Hey, wallpaper lovers! Running Eade's Wallpaper—a family gig that’s been going for 85 years—I’ve heard one question more than any other: “How do I remove wallpaper without trashing my walls?” It’s the DIY SOS call I get from customers, friends, even my own late-night panic moments. Whether you’re peeling off some dated floral disaster or clearing the deck for a fresh roll from our shop, I’ve got the playbook to make it painless. Let’s strip it down and do this right.
Why It’s a Pain (And Why You’re Not Crazy)
Wallpaper’s a clingy ex—it’s the glue that’s the real troublemaker. Rush it, and you’re scraping drywall or swearing at sticky residue. People are Googling this like crazy because no one wants a bigger mess than they started with. After four generations of hanging and yanking paper, we’ve got the tricks to save your walls and your sanity.
Gear Up—Here’s What You Need
Before you dive in, round up:
- A scoring tool (grab one cheap anywhere)
- Warm water with a squirt of dish soap (vinegar works too if you’re on a budget)
- Spray bottle or a big sponge
- A putty knife (dull edge—sharp ones are trouble)
- Drop cloths (glue drips are sneaky)
- A little grit (it’s a workout)
If you’re lucky enough to have a peel-and-stick—like our Scalamandre Zebra Safari Peel & Stick at www.eadeswallpaper.com/products/scalamandre-scs3869-masai-red-zebra-safari-scalamandre-self-adhesive-wallpaper—you’re golden. That stuff lifts off easy. For the glued-on relics, stick with me.
Step 1: Score It Smart
Take that scoring tool and give the paper some light scratches—crisscross, not a carving contest. You’re just opening it up so water can sneak in and break the glue’s grip. Go too hard, and you’ll be patching drywall later. Learned that one after a few rookie slip-ups.
Step 2: Soak It, Don’t Rush It
Mix your warm water and soap—or vinegar if you’re feeling scrappy—and hit the wall with it. Spray or sponge, then chill for 10-15 minutes. The glue needs time to loosen up, and impatience is how you end up with a wall that looks like it lost a fight. Work in chunks so you’re not flooding the place.
Step 3: Peel Like You Mean It
Find a corner or seam, slide that putty knife under, and lift—nice and slow. If it’s stubborn, splash more water on. Peel-and-sticks come off like a dream, but old-school paper might leave glue behind. No stress—just wipe it down with a wet sponge as you go.
Step 4: Wipe the Slate Clean
Once the paper’s history, you might spot some glue stragglers. Warm water and a sponge usually knock them out, but for the tough bits, a dab of rubbing alcohol on a rag does the trick. Check your walls—small dings can be spackled, but big gouges mean you went overboard. Less muscle, more chill—that’s the secret.
When to Call in the Cavalry
I’m all for DIY—I’ve tackled plenty myself—but if your paper’s prehistoric or your walls are plaster, pros can save you a headache. Still, this method’s worked for me and tons of our customers. Give it a shot, and you’ll be ready to slap up something new—like our Thibaut stunners at www.eadeswallpaper.com/collections/thibaut-wallpaper.
Next Up: Fresh Walls, Fresh Vibes
Walls clean? Sweet—now’s your shot to level up. Swing by www.eadeswallpaper.com and check out hits like our Scalamandre Midnight Leaf (www.eadeswallpaper.com/collections/scalamandre-wallpaper/products/scalamandre-ww-0003wp88590-midnight-leaf-ridge-edge-wallpaper)—it’s flying out for 2025. Need advice? Let me know, I live for this stuff.
Got a wallpaper removal disaster story? Let me know!
Taylor
Eade's Wallpaper Inc.
Eade's Wallpaper Inc.