- There are numerous cleaning solutions you can add to warm water that will soften the wallpaper, allowing it to be removed easily. Dishwashing and laundry detergents work well, as does trisodium phosphate, which is a powder cleanser that works particularly well on slick surfaces, such as walls. Simply add 2/3 cup of trisodium phosphate or your favorite detergent to two gallons of warm water. This solution will soften the water, causing the wallpaper adhesive to lose its effectiveness. You can also add 1/4 cup of liquid bleach to the solution, if the detergent doesn't already contain bleach, in order to remove any mildew or dirt that may have formed on the walls.
- You can also soften your water with fabric softener. Purchase a large spray bottle and fill it halfway with warm water. Fill the other half with fabric softener. Spray the solution on the wallpaper, and then gently tug at the wallpaper ends to coax the paper off the wall. You may have to use multiple sprays in order to soak the paper sufficiently enough that it easily pulls off the wall. The spray bottle is usually very effective, but if you find that your bottle is not spraying well, simply dunk an old rag in the softener solution and apply it directly to the wall.
- There are many household products that can soften water, making it more effective at removing old wallpaper. Vinegar or rubbing alcohol can be added to water, at a ratio of one-to-four. You can also soften the water by changing its form. Though dampening the surface of the wallpaper can render its adhesive useless, the hot steam that comes from an iron may also do the trick. Simply add water to your iron and set it on steam. Bring the iron up to the wallpaper and push the steam button a few times. The heat, combined with the water, can relax the wallpaper.
