Fresh start? Here’s how to strip it down with ease! Planning to give your space a makeover? Before you can apply that gorgeous new wallpaper, you’ll need to remove the old one properly. Don’t worry — it’s often easier than you think! Below, we’ll walk you through simple and effective methods using tools and products most people already have at home. We recommend starting with mild, non-chemical solutions, and turning to wallpaper removers only when absolutely necessary.

For peelable wallpapers:

Start at a loose corner or seam and gently pull the wallpaper off by hand. It should come off easily in large pieces.

For tougher areas:

Use a utility knife or wallpaper scraper to help lift edges in tricky corners. A putty knife or filling spatula is perfect for scraping off stubborn sections, letting you remove larger portions faster.

For wallpaper that won’t budge:

1. Spray the surface generously with hot water mixed with a bit of dish soap.
2. Let it soak in for about 10 minutes to loosen the adhesive.
3. Then peel off the wallpaper strip by strip.
4. If that doesn’t do the trick, you can use a special wallpaper remover solution like Metylan.

Vinyl-coated or moisture-resistant wallpapers need special attention:

Before applying any remover, roughen the surface with coarse sandpaper to allow water or remover to penetrate.

Dealing with traditional paper-backed wallpaper?

Be prepared — these types often take longer to remove and can leave more damage behind, which may require extra wall prep before re-wallpapering.

Pro tip: Always test a small area first to see how your wallpaper reacts to water. Work in sections, and be patient — a clean wall is the perfect foundation for your new design!