How to Remove Wallpaper

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One of the best ways to give your home a makeover is repainting the walls or putting new wallpapers. But before you start with the repairing work, it is crucial to remove the wallpaper properly if you are considering redesigning your home or just repainting the walls to give it a new look. Removing stubborn wallpaper and adhesive can prove to be a daunting task. So, should one remove wallpaper by themselves using household items, or consider hiring professionals for that? Let’s see both one-by-one.

How to Remove Wallpaper using Household Items?

There are plenty of things you have to keep in mind, like the process or the tools required, before starting the work. If the walls were painted or primed for the wallpaper’s application, then it is likely to peel off, thus adding further difficulty to the process. But don’t worry! You are at the right place.

4 Household Items that will help you to Remove Wallpaper Efficiently

Let’s make your life much easier by sharing some expert tips on how to remove your wallpaper with the help of household items. The good news is that you can manage it on your own. There are commercial solutions available in the market as well but you can make your own homemade solution to scrape off the wallpaper. The general process is similar – use a wire brush or a wire scrubber and then apply the solution. And after removing the wallpaper, clean the wall with a dry cloth, and it’s done. Without any further ado, here are the 4 household items that will help remove wallpaper efficiently.

1. Use Vinegar to Remove Wallpaper

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to remove wallpaper, then use vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a sprayer. Apply it to the wallpaper and let it soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Vinegar works as a solvent that helps to dissolve thin wallpapers easily.

2. Remove Wallpaper with Fabric Softener

Another option is to use the fabric softener method, which is pretty much as the name goes. You have to mix the softener with warm water in equal parts and spread it all over the walls using a paint roller or sponge generously. Again, give it 20 to 30 minutes before you can start scraping or peeling to achieve a clean wall.

3. Remove it with a Putty Knife

Most of the time, the old wallpaper would peel off easily, and if it doesn’t, you might have to scrape it manually and sometimes forcefully. A Putty knife will make it easier for you. Just use a homemade soap solution and use a putty knife to remove the strongly held wallpaper. But please make sure to not be too harsh on the wall as it might damage the layer under the sheet.

4. Removing tough Wallpaper with a Steamer or Chemical Stripper

You can use either of these to strip out old and stiff wallpaper that has been clung for a long time. Both of them are extremely effective in removing wallpapers and cleaning old walls for an effortless makeover. Steamers and chemical steamers are messy and sometimes toxic, so protect yourself with good quality rubber gloves and suitable eye gear. So, you better hire a professional for such tasks.

Should you Hire Professionals to Remove the Old Wallpaper?

Well, doing all of it on your own is certainly possible. However, it is not that easy. For stubborn wallpapers that have been around for a long time, removal can be tough and dangerous too. For example, commercial strippers use some harsh chemicals that may turn toxic while application. If you face any problems removing old wallpaper or hanging new wallpaper, it is best to hire a professional, who specializes in this field. Generally, painting and decorating contractors in your area will take care of everything for you.

Professional painters and decorators will also advise on the best colours, styles, and themes to align with your home, if you decide to go ahead with renovating your walls. Further, you won’t have to worry much about what needs to be done where like plastering, painting, wallpapering, or wood stripping.

Hiring a professional can be the best decision if you haven’t done similar projects on your own before. Removing wallpaper and hanging it involves a lot of complexities. It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. All of it requires dedication and a focused approach to do it perfectly, and a professional be of great help here. After all, you won’t want to compromise with the quality.

Hire someone who has a focused approach on all-sized projects, always keen on offering superior craftsmanship. At Bourne Decorators, we use the high quality materials, paints, and tools combined with our knowledge and expertise to provide unparalleled quality service. If you are looking for similar services, we would love to add value to your project.