It’s no secret that most people dread removing old, dated wallpaper. Not only can it be time intensive, it can also be super expensive if you hire someone to take it down and you can be subjecting your home and family to yucky chemicals (no thanks!). Here’s how to make your own 100% natural, effective wallpaper remover on the cheap so you can move on to bigger, better, bolder papers.

What You’ll Need

White vinegar
Hot water
Pump sprayer or spray bottle
Wallpaper scoring tool
Wallpaper utility scraper

Get (Re)movin’

Run a wallpaper scoring tool over the wallpaper you’d like to remove. This will create tiny holes in the paper that will penetrate the paste, but be sure to use a gentle hand as you don’t want to leave marks on your wall.

If any edges are loose, go ahead and peel off the top layer of paper so your remove can really soak in.

Mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part hot water in your pump sprayer or spray bottle. Pump sprayers are great because they can spray a larger area in a shorter amount of time, but it can get a little messy. If you’re using one, make sure you tape off your outlets and cover your floor beforehand. If you’d like to take it slow and steady, use a regular spray bottle.

Spray a small section of wallpapered area and let soak for about 15 minutes. This ensures you have time to remove the wallpaper before the remover dries. Repeat the process as necessary and you’ll be quickly and naturally on your way to installing your pretty new wallpaper in no time.

Tips for Trouble Areas

If your paper doesn’t come off easily, repeat the process but remember to focus on a small area at a time to ensure complete removal and to keep your sanity.

Sometimes, it’s helpful to use different scrapers to peel the paper - make sure that you don’t use anything too sharp, though, so you don’t damage the underlying wall.

Good luck, and we’re happy to help you pick out your shiny new paper!