How to Remove Wallpaper Easily

Removing wallpaper can feel like a big job, but with the right tools and steps, you can do it quickly and cleanly. I’ve done this myself several times, and it’s easier than it looks if you stay organized.

If you’re planning to decorate with softer tones, check out our ideas for beautiful pink wallpaper designs.

What You Need

To remove wallpaper, make sure you have these tools ready:

  • Wallpaper adhesive remover (if needed)
  • A bucket full of hot water
  • A wide spatula or scraper
  • A steamer or spray bottle
  • A sponge
  • Protective sheets for the floor

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Wallpaper

1. Prepare Your Room

Cover the floor with protective sheets to catch any mess. Move furniture away from the walls. Make sure power outlets are covered or switched off to stay safe.

2. Wet the Wallpaper

Fill your spray bottle or steamer with hot water. Spray or steam small sections of the wallpaper. Let the hot water soak in for a few minutes to loosen the glue.

3. Start Scraping

Use your spatula to lift the edge of the wallpaper. Gently scrape the paper off the wall. Be patient—work in small sections for the best result.

4. Clean the Wall

Once all the wallpaper is off, wipe the wall with a sponge and clean hot water. This removes leftover glue. Let the wall dry before painting or adding new wallpaper.

Extra Tips for Success

  • Always work from top to bottom to control drips.
  • Test a small patch before starting the whole wall.
  • If the wallpaper is stubborn, try a wallpaper adhesive remover.
  • Keep your tools clean as you work for smoother results.

Removing wallpaper is simple if you follow these steps and stay patient , Soon your wall will be ready for a fresh new look.

Green spray bottle filled with hot water and a gray cleaning cloth on a wooden table, ready for eco-friendly cleaning tasks

Using hot water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remove wallpaper. I’ve done this myself many times, and it always helps loosen the glue without needing strong chemicals.

How to Use Hot Water to Remove Wallpaper

1. Get Ready

Lay protective sheets on the floor. Move furniture away from the walls. Make sure any electrical outlets are switched off or covered for safety.

2. Spray Hot Water

Fill a spray bottle with hot water. Spray small sections of the wallpaper. Let it soak for a few minutes. Hot water softens the glue and makes it easy to peel or scrape off the paper.

3. Scrape Carefully

Start at a corner or edge. Use your scraper to gently lift and remove the wallpaper. Work slowly to avoid damaging the wall underneath.

4. Clean the Surface

Dip your sponge or cloth in hot water. Wipe down the wall to remove glue residue. Let the wall dry completely before painting or adding new wallpaper.

Extra Tips

  • Always spray and work in small sections so the water stays hot.
  • If the paper is hard to remove, spray again and wait a bit longer.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
  • Add a few drops of dish soap or vinegar to the hot water for extra strength.

Hot water is a simple, safe solution to make wallpaper removal faster and cleaner

Close-up of a hand using a scraper to remove textured striped wallpaper from a wall as part of a DIY renovation project

If you want to remove wallpaper, the process is easier than it seems. With the right tools, you can remove wallpaper without damaging the wall. I’ve done this myself, and I’ll share the best way to remove wallpaper at home.

Tools to Remove Wallpaper

Here’s what you need to remove wallpaper:

  • A spray bottle filled with hot water
  • A sponge or cloth
  • A scraper
  • Protective sheets for your floor
  • A bucket of hot water

How to Remove Wallpaper

1. Get the Room Ready

Move furniture and cover the floor. This keeps the space clean while you remove wallpaper.

2. Spray the Wallpaper

Spray hot water onto the wallpaper and let it soak for a few minutes. This helps loosen the glue so you can remove wallpaper more easily.

3. Scrape the Paper

Use a scraper to lift the edges. Gently remove wallpaper by working in small sections. This helps avoid damage.

4. Clean the Wall

After you remove wallpaper, wipe the wall with a sponge and hot water to clean off any glue. Let the wall dry before you paint or hang new paper.

Tips for Removing Wallpaper

  • Always test a small area first.
  • Work in small sections so the water doesn’t dry before you scrape.
  • If the wallpaper is hard to remove, try a steamer or score it to help water soak in.
  • Keep tools clean to make the work smoother.

By using these steps, you can remove wallpaper safely and get your wall ready for its next design.


If you plan to decorate after removing the wallpaper, check out our guide on how to choose the perfect Cat Wallpaper for your space.

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