How to Remove Wallpaper Applied to Drywall

Score the wallpaper with a wallpaper scoring tool. Hold the tool against the wallpaper and apply enough pressure to perforate the wallpaper, but not so much that you puncture the drywall. Do this sporadically across the entire wallpapered surface.

Fill a large bucket with 1 gallon of hot water. Add either 1 cup of white vinegar or ¼ cup of liquid fabric softener. Transfer a portion of the mixture to an empty spray bottle.

Spray a liberal coating of the removal solution over an entire wall. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Scrape the wallpaper from the wall with a plastic putty knife or wall scraper. Apply more of the removal solution as needed and continue scraping to remove the wallpaper backing and glue.

Wash the walls with a sponge and clean water once all of the wallpaper, backing and adhesive have been removed. Failure to remove any residue from the walls may keep paint, wallpaper or other wall coverings from adhering properly.