How to Remove Wallpaper Two Different Methods

If you own an older home, chances are you will find a layer or two of dated wallpaper hanging on the walls. Wallpaper is making a comeback, but not all papers stand the test of time. 

Removing wallpaper while standing on scaffolding is what Dea Rust does best! She's becoming quite the pro at stripping wallpaper since she and her husband bought a historic mansion this past year. I thought that maybe she could offer us some tried and true tips for removing wallpaper.

How to Remove Wallpaper

Method 1

Step 1: Score the paper

Use a scoring tool like this to help poke holes in the paper so that the wallpaper remover can soak through the paper to the glue. Don't score too hard because you don't want to be left patching up the wall when you are done.

Step 2: Spray on DIF

Anyone who has removed wallpaper before swears by this product. DIF is the best wallpaper remover to use. The solution dries so only spray the area you are working on. 

Step 3: Wait

Allow the DIF solution to soak in for 15 minutes. This is a good time to move back to the area that you sprayed and is waiting to be removed.

Step 4: Spray DIF again

You want your wallpaper to be moist so that it slides right off the wall.

Step 5: Scrape

Scrape the wallpaper off of the wall. I've found that a tool like this works the best.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat this whole process until all of the glue backing is removed.

Method 2

{Dea's preferred method for wallpaper removal}

 Step 1: Prep your steamer

This steamer from HomeRight works double duty. Not only can you use it around the house for cleaning {check out my lazy housecleaning tricks for a spotless home}, but you can use it for wallpaper removal. Fill up your steamer with water and let it heat up.

Step 2: Start steaming

Hold the steamer in place for 30-40 seconds to give the steamer time to penetrate through the glue.

Step 3: Scrape off the paper

While the paper is damp from steaming, use your scraper to scrape off the wallpaper.

Step 4: Repeat

Repeat the whole process until all of the glue is removed off of the wall. I've given both a try but our resident expert Dea swears by the steamer method even for the toughest wallpaper removal jobs. Do you have any wallpaper removing tips? I would love to hear them. dislaimer: this post may have affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing through them, I may receive a small commission. These small purchases help me to continue to keep writing content and creating at Holy Craft. Thank you!