What To Know
- The heat from the steam helps to loosen the adhesive, making it easier to remove the wallpaper.
- The best way to remove wallpaper with fabric softener is to saturate the wallpaper with a solution of one part fabric softener and two parts water.
- Allow the solution to sit on the wallpaper for 15-20 minutes, then scrape off the wallpaper with a putty knife or wallpaper scraper.
Fabric softeners are commonly used to make clothes feel softer and more comfortable to wear. However, they can also be used to remove wallpaper. This may seem like a strange use for fabric softener, but it is actually quite effective.
How Does Fabric Softener Remove Wallpaper?
Fabric softeners contain chemicals that break down the adhesive that holds wallpaper to the wall. These chemicals are typically cationic surfactants, which are positively charged molecules that attract to the negatively charged surface of the wallpaper. This attraction causes the wallpaper to loosen from the wall, making it easy to remove.
What Type of Fabric Softener Should I Use?
Not all fabric softeners are created equal. Some fabric softeners are more effective at removing wallpaper than others. The best fabric softeners to use for this purpose are those that contain a high concentration of cationic surfactants. These fabric softeners are typically labeled as “heavy duty” or “extra strength.”
How to Remove Wallpaper with Fabric Softener
1. Prepare the area. Remove all furniture and fixtures from the room. Cover the floor with drop cloths to protect it from the fabric softener.
2. Mix the fabric softener solution. In a bucket, mix one part fabric softener with two parts water.
3. Apply the fabric softener solution to the wallpaper. Use a paint roller or sponge to apply the solution to the wallpaper. Be sure to saturate the wallpaper completely.
4. Let the fabric softener solution sit. Allow the solution to sit on the wallpaper for 15-20 minutes. This will give the fabric softener time to break down the adhesive.
5. Scrape off the wallpaper. Use a putty knife or wallpaper scraper to scrape off the wallpaper. The wallpaper should come off easily, but you may need to use a little force in some areas.
6. Rinse the wall. Rinse the wall with clean water to remove any remaining fabric softener residue.
7. Dry the wall. Allow the wall to dry completely before redecorating.
Tips for Removing Wallpaper with Fabric Softener
- Use a heavy-duty or extra-strength fabric softener.
- Saturate the wallpaper completely with the fabric softener solution.
- Allow the solution to sit on the wallpaper for 15-20 minutes.
- Use a putty knife or wallpaper scraper to scrape off the wallpaper.
- Rinse the wall with clean water to remove any remaining fabric softener residue.
- Allow the wall to dry completely before redecorating.
Safety Precautions
- Wear gloves when handling fabric softener.
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
- If fabric softener comes into contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately with clean water.
- If you have any respiratory problems, wear a mask when using fabric softener.
Alternatives to Fabric Softener
If you don’t want to use fabric softener to remove wallpaper, there are a few other options available.
- Wallpaper remover: Wallpaper remover is a chemical solution that is specifically designed to remove wallpaper. It is available at most hardware stores.
- Steam: Steam can also be used to remove wallpaper. The heat from the steam helps to loosen the adhesive, making it easier to remove the wallpaper.
- Hot water: Hot water can also be used to remove wallpaper. The hot water helps to dissolve the adhesive, making it easier to remove the wallpaper.
Finishing Up
Fabric softener can be an effective way to remove wallpaper. However, it is important to take safety precautions when using fabric softener. If you have any concerns, you can always consult with a professional wallpaper remover.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the best way to remove wallpaper with fabric softener?
A: The best way to remove wallpaper with fabric softener is to saturate the wallpaper with a solution of one part fabric softener and two parts water. Allow the solution to sit on the wallpaper for 15-20 minutes, then scrape off the wallpaper with a putty knife or wallpaper scraper.
Q: What are some alternatives to fabric softener for removing wallpaper?
A: Some alternatives to fabric softener for removing wallpaper include wallpaper remover, steam, and hot water.
Q: Are there any safety precautions I should take when using fabric softener to remove wallpaper?
A: Yes, you should wear gloves and avoid contact with eyes and skin when using fabric softener to remove wallpaper. If fabric softener comes into contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately with clean water. If you have any respiratory problems, wear a mask when using fabric softener.
