Peel off dry-strippable wallpaper

Test a corner first—if the wallpaper peels away in large sheets without water or steam, you have dry-strippable paper and can simply pull it all off. This is the fastest, cheapest method when it works.

Steps

1. Lift a bottom corner with a putty knife or fingernail.
2. Grip the edge and pull slowly at a low angle (10–15 degrees from the wall).
3. If paper tears or only the top layer peels, switch to a wet method for the remaining backing.
4. Wash walls with warm water and a sponge to remove adhesive residue.
5. Let walls dry completely before priming or painting.

Tips

• Always try this method first before buying solutions or renting equipment
• Pull slowly and close to the wall; pulling fast or at a steep angle causes tearing
• A hair dryer can warm stubborn starting edges to help initiate peeling
• Most wallpapers made after the 1990s are designed to be strippable or peelable