How to remove old wallpaper quickly and without leaving any residue
With the right tricks, it's easy.
How can I remove old wallpaper?
How easy it is to remove old wallpaper depends on how it was applied and how well it adheres. In the simplest case, the old wallpaper can be pulled off the wall dry. If this does not work, you will need a few small tools and aids. It is important that the old wallpaper is completely removed and the wall is smooth before the new wallpaper is applied.
If the wallpaper is thin, the residue can usually be soaked with a simple mixture of warm water and dish soap or a special wallpaper remover. The wallpaper can then be easily removed. Stubborn wallpaper residue can be removed with a scraper. With split wallpaper, it may be necessary to carry out two removal processes, as the backing material does not always come off straight away.
Thicker and waterproof wallpaper may need to be perforated before it can be removed. To do this, you will need a nail roller, also known as a spiked roller or wallpaper spiked roller, which makes the wallpaper more permeable to water. The holes allow the solution to penetrate better and the wallpaper can then be removed. 
Materials for removing wallpaper
The method used to remove old wallpaper depends on the wallpaper material. Non-woven wallpaper is particularly easy to remove and can usually be pulled off in strips when dry. For vinyl wallpaper, you should allow extra time for soaking and have a scraper or utility knife ready to remove stubborn residue. Removing woodchip wallpaper is particularly time-consuming. A wallpaper stripper should be used for this. If necessary, hot steam can also help to remove the wallpaper.
| Material | Removing wallpaper | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-woven wallpaper | Spatula or utility knife | Peel off when dry |
| Vinyl wallpaper | Wallpaper remover, dish soap, scraper | 1. Spray and let soak 2. Peel off |
| Woodchip wallpaper | Wallpaper remover or dish soap, scraper or utility knife, steam cleaner if necessary | 1. Spray and leave to soak 2. Loosen with hot steam if necessary 3. Peel off |
Removing wallpaper: tips and tricks
With the right tricks and tips, wallpaper can be removed relatively easily. However, be sure to allow enough time and go through the following checklist before applying the new wallpaper:
- Is the wall dry? Allow at least 12 hours drying time if the old wallpaper has been removed by soaking.
- Have all wallpaper residues been removed? Work cleanly so that the new wallpaper can adhere well.
- Is the wall free of mold, cracks, and holes? If not, these defects must of course be repaired before wallpapering.
- Is the wall even and smooth? You may need to fill and sand the wall before applying the new wallpaper. The rule of thumb is: the thinner the wallpaper, the cleaner the wall needs to be before you start.
Disposing of wallpaper after removal
Many types of wallpaper, including woodchip wallpaper, have a paper backing. But does that mean they can simply be disposed of with the waste paper? Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. The reason: in addition to paper, such wallpapers often contain other components such as synthetic fibers or cotton. In addition, paste residues often remain, which do not belong in the waste paper bin.
Therefore, disposal in the paper recycling bin is not an option—even for leftover rolls. Since most paper wallpapers are not water-soluble, they cannot be recycled. This means that the only suitable disposal option is the residual waste bin. Regardless of whether the wallpaper has already been used or is still unused, it must be disposed of in the black bin. Make sure that any paste residue does not stick to the inside of the garbage can to ensure easy emptying.
Removing wallpaper - Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to remove old wallpaper?
This depends on the size of the room and how easily the wallpaper can be removed. If perforation is necessary first, removal will naturally take longer. The solution mixture only needs to be left to work for a few minutes. To be on the safe side, wait 15 minutes. It is important to allow at least half a day for drying before applying the new wallpaper.
Is wallpaper remover better than dish soap?
Both wallpaper removers and dish soap make it easier to remove wallpaper due to the surfactants they contain. These break down the surface tension of the water. This allows it to penetrate the wallpaper better and dissolve the paste. Wallpaper remover has a higher concentration of surfactants, so it works even faster and more effectively. In many cases, however, a mixture of dish soap and warm water is sufficient.p>
Can I remove old wallpaper with household remedies?
Yes, most wallpaper can be easily removed by mixing warm water and dish soap in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use vinegar or baking soda. For thicker wallpaper, however, you should use a special wallpaper remover.
How can I dispose of large quantities of wallpaper?
If you have large amounts of wallpaper leftovers, the black garbage can is often not enough. In this case, it is a good idea to collect the leftovers in garbage bags and dispose of them at a recycling center or a municipal collection point for household waste. Depending on your municipality, fees may apply, as the costs are determined individually by the local authorities. It is therefore best to check your local waste disposal regulations in advance.p>
If transport to the recycling center is not an option, there is another possibility: Many cities and municipalities offer special extra garbage bags that can be purchased for a fee. These can then be placed next to the regular garbage can. p>
Another option is to use the bulky waste service. In many municipalities, this can be requested once a year or even several times a year free of charge, so that even large quantities of wallpaper remnants can be conveniently disposed of.
What can I do with old wallpaper if I don't want to throw it away?
It's a shame to simply throw away wallpaper with attractive patterns. If the wallpaper has been carefully removed, there are many creative ways to reuse it. For example, it is ideal as gift or craft paper, for decorating furniture, for scrapbooking, or even as stylish wall art.
If you don't have any use for it yourself, you can give the wallpaper scraps away. You can often find interested parties through classified ads, or you can ask local kindergartens and schools if they would like to use the scraps for craft projects.