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How to Remove Wallpaper with Vinegar

If you have ever tried to remove wallpaper, you understand why the question is Googled more than 165,000 times every single month. There are not many things more frustrating than painstakingly tearing inch after inch of wallpaper that went up in one large, clean sheet.

There is no dearth of advice columns, websites, and books with very different opinions about the best way to remove wallpaper. Here are the top favorites for advice on removing wallpaper with vinegar.

The trick to removing wallpaper easily is to dissolve the wallpaper glue and break the bond between the wall and the back of the wallpaper.

Room Preparation

Because you will be working with liquids, it is important that you take precautions prior to beginning the project.

1. Turn off the power to the room and cover all outlets with painter's tape.

2. Protect the floor and the molding by covering them with plastic or drop cloths.

Wallpaper Preparation

The object of prepping the wall is to the dissolve the wallpaper glue.

1. You will need to create tiny holes in the wallpaper to allow the moisture to seep through and moisten the wallpaper glue. Use a tool like the Paper Tiger or Paper Scraper.

2. Spray the vinegar solution all over the wallpaper and allow to soak for 20 minutes.

Vinegar Solution

1 cup of vinegar
1 gallon of hot water

3. Begin peeling the paper using a scraper when necessary.

4. Repeat for remaining wallpaper.

Tip: Covering the wall with plastic sheeting directly after soaking it with your wallpaper remover can help to speed up the process.

Tip: Instead of a sprayer, try a paint roller to thoroughly soak your scored wallpaper with your removal solution.