Removing old wallpaper can be a tedious and messy process, but homemade wallpaper remover can make the job much easier. Homemade remover is inexpensive, non-toxic, and highly effective at loosening wallpaper glue. With some simple ingredients from around the house, you can whip up a solution that rivals store-bought removers.
Benefits of Homemade Wallpaper Remover
Homemade wallpaper remover has several advantages over commercial removers:
- Cost-effective – You can make it using inexpensive and commonly available ingredients. This saves you the cost of purchasing commercial removers.
- Non-toxic – Most homemade removers contain gentle ingredients like vinegar, water, and fabric softener. This makes them safe to use and non-irritating.
- Highly effective – The active ingredients in homemade solutions are very effective at breaking down wallpaper adhesives. They loosen glue as well as steamers and liquid removers.
- Customizable – You can tweak homemade recipes to suit the type of wallpaper glue you’re removing. Stronger solutions for heavier adhesives.
- Environmentally friendly – Homemade removers are biodegradable and contain natural ingredients like vinegar and water. Much better than chemical-laden store-bought removers.
How to Make Homemade Wallpaper Remover
Making homemade wallpaper remover is simple. All you need are a few basic household ingredients. Here are some popular recipes:
Vinegar and Water Remover
This classic remover uses the acetic acid in vinegar to soften glues.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Spray bottle
How to Make It:
- Pour the warm water and vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Shake well to combine. The mixture is ready to use.
- Spray it directly onto wallpaper to wet the surface and soak into the glue. Reapply as needed.
Vinegar and Fabric Softener Remover
The fabric softener helps this remover cling to vertical surfaces and penetrate glue.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1-2 tsp liquid fabric softener
- Spray bottle
How to Make It:
- Add the warm water, vinegar, and fabric softener to a spray bottle.
- Shake vigorously until thoroughly blended.
- Lightly spray onto wallpaper and allow to soak in for several minutes before removing.
Hot Water and Fabric Softener Remover
This hot water brew helps soften thicker wallpaper glues for easier removal.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups hot water
- 1/4 cup liquid fabric softener
- Spray bottle
How to Make It:
- Heat the water until very hot but not boiling.
- Pour into a spray bottle and add the fabric softener.
- Shake well and spray liberally onto wallpaper to penetrate the adhesive.
Liquid Laundry Detergent Remover
Laundry detergent mixed with water makes an effective grease-cutting remover.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup liquid laundry detergent
- Spray bottle
How to Make It:
- Add the warm water and laundry detergent to a spray bottle.
- Shake vigorously to dissolve and blend the detergent.
- Spray the mixture directly onto wallpaper and wait several minutes before removing.
Tips for Using Homemade Removers Effectively
Follow these tips to get the best results from your homemade wallpaper remover:
- Test on a small hidden area first to ensure it’s safe for the wallpaper.
- Apply a heavy amount directly to the wallpaper and wait 10-15 minutes before removing.
- Reapply frequently as you work to keep the area wet and lubricate the glue.
- Use a perforating tool to poke holes in the paper so the solution soaks through.
- Focus on removing paper from the top down and score with a scraper as you go.
- Use a steamer after applying remover to really soften the adhesive.
- Rinse the wall with clean water after to remove any residue.
- Use the strongest solution needed for the job to dissolve glue quickly.
- Work in sections and don’t let dried areas sit too long before removing.
Removing Wallpaper Step-By-Step
Here are the basic steps for removing wallpaper using homemade remover:
1. Prepare the Room
Clear the room and remove wall hangings to access all areas. Protect floors from drips with a tarp or sheets.
2. Mix the Remover Solution
Choose an easy homemade remover recipe from above and mix up a batch. Test on a small area first.
3. Perforate the Paper
Use a perforating tool or very fine sandpaper to lightly scratch the surface of the paper. This allows the remover to soak underneath.
4. Apply Remover Liberally
Thoroughly wet the paper by spraying or rolling on remover solution generously. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes.
5. Score the Wallpaper
Use a sharp scraper tool to lightly score the wallpaper and break the glue seal. Work top to bottom.
6. Peel Off Paper
Slowly peel off loosened wallpaper, spraying more remover as needed. Remove in strips or sections.
7. Rinse Residue
Use a sponge and clean water to rinse off any adhesive residue left on the wall. Change rinse water often.
8. Prime and Paint
Once wall is bare and residue-free, allow to dry fully then apply primer before painting over it.
