How to Remove Wallpaper From Hardwood Floor

Be careful when hanging wallpaper to avoid dropping any on your hardwood floor.

Wallpaper with wallpaper paste can get accidentally stuck to a variety of surfaces, such as tables, chairs and hardwood floors. You can use solvents to dissolve the wallpaper paste and remove the wallpaper. Most of these solvents, however, can damage your hardwood floor by dissolving the finish or stain. Instead, use water and heat to remove the wallpaper and avoid removing the hardwood floor's finish.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Plastic putty knife
• Cloths
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Pull off as much of the wallpaper as possible by hand from the hardwood floor.

2. Apply water to the remaining wallpaper using a spray bottle. Spray until the wallpaper is completely soaked.

3. Let the water sit on the wallpaper for at least 10 minutes to help loosen the adhesive. Scrape the wallpaper from the hardwood floor with a plastic putty knife.

4. Dry the area completely with a clean cloth.

5. Turn your hair dryer to high heat if any wallpaper remains. Concentrate the heat on the wallpaper. Gently scrape the wallpaper off as it begins to loosen from the hardwood floor.

6. Wipe up the area with a cloth damped with clean water.

7. Dry the area thoroughly with another clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a metal putty knife, as it will scratch the hardwood floor.

References

• Danny Lipford: Removing Wallpaper
• This Old House: Removing Wallpaper From Plaster Walls