How to Use Fabric Softener to Remove Wall Paper

When you want to re-do a room in your house, dated wallpaper is often one of the first things you want to change. Unfortunately, wallpaper can be notoriously stubborn and hard to remove, due to old glue that adheres to the wall. Using a simple solution with fabric softener and water can loosen the glue so that it is easy to peel away, taking the small pieces and glue with it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray bottle
• Fabric softener
• Spatula

1. Mix a solution of fabric softener and water by combining one-third of a cup of fabric softener with two-thirds of a cup hot water, and mix well.

2. Pour the solution into a clean, empty spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle. Set the nozzle to "mist."

3. Spritz the wall from which you are removing the wallpaper. Spray it so it is thoroughly soaked; this will help the solution penetrate the paper and loosen the glue on the back of the paper.

4. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the fabric softener mixture to loosen and soften the glue.

5. Find the seam of the wallpaper. Use a small metal spatula or your fingernails to get under the seam and peel off the paper. If the paper does not come away easily, spritz it with more fabric softener mixture and leave for another 15 minutes.

6. Use the spatula to help peel away the wallpaper in long strips. If some of the paper backing or glue is left behind, scrape it with the spatula to loosen it.

7. Wash the wall down with a rag dipped in cold water to remove any glue or fabric softener residue before you prime, paint or re-wallpaper.

References

• Removing Wallpaper