November 10, 2022

How to remove wallpaper

Getting rid of old wallpaper may be a challenging task, but there are still several techniques that you can try. Depending on the type of paper and glue used, specific methods will work better than others, so don’t hesitate to change up the strategy in the middle of the project. After all, it’s better to experiment with these techniques than to stubbornly stick to one that may not work for you and your walls. Today, your Newtown handyman will help you remove wallpaper by explaining three techniques you could use.

1. The mix of vinegar and water

If you want to save money on this project, you can use vinegar in your kitchen. Make sure to mix the same amount of vinegar and warm water. You can then use a sprayer to moisten the wallpaper with this mix. Let the vinegar work its magic for about 15 minutes. Once the wallpaper loosens, remove it by hand. Start from the bottom, and try to remove wallpaper in large sheets. Work in small sections and moisten the paper as you work. If the wallpaper is very thick, try to scrub it with a brush or sandpaper.
2. Use the power of steam

Another popular technique to remove wallpaper is steam. This technique can be very efficient since it unglues the glue attached to the wallpaper in the first place. You will need an effective steam cleaner for this technique to work. Again, it would help if you worked in small sections to avoid mishaps. If you plan to rent a steam cleaner for this purpose, opt for a mini cleaner that is easy to operate. Before you start, let the steam warm up enough, then bring it close to the wall and wait until the wallpaper is soft. Then pick it up by hand or with a scraper. Remember that these machines can drip hot water, so always use them carefully.

3. Fabric softener can help

Using fabric softener is also one of the more popular solutions for people who want to remove wallpaper independently. Essentially, fabric softener can also soften the wallpaper glue. Mix half a cup of fabric softener with one liter of water and apply the mixture to the wallpaper using a sponge. As with the previous methods, they work in small sections, so the paper stays dry quickly. Wait 20 minutes and then scrape the wallpaper. Use a brush if the paper is a bit thicker.

If none of these methods work, consider buying chemicals designed to remove wallpaper. Remove a small piece of paper and take it to the specialized store, so one of the employees can recommend the best chemicals based on the paper you have and the glue used. Of course, don’t hesitate to rely on your local Newtown handyman and ifixit to remove the wallpaper, especially if you want some other work done afterward, such as repainting or applying new wallpaper.

Contact iFixit for any kind of home repair and/or maintenance task.

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