How to remove wallpaper with a wallpaper steamer

If your wallpaper needs a refresh you will need to remove it before you redecorate. This can be a laborious and time-consuming job but with the right tools it can be much quicker and easier than you think. The following guide explains the process step by step with handy tips along the way with our steam wallpaper stripper SteamForce.

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  • Craft knife, fork or perforation tool and possibly a metal ruler
  • Spatula
  • Dust sheets for floors and furniture
  • Masking tape ideally combined with a plastic sheet for light switches and sockets
  • Jug for water
  • Gloves and goggles
  • Refuse bags

Instructions for how to remove wallpaper

Step 1 of 8: Wallpaper removal steamer preparation

Wallpaper removal steamer preparation

Stripping wallpaper can be messy so cover everything before you start will make clearing up the room when you have finished a lot quicker.
Ideally clear the room of furniture as this will make it easier to move around.  If this is not possible, move all the furniture into the centre of the room and cover with dust sheets for protection. Don’t forget to protect your floors.
Choosing dust sheets with a plastic backing will protect against any damage from water spills.

For your safety it’s important to cover lights, switches and sockets to prevent any damage. Use masking tape or a combined masking tape and plastic sheet to make the job even quicker.

Step 2 of 8: Preparing the walls and ceiling for wallpaper removal

Preparing the walls and ceiling for wallpaper removal

Remove everything from the walls such as hooks or nails etc.

If the wallpaper has a vinyl finish or has been painted, first score the paper with a craft knife or old kitchen fork taking care not to damage the wall and plaster underneath. Byperforating the paper, steam penetrates the wallpaper more quickly and loosens the wallpaper paste.

If you have a lot of rooms to strip in your home, it is best to use a wallpaper scoring tool. This will make the job of perforating the paper a lot quicker. If you only have the ceiling or a wall to strip, cut along the edge using a knife and metal edge between the two surfaces. This is how to remove wallpaper without accidently also removing paper you wanted to keep.

Step 3 of 8: How to remove wallpaper with a Wallpaper steamer to

How to remove wallpaper with a Wallpaper steamer to

Firstly, read the wallpaper steamer instruction manual and pay particular attention to the safety information.

Follow the instructions manual closely to set up the steamer.

Use an old piece of wood or a metal tray to place the wallpaper steamer on to prevent damaging the floor underneath it. This will also keep the steamer flat and stop it from tilting which could damage the heater element.

Step 4 of 8: Fill the steamer with water from the tap

Fill the steamer with water from the tap

This tip is how to remove wallpaper quicker, simply fill the steamer with warm tap water to reduce boiling time. Using a jug also makes it easier to pour.
Plug in the steamer and wait for the water to boil. Look to see when steam is coming from the steam plate, it’s then ready to use.

Step 5 of 8: Start from the top of the wall

Start from the top of the wall

Start from the top of the wall and work your way down. For high walls or to reach the ceiling use a standard or platform ladder but take care to ensure the unit is kept flat and stable.

Hold the steam plate on the wallpaper for a maximum of 30 seconds at a time. The steam penetrates through the wallpaper to the old adhesive paste underneath, once moistened it loosens the paper from the wall. After steaming an area test how easily the paper is to remove. Use a scraper to get underneath the paper and scrape it off. If the paper is not coming away easily hold the steam plate on the surface again. Be careful not to leave it too longas this may cause damage to the surface underneath.

Step 6 of 8: Take care when working around sockets or switches

Take care when working around sockets or switches

A small steam plate is helpful where there is limited room. Remove as large a piece of wallpaper as you can. This will speed up the process and reduce the amount of cleaning up you have to do. 

Step 7 of 8: How to remove wallpaper from the ceiling

How to remove wallpaper from the ceiling

When working overhead, beware of hot dripping water from the steam plate. It’s important to wear long sleeves, gloves and glasses and position yourself to one side of the steam plate, not directly under it.

Step 8 of 8: Tidy up as you go

Tidy up as you go

If the paper is left to dry it can stick to itself and the dust sheet which makes it more difficult to remove so tidy as you go.
Also periodically look and check the water level. Do not allow it to run dry as this will cause the automatic cut off switch to activate and temporarily cut the power to the machine. This will interrupt your work and can damage the unit.

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