How to remove old wallpaper without damaging your walls
1. Prepare the Area
Before you start removing the wallpaper, it is important to prepare the area. Move furniture and decorations away from the walls to give yourself plenty of room to work. Lay down some drop cloths to protect your floors from any spills or debris. Cover any electrical outlets with tape to prevent water or glue from seeping into them.
2. Gather the Tools
To remove old wallpaper, you will need a few tools. These include a wallpaper steamer, a scraper, a spray bottle, a bucket, hot water, and a sponge. You may also want to use a scoring tool to puncture small holes in the wallpaper to help the steam penetrate the adhesive.
3. Start with a Test Strip
Before you start removing the wallpaper, it is a good idea to start with a small test strip. Find a corner or an inconspicuous area and try to peel off the wallpaper. If it comes off easily, you may be able to remove the rest of the wallpaper without a steamer. However, if the wallpaper is difficult to remove, you will need to use a steamer.
4. Use a Wallpaper Steamer
A wallpaper steamer is a great tool for removing old wallpaper. It uses hot steam to soften the adhesive, making the wallpaper easier to remove. Fill the steamer with hot water and wait for it to heat up. Hold the steam plate against the wall for about 30 seconds to loosen the adhesive. Then, use a scraper to remove the wallpaper.
5. Spray the Wallpaper
Another way to remove old wallpaper is to spray it with a mixture of hot water and fabric softener. This helps to loosen the adhesive and makes the wallpaper easier to remove. Mix one part fabric softener with three parts hot water in a spray bottle. Spray the wallpaper generously and wait for it to soak in before scraping it off.
6. Work in Small Sections
When removing old wallpaper, it is important to work in small sections. This will ensure that you do not damage the wall underneath the wallpaper. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down. Use a scraper to remove the wallpaper and be careful not to apply too much pressure.
7. Remove any Residual Adhesive
Once you have removed the wallpaper, you may still have some residual adhesive on the wall. To remove this, mix equal parts hot water and vinegar in a bucket. Dip a sponge into the mixture and wipe the wall down. This will remove any remaining adhesive and prepare the wall for a new coat of paint or wallpaper.
8. Dispose of the Wallpaper Properly
When you are done removing the wallpaper, it is important to dispose of it properly. Place the wallpaper in a trash bag and seal it tightly. Do not put the wallpaper in your regular recycling bin as it is not recyclable.
In conclusion, removing old wallpaper can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done without causing damage to your walls. Remember to prepare the area, gather the tools, start with a test strip, use a steamer, spray the wallpaper, work in small sections, remove any residual adhesive, and dispose of the wallpaper properly. By following these tips, you can remove old wallpaper and give your walls a fresh new look.