Fabric Softener and Hot Water Method

Mix liquid fabric softener with hot water and apply to scored wallpaper to dissolve the adhesive with a common household product.

How It Works

Fabric softener contains surfactants that break down the bond between wallpaper adhesive and the wall surface. When mixed with hot water and applied through scored perforations, it penetrates behind the paper and softens the paste, allowing the wallpaper to be peeled or scraped away. The surfactants in fabric softener are specifically designed to release bonds between fibers and surfaces, which translates well to releasing wallpaper paste.

Instructions

1. Protect floors and furniture with drop cloths. Turn off power to outlets and switches in the work area
2. Score the wallpaper thoroughly with a Paper Tiger scoring tool, creating small perforations across the entire surface
3. Mix 1 cap-full (approximately 1/4 cup) of liquid fabric softener per quart of hot water in a spray bottle or garden pump sprayer
4. Spray or sponge the solution generously onto a 4-by-4-foot section of scored wallpaper, starting from the top
5. Let the solution soak for 10-15 minutes. Keep the section wet — reapply if it starts drying
6. Starting at a seam or loosened edge, slide a wide putty knife or scraper under the paper at a shallow angle and peel it away
7. Work in manageable sections around the room
8. After all wallpaper is removed, wash the walls with clean warm water and a sponge to remove adhesive residue
9. Let walls dry completely (24-48 hours) before priming or painting

Tips

• A garden pump sprayer covers large areas faster and more evenly than a spray bottle
• The hotter the water, the better it works — the heat alone helps soften adhesive
• This method smells pleasant compared to vinegar or chemical removers
• Adding a small squeeze of dish soap to the mixture can improve penetration
• Score the wallpaper thoroughly but gently — the more perforations, the better the solution penetrates

Common Mistakes

• Not scoring the wallpaper first — vinyl and coated wallpapers are waterproof and the solution cannot penetrate without perforations
• Letting the solution dry on the wall before scraping, which requires re-wetting
• Working too large an area at once — the solution dries before you can scrape it all
• Pressing too hard with the scraper and gouging the drywall underneath