How to Use a Wallpaper Steamer: The Best Way To Clean Your Walls Without Damage

If you are looking for a fast and easy way to remove wallpaper, a wallpaper steamer is a perfect tool for the job. You can have your wallpaper stripped and ready for new paint or repairs in just a few simple steps.

Wallpaper steamers come in all shapes and sizes, from small handheld devices to larger units that can cover an entire wall. They can be powered by electricity or even gas and usually have a water tank filled up before use. Once the water is heated to a boiling point, the steam is released and directed onto the wallpaper. The heat and moisture from the steam will loosen the wallpaper paste and cause the paper to peel away from the wall. Wallpaper steamers are a quick and easy way to remove wallpaper and can be used on most types of wallpaper, including vinyl, fabric, and even painted walls.

How does it work?

Once you have your wallpaper steamer, it is essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. First, you need to fill the steamer with clean water, making sure not to fill it above the maximum fill line. Then plugin the steamer and wait for it to heat up. Once it reaches boiling point, the steam will come out of the steamer. Test the steam on a small wallpaper area first to ensure it is not too hot. If it is too hot, you risk damaging the wallpaper. Similarly, it will not strip the wallpaper effectively if it is not hot enough.

Once you have found the perfect temperature, hold the steamer plate against the wallpaper and move it around in a circular motion. The steam will loosen the adhesive, and the wallpaper should start to peel away. If you find any particularly stubborn areas, you can scrape away at the wallpaper with a putty knife or other sharp instrument. Be careful not to damage the wall underneath. Once all the wallpaper has been removed, use a cloth to wipe down the walls and remove any residue. You may need to sand down the walls afterward to create a smooth surface.

And that is it! You have successfully used a wallpaper steamer to remove wallpaper from your walls.

Types of wall

There are a few ways to identify your wall type. If you are unsure how to identify your wall type, you can do a knock test. You can gently tap on the wall, and if you hear a dull, solid thud, you will likely have plaster on a solid brick, block, or stone wall. You likely have a plasterboard stud wall if you hear a hollow sound instead.

Another way is to look at how the wallpaper was applied- a strippable wallpaper will pull away quickly, while paste-the-paper wallpaper will leave a paper backing on the wall. Traditional wallpaper is a non-mover and will require a chemical stripper to remove.

Types of wallpaper

To identify your wallpaper type, you will need to gently peel back a corner of the wallpaper to see what you are dealing with. If it pulls away quickly, you will likely have strippable wallpaper. If it leaves a paper backing on the wall, it is peelable. If it doe not moves, you likely have traditional wallpaper. You can also figure out how many layers of wallpaper to remove while you are there.

There are many types of wallpaper: embossed, flock/velvet, hand-printed, dry-strippable/ peelable, temporary, etc. Before using a wallpaper steamer, the most important thing to know is the type of wallpaper you have, as this will determine how best to prepare it for stripping.

Embossed wallpapers are porous, meaning the steam from the wallpaper steamer can penetrate through and loosen the adhesive. To prepare embossed wallpaper for stripping, wet the paper with a sponge or cloth until it is saturated.

Flock or velvet wallpapers are nonporous, but you may not need to score the paper before steaming because of their raised surface.

Hand-printed wallpapers are porous, but you must be careful not to damage the paper when scoring it because of the print block used to create the design. To prepare hand-printed wallpaper for stripping, wet the paper with a sponge or cloth until it is saturated and then use a sharp knife or other sharp objects to make small holes in the paper.

Peelable Wallpaper

If your wallpaper is peelable, you do not need to do anything special to prepare it for removal. Peel off the top vinyl coat and follow the directions for stripping with water. Do not leave the backing on, even if it is in good condition.

On the other hand, if your wallpaper is not peelable, you will need to score it before beginning. Use a scoring tool to make small holes in the wallpaper. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this to protect your hands.

Chemical Steamer

If you are using a chemical wallpaper steamer, follow these steps:

Ensure the walls are clean and free of dust, furniture, and other obstacles. Then you need to fill the wallpaper steamer with water and boil it on the stove. Put on your gloves and safety goggles, then apply the steamer to the wallpaper to loosen the adhesive. Use a scraper to remove the wallpaper; be careful not to damage the wall beneath. Clean up any residue with a damp cloth. If necessary, sandpaper the wall surface and paint or repair as desired. You can strip away old wallpaper with time and effort and give your walls a new look.

If you are using a soap solution, follow these steps:

First, mix a soap solution by combining one part dish soap with ten parts water. Apply the solution to the wallpaper with a sponge, then use a putty knife to remove the wallpaper. Rinse the walls with clean water and wipe up any residue with a damp cloth. With a bit of effort, you can transform your walls in no time.

Fabric Conditioner

The main advantage of using a fabric conditioner to remove wallpaper borders is that it can take out all the remaining glue, making it safer for you to paint the wall. However, using fabric conditioners also has some disadvantages. One disadvantage is that it may stain the other areas of your wall, causing ugly streaks. Additionally, you would need more time to strip the wallpaper glue since you will have to work in small sections to prevent smudging.

Remove Furniture and Carpet

Here are a few reasons why removing furniture and carpets is good before using a wallpaper steamer. The most obvious reason is that it makes the job much easier as there is less for you to move out of the way. But, more importantly, it helps protect your belongings from any damage that the wallpaper steamer could cause. The steam from the wallpaper steamer is hot and can easily damage furniture, carpets, or other delicate items in the room. So, to be on the safe side, it is best to remove them before you start.

Ceiling

If you use a wallpaper steamer to strip wallpaper from a ceiling, you must take additional safety precautions. Wear a hat and goggles to protect your eyes from any water that may drip from the steam plate, and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your arms. Ensure that the platform you are using to reach the ceiling is stable and secure. Start by scoring the wallpaper with a putty knife, then hold the steam plate for a few minutes. Move the plate along and strip the paper with your free hand. Repeat this process until all of the wallpaper has been removed.

FAQs

Do you fill a wallpaper steamer with hot or cold water?

Wallpaper steamers can be filled with hot or cold water, depending on the brand. It is best to read the manufacturer’s instructions to see what is recommended. When in doubt, hot water is usually a good choice.

How long do you hold a steamer on wallpaper?

The length of time you hold the steamer on the wallpaper will depend on how thick the wallpaper is. You only need to hold it in place for a few seconds for thin layers. You may need to hold it in place for thicker layers for up to a minute.

Can you put vinegar in a wallpaper steamer?

While wallpaper steamers can work with just water, adding vinegar can help expedite the removal process. The vinegar will help break down the adhesive holding the wallpaper in place. Test a small area first to ensure the vinegar does not damage the wallpaper or wall surface.

How can you prepare awkward spaces for the wallpaper steamer?

If you are dealing with tight or awkward spaces, it is essential that you take the time to prepare the area before using your wallpaper steamer properly. In some cases, you may need to use a smaller steam plate to reach the areas you need to strip. If this is the case, make sure that you have a smaller stripping knife on hand to help you access these problematic areas.

Do you leave a wallpaper steamer plugged in?

No, it would be best if you did not leave a wallpaper steamer plugged in. You should only plug in the steamer when using it and unplug it when you are done. It is for your safety and to prolong the life of the steamer.