The 8 Best Wallpaper Removers of 2023

Best Overall

Roman’s Wallpaper and Paste Removal Kit

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If you’re ready to take on the task of wallpaper removal, the Roman’s Wallpaper and Paste Removal Kit is designed to be your go-to solution. This three-piece kit includes some of the most effective wallpaper removers, including a scoring tool, scraper, and chemical concentrate to loosen adhesive. We recommend this kit as the best wallpaper remover, since you’ll have the basic tools you need, along with enough concentrate to strip up to 1,500 square feet of wallpaper.

The Roman’s Wallpaper and Paste Removal Kit is suitable for use on a wide variety of wallpaper types, including vinyl, paper, non-woven, grass cloth, and pre-pasted varieties. It is especially handy If you don’t know which type of wallpaper you have or if you have many different types of layers. The scoring tool has four wheels set at the right angle to perforate wallpaper without damaging drywall. Perforation is important for allowing the Piranha Liquid Wallpaper Remover formula to penetrate below the surface of the wallpaper, where it can loosen the adhesive binding the wallpaper to the wall. 

One of the unique aspects of this kit is the fact that the scraper is designed to be ergonomic and steady, thanks to a unique roller handle. The wide blade makes quick work of lifting old wallpaper, while the roller gives the tool better gliding action as you work across large areas. 

Price at time of publish: $23

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 10 x 12 inches | Weight: Not applicable | Type: Kit}

Best Budget

Zinsser DIF Wallpaper Stripper Concentrate

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Affordable and effective in most scenarios, DIF Wallpaper Stripper Concentrate costs less than $10. This 22-ounce bottle makes 2 gallons of wallpaper-stripping solution, enough to tackle 600 square feet of wallpaper. It has a detectable chemical odor, but that is to be expected of just about any wallpaper stripper formula.

As anyone who has stripped wallpaper will tell you, the amount of effort you’ll need to put into the job varies based on the type and age of the wallpaper. Keep in mind that there are some tough situations where you may need to apply this DIF solution more than once before the adhesive gives way. However, most users find that this budget wallpaper remover, along with a basic scoring and scraping tool, is an effective, straightforward way to strip away wallpaper and adhesive.

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Dimensions: 2 x 5 x 9 inches | Weight: 1.37 pounds | Type: Solution}

Best Steamer

Wagner 725 Wallpaper Steamer

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If you’re seeking a chemical-free wallpaper remover, consider a steamer. While you can use a variety of steam cleaning machines to loosen wallpaper adhesive, we recommend using one with steaming plates specifically designed for the task. The Wagner 725 Wallpaper Steamer is easy to use, thanks to a total reach of 24 feet and a large and small steaming plate for wallpaper. 

The larger steam plate measures 8 x 11 inches and is good for covering more surface area in a single pass. The small 3 x 6-inch steam plate is valuable, too, since it’s great for accessing corners or tight spaces. Both steam plates easily connect to the 12-foot-long hose that is designed to remain cool to the touch. It has a 1.3-gallon water reservoir that powers steam production for up to two hours, making it useful for even large jobs. There is no on/off switch, so you’ll have to unplug the steamer if you want to take a break while working on the task. 

Price at time of publish: $65

_{Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 12 inches | Weight: 5.15 pounds | Type: Steamer}

Best Scraper

WP CHOMP 52016 Wallpaper Scraping Tool

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A wallpaper scraping tool is indispensable for removing layers of loosened wallpaper. The WP Chomp Wallpaper Scraping Tool is a popular pick for its dual-edge blade that gives you effective lifting action. We also recommend this wallpaper remover because the blades can be sharpened or replaced as needed. However, it’s worth noting that the availability of replacement blades is somewhat limited, leaving some people to buy a second tool instead of tracking down new blades.

The 4-inch-wide blade of the WP Chomp Wallpaper Scraping Tool is set at an angle that makes it better suited for skimming wallpaper off the surface of the wall, while minimizing the chances of digging into your drywall. Of course, your technique will also determine how successful you are at avoiding any drywall damage, but the design of this particular tool makes it easier to do than with a putty knife.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: 2.75 x 5 x 11 inches | Weight: 2.89 ounces | Type: Scraper}

Best Solvent

WP Chomp World’s Best Wallpaper Stripper

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There are plenty of options for homemade wallpaper strippers, but a ready-to-use formula offers you convenience and a tried-and-true way to dissolve the adhesive holding wallpaper in place. According to Carol Miller at York Wallcoverings, "Key to removal is the reactivation of the paste with moisture or a chemical stripper. Chemical liquid removers are created to work with the paste used for wallpaper installations. The legwork has been done for you!" One of the leading wallpaper remover solvents is WP Chomp World’s Best Wallpaper Stripper. Available in a 32-ounce spray bottle, you can conveniently apply the formula from top to bottom on your walls. 

The key to success for this wallpaper remover solvent is its bio-enzymatic formula. The active ingredients target wallpaper glue and dissolve it. Keep in mind that you’ll need to prep the surface by using a scoring tool to perforate the wallpaper before soaking it with this solution. While the formula isn’t fragrance-free, it has a mild citrus scent that isn’t overpowering or offensive to most users. 

Price at time of publish: $14

_{Dimensions: 3 x 4.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Type: Solution}

Best for Old Wallpaper

Zinsser Wallpaper Stripper Gel

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Wallpaper that has been affixed to walls for years can pose special problems when it comes time to make a change. The adhesive may be tough to loosen, and the wallpaper may not strip away as easily as newer, strippable types of wallpaper. DIF Wallpaper Stripper Gel is a great option as a remover for old wallpaper that takes longer to remove, since it has a clingy gel formula that won’t easily run or drip off vertical surfaces.

Available in a 32-ounce spray bottle, you don’t need to do any mixing or measuring before getting to work with this wallpaper remover. The manufacturer recommends that you let the product stand on the surface for 15 minutes before proceeding to scrape away the old wallpaper with a scraping tool. Many people choose this gel-based formula because it maintains better contact with your work area. However, keep in mind that it has a blue tint. The manufacturer claims that it won’t stain walls or other surfaces, but it is best to wipe up any residual solution as you move from one area of the wall to the next. 

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: ‎3 x 4 x 13 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Type: Solution}

Best Glue Remover

Roman's Piranha Liquid Wallpaper Remover

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In many cases, lifting the wallpaper is just the start of giving your wall a fresh look. It’s also important to remove wallpaper adhesive to complete the job. Many wallpaper solutions are capable of taking the task from start to finish, but we recommend Roman’s Piranha Liquid Wallpaper Remover. This clear formula won’t stain walls or baseboards and is effective in loosening wallpaper adhesives. 

The 32-ounce spray bottle contains a ready-to-spray formula that you don’t need to dilute. It’s also unique because it’s free of heavy fragrances and chemical odors that can be off-putting to many people. After spritzing the wallpaper remover onto a scored surface, allow it to penetrate for 15 minutes before scraping away the paper and adhesive. If additional treatment is necessary to remove any remaining wallpaper glue, spray the formula directly on the wall. Let it soak for 15 minutes, and then use a sponge to remove the adhesive.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Dimensions: 9.75 x 16 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Type: Solution}