Vinegar and Hot Water Solution

Use an equal-parts mixture of white vinegar and hot water as a natural, chemical-free wallpaper remover.

How It Works

The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve wallpaper paste by breaking down the starch and cellulose-based adhesives commonly used in wallpaper installation. Combined with hot water that softens the adhesive thermally, this creates an effective two-pronged attack using ingredients already in most kitchens.

Instructions

1. Protect the work area with drop cloths and turn off electrical outlets
2. Score the wallpaper thoroughly with a scoring tool
3. Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water (as hot as you can safely handle) in a spray bottle or bucket
4. Apply generously to a section of scored wallpaper using a spray bottle, sponge, or paint roller
5. Wait 10-15 minutes for the solution to soak through and soften the adhesive
6. Scrape the wallpaper away using a wide putty knife held at a low angle
7. Reapply solution to stubborn areas and wait a few more minutes before re-scraping
8. After removal, wash the walls with clean water to remove vinegar residue and remaining paste
9. Allow walls to dry fully before painting or priming

Tips

• The vinegar smell dissipates within a few hours once the room is ventilated
• White vinegar is preferred over apple cider vinegar because it does not stain
• This method is safe for drywall and plaster walls
• For extremely stubborn areas, use undiluted vinegar directly on the adhesive residue
• A paint roller applies the solution faster and more evenly than a spray bottle on large walls

Common Mistakes

• Using cold water, which dramatically reduces effectiveness
• Not scoring the wallpaper, making it impossible for the vinegar to reach the adhesive
• Applying too little solution — the wall needs to be thoroughly saturated, not just damp
• Scraping too aggressively and damaging the drywall paper face