grandma’s dining room,” removing wallpaper can feel like an intimidating task. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to destroy your walls in the process (or your sanity).

I’ve done this. A few too many times. And after some sweaty, glue-filled trial and error, I figured out how to strip wallpaper without leaving my drywall looking like a battlefield.

Let me walk you through the easiest, cleanest, and dare I say most satisfying ways to remove wallpaper — without wrecking your walls.

Step 1: Know What You’re Dealing With

Before you go full demolition mode with a scraper, let’s play a little game of What Kind of Wallpaper Is This?

Types of Wallpaper:

• Peel-and-stick (a.k.a removable): These are a dream. If you’re lucky, you just peel it off like a sticker. Boom. Done.
• Traditional wallpaper: This one’s glued on like it owes the wall rent. Requires a little more finesse.
• Vinyl-coated: Tough on the outside, tricky on the inside. You’ll need to break through the top layer to reach the glue.

👉 Pro tip: Try peeling a corner. If it comes off easily in sheets, you’ve hit the jackpot. If not? Don’t worry, we’ve got solutions.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools (Yes, You’ll Need More Than Just Elbow Grease)

Alright, let’s talk gear. You don’t need a full toolbox, but having the right stuff makes a world of difference.

Must-haves:

• Wallpaper scraper or putty knife (preferably with a rounded edge to avoid gouging)
• Spray bottle or garden sprayer
• Hot water
• White vinegar or liquid fabric softener
• Drop cloth or plastic sheeting (you’ll thank yourself later)
• Old towels or rags
• Optional but helpful: wallpaper scoring tool, steamer

Yes, it sounds like a lot. But IMO, you’d rather over-prepare than end up knee-deep in soggy wallpaper scraps with glue in your eyebrows. Been there.

Step 3: Protect Your Space (Because Glue Is a Drama Queen)

This might sound like the “eat your vegetables” of wallpaper removal, but trust me — prep matters.

• Cover your floors with plastic or old sheets. Wet glue and paint chips love to find new homes.
• Turn off the electricity if you’re spraying near outlets. Water + wires = a bad time.
• Remove switch plates and outlet covers to avoid gunky surprises.

Ever cleaned wallpaper paste out of a light switch? Yeah… don’t.

Step 4: Start With the Easiest Method First

I’m a firm believer in starting simple. Why go nuclear if you don’t have to?

Method A: The Peel and Pray Technique

• Start at a corner and gently pull.
• If it comes off in long strips, congrats! Go celebrate with a snack.
• If not? Time for reinforcements.

Step 5: Mix Up Your Magic Solution

Now for the good stuff. Let’s soften that glue so it basically melts off the wall.

DIY Wallpaper Removal Spray:

Option 1: Vinegar & Water

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water
• Pour into a spray bottle and shake

Option 2: Fabric Softener & Water

• Mix 1/4 cup fabric softener with 1 liter of hot water
• Smells way better than vinegar, just FYI.

Spray it generously onto the wallpaper — especially the edges. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes. You want the glue to loosen but not dry out.

Step 6: Scrape Like a Pro (Not Like a Maniac)

Alright, the wallpaper’s soggy. Time to scrape. But gently.

• Use your scraper to lift the edges.
• Start from the bottom and work your way up.
• Go slow. Don’t gouge the drywall like it owes you money.

👉 Bold truth: Rushing here = regrets later. Trust the process.

Step 7: Tackle Stubborn Stuck Bits

Because of course there are always stubborn spots.

Try This:

• Re-spray and wait a little longer.
• Use a scoring tool to poke tiny holes so the solution soaks through the vinyl coating.
• If it’s really clinging on, pull out the big guns — a wallpaper steamer. (You can rent one if you’re not ready to commit.)

FYI: Steamers are amazing. It’s like watching the glue surrender in real time. Super satisfying.

Step 8: Remove the Leftover Adhesive (This Part’s Crucial!)

You’re not done when the paper’s gone. Oh no. There’s a sneaky glue layer that’ll mess with paint or new wallpaper if you skip it.

Here’s what to do:

• Mix a few drops of dish soap in hot water.
• Use a sponge to scrub off the glue residue.
• Rinse with clean water and dry completely.

Don’t paint over old glue. It’ll make your new wall finish look like a horror movie.

Step 9: Check for Wall Damage (And Fix It Fast)

Despite our best efforts, sometimes walls still need a little TLC.

Look for:

• Tiny gouges or nicks
• Torn drywall paper
• Stains or leftover residue

Use joint compound to patch small spots. Sand it smooth once dry. IMO, this step is annoying but worth it. Nothing kills a paint job like uneven walls.

What NOT to Do (Because Someone Has To Say It)

Let’s save you some trouble. Here’s a list of rookie mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t use sharp metal scrapers unless you enjoy patching drywall.
• Don’t skip the adhesive removal. Sticky residue will ruin your next paint or wallpaper job.
• Don’t soak your walls like you’re power washing a patio. Too much water = damaged drywall.
• Don’t forget to patch holes. It’s like putting makeup over a sunburn. No thanks.

FAQs (a.k.a Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started)

Can I paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?

Technically yes, but should you? Not if the wallpaper’s loose, textured, or damaged. It’s like putting lipstick on a crumbling wall. 😅

How long does it take to remove wallpaper?

Depends on your luck. Some rooms take an hour. Others? A full weekend and a minor identity crisis.

What’s the fastest way to remove wallpaper?

If it’s removable — just peel it. For traditional paper, a steamer and scoring tool combo is usually the quickest.

Final Thoughts: You Got This

Removing wallpaper without damaging walls is totally doable — with the right approach and a little patience. Trust me, I’ve been elbows deep in soggy paper, thinking “Why did I start this?” But the end result? Totally worth it.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your scraper, and let’s give your walls the fresh start they deserve. ✌️
And hey — when you’re done, go ahead and brag a little. You earned it.

Ready to refresh your walls with a new look? See our article on choosing paint colors that flow between rooms.