How to Remove Temporary Wallpaper Without Damaging Walls?

Lucas Davis

Written By, Lucas Davis

Updated on 12 Aug., 2025

8 min read

How To Remove Temporary Wallpaper
AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

Table of Content

    Table of Content

      Wallpaper is a smart way to enhance the look of the walls of different parts of the home at an affordable price. The best thing about temporary wallpaper is that you can use different themes in different rooms based on the existing color combinations and your preferred style. Use it till it is in trend or until you get bored of seeing it. Later, replace it with a new wallpaper. Now, the common dilemma with most of the users is "how to remove temporary wallpaper" without damaging the wall. In this blog, we will guide you to remove the temporary wallpaper safely.

      What Reason for Temporary Wallpaper's Popularity?

      Before moving to the steps to remove stick and peel wallpaper, let's know the reason for its popularity. It is preferred because of its ease of use, is an affordable way to style various parts of the home and requires no professional help in installation. It extends the look of a unique painted wall. Even removing the wallpaper is easy, barring when it gets stuck to the wall. However, there are simple hacks to remove the stuck pieces, too.

      Tips to Consider

      • Peel the wallpaper slowly to prevent any damage to the wall.

      • Apply heat on a small area of the wall to ensure it doesn't cause any damage to the surface.

      • If wallpaper is on the wall for a longer duration, it might leave residue on the surface. All you have to do is repeat the adhesive removal process until it's completely gone. If it still remains on the wall, seek professional help.

      • Always remove the wallpaper in the same direction as the installation for the wall. It makes the peeling process easy and smooth. The wallpaper panels come off in single pieces without residue sticking to the wall's surface.

      • Use a heating source at a low setting because overheating can damage the wallpaper and the surface.

      Steps to Remove Wallpaper

      A Wallpaper Steamer to Remove Old Wallpaper From a Wall
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Here is the guide to help you remove the wallpaper perfectly in a hassle free way. The first thing to do is to gather all the supplies and then the basic preparation begins. Let's have a look:

      Gather Material

      • Bucket and warm water

      • Scraper or putty knife

      • Dish detergent

      • Utility knife

      • Sponge

      • A ladder to reach the areas at a height.

      • Hairdryer

      • Spray bottle

      • Plastic drop cloth

      The Steps to Remove Wallpaper

      Prepare the Wall of the Room

      Preparation for Wallpaper Removal
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      The first thing to do before removing the wallpaper is to prepare the room, which includes removing furniture away from the wall where you plan to work. You need an obstruction-free space to work comfortably. Furniture can block your way.

      The other work is to spread plastic drop cloth on the floor and cover light switch covers. This will ensure that no pieces of wallpaper with adhesive get stuck on the floor. If it falls, it gets stuck to the plastic drop cloth, which makes the cleaning task easy. Also, tape the edges of the sheet to keep them in their place.

      Start From the Corners

      A Hand Carefully Peeling Back a Corner of Floral Wallpaper
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      The first step towards wallpaper removal is to identify the corner to start the work. Once you locate the corner, begin the peeling work. Using fingers or a utility knife, gently lift the corner to make it the starting point for peeling. Then, peel the entire wallpaper slowly without damaging the wall's surface.

      Apply Heat if the Wallpaper Doesn't Come Off Easily

      Hands Using a Hairdryer on Wallpaper
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Try to apply heat on the wall's surface using a hairdryer if the wallpaper doesn't come off easily. The heat loosens the adhesive and helps in the smooth peeling of wallpaper. Make sure the dryer is kept a distance from the wallpaper for even distribution of heat.

      Remove the Wallpaper Slowly

      A Woman Peeling of a Floral Wallpaper
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Speed matters, so peel off the wallpaper slowly at an angle of 45 degrees to minimize the risk of wear and tear on the wall's surface. Peeling is a work that requires patience. Hence, go slow and remove the wallpaper for flawless work.

      Clean the Wall Once the Wallpaper is Peeled Completely

      A Woman Carefully Wiping a Wall With a Damp Sponge
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      The last step is to clean the wall surface for a clean and smooth look. You can take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the wall to remove any remaining residue. Let the wall dry completely, and then install the new wallpaper.

      The Challenges in Removing Stick and Peel Wallpaper

      Some wallpapers are easy to remove, whereas others may be challenging, especially when they remain for an extended period on the wall or when adhesive quality is low.

      How to Deal With Stubborn Wallpaper Adhesive on the Wall?

      A Wall Undergoing Wallpaper Removal
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      You may encounter situations when stubborn adhesive remains stuck on the wall. In such a case, use a scraper to remove the stubborn adhesive carefully without damaging the wall. You can also dip the sponge in a solution made with warm water and dish detergent and remove the remaining residue.

      Conclusion

      Removing temporary wallpaper is an easy and interesting task if all the steps are followed carefully. A single mistake can ruin the work and create a mess on the wall. The various steps discussed in this article can help you ease the wallpaper peeling task.

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