Use a wallpaper steamer

A wallpaper steamer drives hot steam through the paper to soften and release the adhesive without chemicals. Most effective for multiple layers, painted-over wallpaper, or stubborn old adhesive.

Steps

1. Protect floors with drop cloths, turn off power to nearby outlets, and wear rubber gloves and long sleeves.
2. Fill and heat the steamer per manufacturer instructions (typically 10–15 minutes).
3. Hold the steam pad flat against the wall for 15–30 seconds until the paper darkens or loosens.
4. Move the pad to the next section while scraping the just-steamed area with your other hand.
5. For stubborn spots, hold up to 60 seconds but do not exceed this—prolonged steam can damage drywall.
6. Wash walls with warm water and a sponge after all paper is removed.

Tips

• Work from bottom to top so rising steam pre-softens the wallpaper above
• Scoring is usually unnecessary with a steamer, but speeds things up on thick vinyl
• Scrape immediately after steaming; wallpaper re-adheres as it cools
• Steamers can be rented from hardware stores for around $30–50 per day