How to Take Down Wallpaper Using Fabric Softener

Liquid fabric softener can be used to remove wallpaper and wallpaper adhesive.

Wallpaper removal is a messy job but one that allows you to change the look of a room by simply changing the wall covering. Commercial wallpaper removal products are available to help break the bond that holds the paper to the walls, making it easier to loosen the wallpaper and its adhesive. An economical way to remove wallpaper and adhesive is to use liquid fabric softener.

Things You'll Need

• Perforating tool
• Painting tray
• 1 cup fabric softener
• Spoon
• Sponge
• Plastic scraper
• Bucket
• Clean cloths

Instructions

1. Puncture the wallpaper by rolling the entire surface with a perforating tool. Making small holes in the wallpaper allows your fabric softener solution to soak through the wallpaper to the adhesive so it can loosen both.

2. Pour 1 cup liquid fabric softener into a paint tray, then add 3 cups warm water. Stir the mixture so the fabric softener is fully dissolved in the water.

3. Dip a sponge in the diluted fabric softener solution. Do not wring out the sponge to remove liquid; rather, allow it to remain saturated.

4. 

   Apply fabric softener as wallpaper remover with a soft sponge.

   Wipe the fabric softener solution onto your perforated wallpaper. Continually dip the sponge into the fabric softener and apply it to the wallpaper so there's enough to soak through the paper to the adhesive. Allow the solution to soak into and loosen the adhesive for 15 minutes.

5. Scrape up the edge of a strip of wallpaper using a scraper. Pull the strip up with your fingers until it is completely removed. Sponge any stubborn stuck areas with more fabric softener solution to loosen the adhesive.

6. Fill a bucket with warm water. Wet a clean cloth with the warm water and use it to wash the fabric softener solution and any remaining wallpaper adhesive from your walls.

7. Air dry your walls thoroughly, for at least 24 hours, before putting up new wallpaper or applying paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Sponge undiluted fabric softener on stubborn areas of wallpaper adhesive to loosen them.

• Use sandpaper to remove old, stuck-on wallpaper adhesive that will not budge after using your fabric softener removal solution.

References

• Painting Techniques & Decorating Ideas: Removing Wallpaper, Glue and Paste Residue
• Apartment Therapy: How to Remove Wallpaper/Hang Drywall
• Good Housekeeping: Removing Wallpaper