How to Remove Wallpaper Without Tearing Drywall

Unscrew all switch and outlet plates as well as any light fixtures or ornamental items that will impede the process of wallpaper removal.

Cover the area with plastic or cloth dropcloths to protect floors and large pieces of furniture that cannot be easily removed from the room.

Add 1 part wallpaper removal liquid and 1 part water to a bucket of hot water and with a large sponge wet the wallpaper. These solutions can be purchased at any local hardware store and are nontoxic. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down. Dropcloths should be tucked tight up against the wall to prevent solution from dripping onto floors. Let solution soak in for a couple of minutes.

Use a 6-inch putty knife to scrape the moistened wallpaper. Start with the seams and if possible peel sheets of paper by hand after starting with the putty knife. If drywall paper begins peeling with the wallpaper, stop and reapply solution, waiting a couple of minutes before continuing.

Wipe the bare drywall down with clean hot water to remove any wallpaper glue that remains. Often the wallpaper removal liquid will cause the glue to stick to the walls and requires a few washings to be completely removed.