Last Updated on October 16, 2022 by Erik Sullivan
Do you have a piece of wallpaper in your room that you don’t like anymore?
You could try to peel it off, but that can be a difficult and time-consuming process.
A better option is to use a clothes steamer to remove the wallpaper.
Steaming the wallpaper will loosen the adhesive and allow you to peel it off easily.
In this post, I’m going to show you, how can you use a clothes steamer to remove wallpaper (of course without damaging the plaster or paint).
Also Read: Can you use a clothes steamer on your face?
Table of Contents
Are Clothes Steamers Worth a Try to Remove Wallpaper?
Yes, clothes steamers are enough powerful to loosen the wallpaper adhesive with a single blast of steam.
However the process is more time consuming and labor intensive compared when using a dedicated wallpaper steamer.
Because, a clothes steamer comes with a smaller steam nozzle, and water reservoir than a wallpaper steamer.
However, if you’ve enough time and patience or you don’t want to spend money on buying or renting a wallpaper steamer then, you can go with a clothes steamer.
How Does a Clothes Steamer Work in Removing Wallpaper?
A clothes steamer is a handheld device that emits hot pressurized steam through steam holes making it a great choice for wallpaper removal. The extreme heat and moisture loosen the adhesive holding the paper to the wall, making it easy to peel away with a scrapper.
Things You Should Do Before Applying Steam
Before you begin steaming the wallpaper there are some prep work that you must do for the best result. Let’s discuss about them briefly.
Preparing The Wall And Its Surroundings
Firstly, make sure the area is well-ventilated and clear of any obstacles like – paintings or pictures. Remove any furniture that is close to the wall. Cover the baseboards, area rugs, and flooring that you don’t want to get wet.
There’re may be some electric wire across the wall, so you need to be very careful when steaming. To avoid any issue simply cover them with duct tape.
Remove The Outer Layer of The Wallpaper (If possible)
Now try to tear off the 1st layer of the wallpaper from a corner. If the outer layer is made of vinyl or something like heavy paper then you can easily pull that off from the inner layer.
If you’re not able to do that, don’t worry, follow the next steps.
Use a Scoring Tool To Make Holes In Your Wallpaper
Now take a scoring tool and make enough holes into the wallpaper. This will allow the steam to get inside the layer of the wallpaper to breakdown the adhesive.
Well, this step is labor intensive. You can get help from any adult in your family. Using multiple scoring tool by a group of people will make the process faster.
Remove Wallpaper With a Clothes Steamer (Step By Step)
You’ll need the following things to get started:
- A clothes steamer with a long hose
- A scraping tool with angle on the edge
- A small bucket with water
- A piece of microfiber cloth
- A step tool (optional)
- A dust can to collect the wallpapers
Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Fill up the steamer tank with water.
Step 2: Attach the hose attachment with the steamer.
Step 3: Plug in the machine with the electrical outlet and turn on the steamer. Usually, it can take about 5-10 minutes to produce steam.
Step 4: Once it’s ready, you can start applying steam from a corner of the wallpaper. Use the step tool if you can’t reach the corner. Hold the steamer nozzle on a corner for about 30 seconds to make the spot a bit wet.
Step 5: Now try to pull out that corner with your hand. If you’re not able to pull out the corner really easily then you need to steam some more time. You can use the scraping tool to remove the wallpaper at this stage. Now repeat this process section by section of the wallpaper to remove them completely.
Here’s a quick video of removing wallpaper with a clothes steamer:
Clean The Leftovers After Removing The Wallpaper From The Wall
After removing the wallpaper you’ll notice some glue residue on the wall. So you have to wipe them off before getting crusty on your wall. I recommend using a damp microfiber cloth to remove those residue.
Make sure that your wall is completely dry before you install new wallpaper on it.
Conclusion
In summary, while the versatility of a clothes steamer might spark creative ideas, it’s essential to recognize its limitations in the realm of wallpaper removal. While it can loosen the adhesive and make the process somewhat easier, relying solely on a clothes steamer might not yield the best results.
Dedicated wallpaper steamers, designed with higher temperatures and steam flow, are specifically crafted for this task, ensuring efficient and effective removal. Investing in the right tool can save you time, effort, and potential frustration, ensuring that your wallpaper removal project is smooth and successful.
Remember, the right equipment not only simplifies the job but also guarantees a cleaner, more professional outcome, making your redecorating endeavors far more satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of steamer do you use to remove wallpaper?
We highly recommend using a good quality wallpaper steamer to remove stubborn wallpaper. Just make sure that it has a longer usage time and a large steam plate to get the job done more efficiently and quickly.
How Long does it take to steam off wallpaper?
It depends on a few things, such as the type of wallpaper, the thickness of the wallpaper, and how much glue was used when the wallpaper was originally hung.
If you’re lucky, it might only take a few minutes to steam off your wallpaper.
However, if you’re working with thicker or more glued-down wallpaper, it might take an hour or more to remove it all.
In any case, a little elbow grease (and maybe a few breaks for tea) will see you through to success!
Can You Use a Steam Iron on Wallpaper?
Yes, you can use a steam iron to remove wallpaper. In fact, it’s the easiest and also the cost saving method of stripping wallpaper. Make sure the iron is not too hot, or you could damage the wall.
Also, be sure to hold the iron slightly away from the wallpaper when steaming. However, this technique is suitable for removing a small piece of wallpaper.
Liquid solvents vs steam to remove wallpaper?
Liquid solvents are more effective and time saver method of removing wallpaper, but they can be more dangerous for your skin.
Liquid solvents work by dissolving the glue that holds the wallpaper to the wall. This can be a dangerous process, as the solvent can also dissolve the paint underneath the wallpaper. Therefore, it’s important to take care when using a liquid solvent and to make sure you’re wearing protective gear.
Steam is less effective than liquid solvents, but it is easier to use. All you need is a steamer and some patience. Steaming wallpaper usually takes longer than using a liquid solvent, but it’s a safer option.
Liquid solvents vs steam to remove wallpaper?
Liquid solvents are more effective and time saver method of removing wallpaper, but they can be more dangerous for your skin.
Liquid solvents work by dissolving the glue that holds the wallpaper to the wall. This can be a dangerous process, as the solvent can also dissolve the paint underneath the wallpaper. Therefore, it’s important to take care when using a liquid solvent and to make sure you’re wearing protective gear.
Steam is less effective than liquid solvents, but it is easier to use. All you need is a steamer and some patience. Steaming wallpaper usually takes longer than using a liquid solvent, but it’s a safer option.
Is it worth to rent a commercial wallpaper steamer?
If you’re considering renting a commercial wallpaper steamer, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, the cost of the rental itself. Depending on the brand and model you select, prices can range from around $30 per day to $80 per day. And then of course there’s the cost of service and repairs, which can add up if you’re not careful.
Second, you’ll need to consider the time it will take to steam all the wallpaper off your walls. This can be a lengthy process, especially if you have a lot of square footage to cover. In some cases it may even take days or weeks to completely remove all the wallpaper.
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