Introduction: How to Remove Wallpaper the Easy Way

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One of the most dreaded renovation projects for many people is wallpaper removal. In the past I've many different recommended methods, such as: special sprays or renting a steamer, none of which worked without lots of hours and tears. This time around, I was armed with patience and ready to have the same challenges as before. After some more research, I found lots of good tips, some of which involved going and buying all kinds of nifty tools like a wall paper scorer. I did not want to go to the store and so I kept looking for home remedies. I decided to go with the fabric softener idea and now swear by its efficiency.

Step 1:

Take a large bucket and mix in equal parts warm water and fabric softener. I poured the mixture into a spray bottle (I had to pour out the leftover windex and rinse the bottle).

Step 2:

I thought I could just spray the wallpaper and then it will soften, and then I'd be able to just peel it off. Well, not really. Old wall-paper (in this case probably the '80s) has :

- a vinyl top layer and no amount of anything will take that off

-and a layer of kinda fuzzy wallpaper backing.

So, the best way is to peel off all of the vinyl. In most areas it all came off in strips. I did that until all that remained on the walls was the paper backing.

Step 3:

I proceeded to spray the wall in sections and it was like a miracle - it all came off.

Step 4:

Although it came off easily, it was still a time consuming activity. After a while, spraying was really hurting my hand, so I just poured my mixture into a paint tray and rolled with a paint roller. MUCH faster, but messier. Also, when you get close to outlets, turn the lights off. Because this bathroom doesn’t have any windows, it was completely dark, so I brought a table lamp that I plugged in the hallway outside the bathroom.

Step 5:

After I was done taking off the wallpaper, I cleaned all the crap off the floor and wiped the walls with warm water and a sponge, to remove any glue residue and any left over fuzz. Vois-la!!! All ready for priming.

Above are the before and after pictures.