Non-Pasted Wallpaper Removal Guide
When the time feels right for a change, removing non-pasted wallpaper is simple and grounding. With warm water, a little patience, and a gentle hand, your walls can return to a clean, calm foundation.
Tools You’ll Need
Sponge and bucket of warm water
Spray bottle (optional)
Wallpaper remover solution (if needed)
Wallpaper scraper or putty knife
Drop cloth or protective sheet
Mild soap (optional)
1. Prepare the Area
Lay a drop cloth along the floor to protect your space.
If you can, move furniture slightly away from the wall.
A clear, open area helps everything feel calmer.
2. Loosen the Wallpaper
Using a warm, damp sponge or spray bottle, wet the wallpaper thoroughly.
Work in small sections to soften the paste behind the paper.
For older or more stubborn wallpaper, add a wallpaper-remover solution and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
The more time you give this step, the easier the removal becomes.
3. Start Peeling
Once the paste has softened, gently lift a corner using your fingernail or a scraper.
Peel the wallpaper slowly, keeping the angle low. This helps protect the wall beneath.
Move patiently across the section before starting another.
4. Address Stubborn Areas
If small pieces remain, re-wet them and scrape gently with a wallpaper scraper.
Let the water do the work.
Softening, not force, creates the cleanest result.
5. Clean the Wall
When all the wallpaper is removed, wipe the wall with warm water.
Use mild soap only if needed to clear any lingering paste.
Allow the wall to dry completely before painting or applying new wallpaper.
Pro Tips
Work slowly in small, well-soaked sections.
Warm water is your best tool; remover solution is helpful for older adhesives.
Change your water often to avoid spreading softened paste.
Sockets & Switches
Turn off the power at the breaker before you begin.
Remove socket and switch plates so the wallpaper can be fully wetted and peeled around the edges.
Once everything is clean and dry, reattach the plates.
next step:
Once your wall is clean and fully dry, you can move gently into its next chapter — a fresh coat of paint, or perhaps a new pattern that feels right for the season.