Removing wallpaper is a crucial first step in decorating a room, as you’ll need a smooth, clean base to work on.
While some jobs, such as plastering or drywall removal, may require professional assistance, this is a task you can easily get stuck into yourself – with the right tools and techniques, your walls will be wallpaper-free in no time!
Below, we've created a simple step-by-step guide for you to follow, including what to buy, how to prepare the surface, and whether you can recycle old wallpaper once the job is done. If you plan on replacing it, it's worth reading our guide on how to wallpaper and achieve a high-end finish.
Removing wallpaper: what you will need
- Electric steam stripper
- Wallpaper stripper solution
- Heavy duty scraper/scraper knife
- Bucket and sponge
- Step ladder
- Masking tape
- Wallpaper scorer
Our shopping picks for wallpaper removal
This steam wallpaper stripper features a 3.7m hose and four litre tank.
This concentrated solution is suitable for all wallpaper types and makes removal a breeze.
Featuring an easy-grip handle and rotating wheels, this scorer is essential for wallpaper removal.
Removing wallpaper: instructions
1. Clear the room before removing wallpaper
Before you get started, clear out as much furniture as possible. If this isn’t practical, place it in the middle of the room and cover with dust sheets, as well as your floor. Since there will be water in the removal process, plastic sheets (like these ones from Amazon) will offer better protection.
Next, remove any fixings such as TV brackets, shelves or pictures. Unscrew and place them somewhere safe and out of the way.
2. Protect sockets and switches before removing wallpaper
Electrical sockets and light switches will need protecting and kept dry while removing any wallpaper. The first step is to switch off the electrics – or isolate the supply and switch off the area you are working in.
Now, unscrew the socket/switch part of the way and cover with a plastic bag, tape down and screw back down.
3. Score the wallpaper
To make removing wallpaper easier, you'll need to score it. This allows water, steam or stripper to penetrate through, get underneath, and soften the old wallpaper paste.
Do not press too hard as you won't want to score or damage the plaster under the wallpaper. Alternatively, you can use a Stanley knife or scissors, but be careful not to go too deep and mark the plaster.
4. Soak and scrape the wallpaper
Dip a sponge into a bucket of warm water, gently squeeze it, and then sponge it liberally onto the wall. Wait for 15 minutes, then get a 3 or 4-inch stripping knife/scraper and gently push into the paper and up to remove. This method is ideal for easy to remove wallpaper.
A chemical stripper solution is similar to the water option above, but contains chemicals that help dissolve and break down adhesive easily. You can buy a concentrate or a ready-to-use solution.
Use a 3 or 4-inch stripping knife/scraper or a heavy duty scraper – these typically have a longer handle and are good for stubborn wallpaper.
5. Use a steamer on stubborn wallpaper
If you're struggling to remove the wallpaper, an electric steam stripper is going to come in handy. Fill the steamer tank, wait for the water to boil, and then hold the plate at the bottom of the strip to be removed.
Start by holding for 10-15 seconds and testing how easy it is to remove the wallpaper. Now place the plate on the next section along the bottom of the strip of wallpaper. While doing this, get your paint scraper and scrape off. Repeat until finished.
If the wallpaper still won't budge, Homebuilding & Renovating's Editor Beth Murton has a solution: "When we renovated our house some rooms had several layers of really thick wallpaper and we found the steam from a wallpaper steamer just couldn't penetrate all of the layers. I found using a heavy-duty scraping tool with sharp blades enabled me to really get under the thick layers or paper and loosen them.
"Using it in an upward motion from the base of the wall was an easier way to loosen the paper and remove it. The blades can be really sharp though, so do be careful when using a similar tool. For rooms where there was only one thin layer of wallpaper, however, the standard method of using a steamer was effective."
This heavy-duty scraper can be used to remove wallpaper, tiles, vinyl, paint and more.
For the past 20+ years, Beth has worked for and contributed to a number of leading magazines and websites in the UK, including Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, Ideal Home, Period Living and Grand Designs. She was the Editor in Chief of Gardeningetc.com for nearly three years and is now the the Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Should I use an electric steam stripper when removing wallpaper?
Electric steam strippers are great for removing stubborn wallpaper such as woodchip, painted wallpaper, and multiple layers. They make the whole removal process faster and easier. You can buy steam strippers relatively cheaply, but if it’s a one-time job, consider hiring one instead.
Homebuilding & Renovating's Assistant Editor Sarah Harley says, "I tried the basic DIY method of a wet sponge and scraper, but it was time-consuming and not that effective. Once I tried a wallpaper steamer, I realised it was a far better option in terms of speed and ease."
Warning: Do not place the steamer plate over any electrical outlets. You should place it an inch away from the switch or socket.
Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs.
How do I clean the walls once I've removed the wallpaper?
Make sure that all paper has been removed, then give the walls a quick brush with a hand brush. Wipe them with a clean, damp sponge or cloth, starting at the top. Then wipe over with warm water only and leave to dry for 24 hours.
How soon after removing wallpaper can I paint or repaper the walls?
This will depend on the method used and the condition of the wall. If steam or water were used, you need to wait for the wall to dry before filling and sanding.
If you use wallpaper stripper, the wall will need to be cleaned, dry, filled and sanded. This will typically be at least four hours before you can start papering or painting. Ideally you want to leave it for 24 hours to be sure.
Can old wallpaper be recycled?
No, you should dispose old wallpaper with your general rubbish. It may have been treated with glue or wallpaper paste, could have been painted, and may contain traces of plaster or mould.
While some areas might require a little extra elbow grease, removing wallpaper isn't as complicated as it might first seem – and can be a very satisfying job to complete.
For more decorating advice, find out how much it costs to wallpaper a room and whether you can use wallpaper in a kitchen.
