How to remove wallpaper with steam

There surely aren’t many household tasks as dreaded as removing wallpaper. While redecorating can be exciting, stripping old wall coverings is often time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Instead of spending hours scraping or hiring specialist equipment, using steam can make the job much easier and more efficient.


Getting started

Fill your steam cleaner with water as directed and select the highest steam setting. Attach the accessory hose or handheld unit if available.

Choose a flat scrubbing attachment or similar tool to start. The wide surface helps distribute steam evenly and loosen wallpaper more effectively.


Experiment with different accessories

Some areas of wallpaper may be harder to remove than others. In these cases, switching tools can help:

  • Use a direct steam nozzle for concentrated bursts of steam on stubborn patches
  • Try wider attachments for larger wall areas to speed up the process
  • Use smaller tools for edges, corners and around fixtures

Work in sections

Divide your wall into manageable sections rather than steaming the entire surface at once.

Wallpaper is easiest to remove when it is hot and damp, so focus on small areas and strip the paper immediately after applying steam. This approach helps you work more efficiently and prevents areas from drying before you can remove them.


Cleaning up afterwards

Once the wallpaper is removed, you can use your steam cleaner to tidy up. It can be used on both hard floors and carpets to clean up residue and debris quickly.


Removing wallpaper doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With the right approach and the power of steam, you can make the process faster, easier and far less labour-intensive.