How to Remove Fabric Wallpaper

Fabric wallpaper is a durable material used to cover not only smooth walls but also walls damaged with cracks and holes, as the material is thicker than traditional wallpaper. Like other types of wallpaper, fabric wallpaper is a challenge to remove, especially if the material is old and fused to the wallboard behind the wallpaper. When removing fabric wallpaper, you don't want to leave behind fragments of the material or layers of adhesive--this will cause your new wallpaper or paint to not adhere to the wallboard properly.

Plastic drop cloths
Bucket
Warm water
Latex gloves
Large sponge
Putty knife
Utility knife
Trash can or bag
Fabric softener
Scrub brush
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Move any furniture present in the room or area containing fabric wallpaper to another part of your home or business. Cover any furniture you can't move with a plastic drop cloth. Cover any flooring in the room or area with plastic drop cloths.
- 2
  Fill a bucket with warm water from a sink. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands dry and clean.
- 3
  Dip a large sponge in the bucket of warm water. Do not wring out excess water.
- 4
  Wipe the fabric wallpaper-covered walls with the water-soaked sponge.
- 5
  Let the water sit on the walls for 30 minutes. Use a putty knife to lift the fabric wallpaper as you pull the paper from the walls. Use a utility knife to cut large pieces of the wallpaper into sections. Dispose of the pieces in a trash can or bag.
- 6
  Repeat steps 3 through 5 until all of the wallpaper is removed from the walls.
- 7
  Wipe the walls clean with a damp sponge once the walls are wallpaper-free.

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