Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Removal Guide
One of the quiet advantages of peel-and-stick wallpaper is how gracefully it comes away when you’re ready for a new chapter. With slow hands and a little care, removal is clean, simple, and kind to your walls.
Tools You’ll Need
Plastic wallpaper scraper
Clean, damp cloth
Drop cloth or protective sheet (optional)
1. Prepare the Space
Lay a drop cloth along the floor to catch any dust or fragments.
If you can, move furniture slightly away from the wall.
A clear workspace makes the process feel calm and unhurried.
2. Loosen a Corner
Begin at the top edge of your first panel.
Lift a small corner gently using your fingernail or a plastic scraper.
You’re just creating enough space to start the peel.
3. Peel Slowly
Pull the panel downward at a soft 45° angle.
Keep the motion very slow, steady, and even. This helps the material release without stretching or tearing.
No water or solution is needed. Just steady, patient hands.
4. Continue Panel by Panel
Work across the wall one panel at a time.
If a section feels reluctant, warm it gently with a hairdryer on low heat.
A little warmth softens the adhesive and helps it ease away.
5. Clean the Wall
Once everything is removed, wipe the wall with a clean, damp cloth.
Any light residue will lift easily.
Allow the surface to dry fully before repainting or installing new wallpaper.
Pro Tips
Slow, even peeling protects both the wall and the material.
Warm stubborn areas with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive.
If a trace of adhesive remains, a mild soapy cloth will clear it.
Sockets & Switches
For safety, turn off power at the breaker before you begin.
Remove socket and switch plates so you can peel cleanly around the openings.
When the wall is bare and clean, replace the plates for a tidy finish.
next step:
When the wall is clean and dry, you’re ready for whatever comes next like a fresh coat of paint, or perhaps a new pattern that brings a fresh look back into the room.