Troubleshooting Homemade Removers
Having some trouble getting homemade remover to work effectively? Try these troubleshooting tips:
Remover not strong enough?
- Increase the amount of vinegar or laundry detergent in the recipe.
- Use very hot water to create a more active solution.
- Let solution sit on wallpaper longer before removing.
Wallpaper not absorbing remover well?
- Puncture paper thoroughly with a perforation tool before applying remover.
- Apply remover liberally and continuously to keep it wet.
- Use a steamer to help heat and penetrate the adhesive layer.
Adhesive residue remaining on wall?
- Rinse longer with clean water and change out rags/sponges frequently.
- Use a vinegar-water mix to wipe wall after wallpaper is removed.
- Lightly sand residue spots before priming and painting.
Taking too long to remove paper?
- Try a stronger remover recipe or double up on ingredients.
- Work in smaller sections to prevent drying out.
- Score as you go and reapply remover to keep wet.
FAQs About Homemade Wallpaper Remover
Here are answers to some common questions about making and using homemade wallpaper remover:
Is homemade remover really effective at removing all wallpaper?
Yes, homemade removers are highly effective at loosening and dissolving pretty much all types of wallpaper adhesives. They may take longer on thicker glue layers, but homemade solutions will get the job done.
What’s the difference between store-bought removers and homemade ones?
Homemade removers rely on ingredients like vinegar, water, and laundry detergent to breakdown glue. Commercial removers often contain harsher solvents and chemicals.
What homemade remover recipe works fastest?
The removers made with hot water and laundry detergent tend to work most quickly. The heat and detergent help dissolve glue rapidly.
Can I reuse leftover homemade remover?
It’s best to mix up a fresh remover batch each time you tackle a new wallpaper removal project. Old batches lose their efficacy.
Is it better to peel off wallpaper wet or dry?
Always peel off wallpaper when wet after applying homemade remover. Pulling off dry wallpaper risks damaging the wall underneath.
How long should I let homemade remover sit before removing paper?
Ideally let the remover soak for 10-15 minutes before peeling. Reapply frequently as you work to keep it moist.
Will vinegar remover work on paste wallpaper glues?
Yes, the acetic acid in vinegar dissolves both paste and adhesive glues. It may take a little longer on thicker paste layers.
Can I use homemade remover on delicate wallpapers?
Test first, but most homemade removers are safe for delicate papers. Avoid detergent solutions which can be harsh.
Best Homemade Wallpaper Remover Recipes
Here is a quick recap of the best homemade wallpaper remover recipes:
- For lighter wallpapers: Vinegar and water or vinegar and fabric softener
- For thicker glues: Hot water and fabric softener or laundry detergent
- All-purpose: 1 part vinegar, 1 part water plus liquid fabric softener
- Heavy duty: Laundry detergent or ammonia and very hot water
- Safe for delicate paper: Diluted vinegar water with a little glycerin
The possibilities are endless when making your own homemade wallpaper remover recipe. Adjust the ingredients to suit the type of adhesive you need to remove.
When to Call in a Professional
Removing wallpaper is a time-consuming task. If you have many rooms of paper to strip, or layers of built-up wallpaper, consider hiring a professional.
Signs it may be time to call in backup include:
- Wallpaper covered in multiple layers that are difficult to penetrate
- Thick vinyl or fiberglass wallpaper that won’t budge
- Wallpaper that tears into tiny pieces when removing
- Damage being done to the drywall underneath
- Failed attempts at removal with steamers and removers
- Rooms covered top to bottom in wallpaper that need to be entirely stripped
While homemade remover works on most wallpaper, sometimes a professional with industrial steamers gets better results.
Conclusion
Removing old wallpaper doesn’t have to mean spending money on harsh chemical removers. With simple homemade remover recipes, you can dissolve that outdated wallpaper glue quickly and easily.
Whip up a natural remover using ingredients you likely have around the house, such as vinegar, water, and fabric softener. Apply liberally to wallpaper, let it soak in, and then start peeling. Reapply frequently to keep the paper wet and lubricate as you go.
With these effective homemade remover solutions, a perforation tool, scraper, and some elbow grease, you can tackle any wallpaper removal project. Just be sure to work in sections, rinse residue thoroughly, and take your time. In no time at all you’ll have stripped away that outdated wallpaper and be ready to create a fresh new wall surface.