Rent a Wallpaper Steamer

Rent a professional wallpaper steamer from a hardware store or tool rental center for a fraction of the purchase price.

How It Works

A wallpaper steamer works identically to a purchased one — it heats water to produce steam that penetrates wallpaper and softens adhesive on contact. Renting makes sense when you have a one-time project and do not want to invest $50-100 in a tool you may never use again.

Instructions

1. Reserve the steamer from your local hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes) or a tool rental center. Typical rental cost is $30-50 per day
2. Protect the work area with drop cloths and turn off electricity to wall outlets
3. Fill the steamer's reservoir with water and allow it to heat up (10-15 minutes depending on the model)
4. Hold the steamer plate flat against the wallpaper for 15-30 seconds until you see the paper start to darken or bubble slightly
5. Move the steamer plate to the adjacent section while using your other hand to scrape the just-steamed area
6. Work in a continuous pattern: steam the next section while scraping the current one
7. Be careful with drywall — prolonged steaming in one spot can soften the drywall paper face
8. After removal, clean walls of remaining adhesive with warm water and a sponge

Tips

• Call ahead to confirm availability and reserve the steamer — they are popular in spring and summer
• Bring your own large scraper and a few garbage bags for the removed wallpaper
• Start in an inconspicuous corner to get a feel for how long the steamer needs to be held in each spot
• A steamer is the most effective single method for multiple layers of old wallpaper
• Wear long sleeves and gloves — steam condensation drips down the wall and can burn bare skin

Common Mistakes

• Not checking the rental terms — some stores charge for a full day even if you return it after a few hours
• Holding the steamer in one spot too long, which damages drywall or loosens joint compound
• Not having a scraper ready in your other hand — steamed wallpaper re-adheres as it cools if you wait too long
• Underestimating the time needed — a full room typically takes 4-8 hours even with a steamer