Prepare Your Walls

• Set up your work area by spreading a drop cloth on the floor. Have a scraper, spray bottle, bucket and sponge, cloth rags and mop on hand to tackle the wallpaper removal job.
  
  Prepare your wallpaper walls by making sure they are ready for the wallpaper removal solution. If your wallpaper is a thick vinyl, try to peel off the first layer. This will allow the wallpaper removal solution to reach the paper backing. If the vinyl does not pull of easily, use a scoring tool to puncture holes randomly over the wallpaper's entire surface. The solution will then enter these small holes to saturate the backing with your homemade wallpaper remover.
  
  

Fabric Softener

• Fabric softener and water will soften the adhesive and the paper to make is easy to scrape from the walls. The water lubricates the adhesive, while the fabric softener chemically combines or mixes with the adhesive. Its presence then breaks down the strong bond between the wallpaper and the wall.
  
  Add one part fabric softener to four parts warm water. Apply the solution to the wallpaper surface and allow to soak in for 15 to 20 minutes before scraping away the wallpaper.
  
  

Vinegar

• Another home remedy is to use vinegar and water. Vinegar is acetic acid and water, and its acetic acid breaks down adhesive bonds. Once the water saturates the wallpaper surface, the vinegar will enter into the adhesive to release its bonds between the wallpaper and the wall.
  
  Add one part vinegar to one part hot water. Apply to the walls, making sure to soak the wallpaper well. Allow to sit for 20 minutes as the vinegar and hot water break down and melt away the adhesive. The hot water also softens the paper backing, which also helps the wallpaper removal process.
  
  

Getting the Job Done

• Once your wallpaper removal solution has soaked into the wallpaper long enough, use a scraper---a wallpaper removal tool or a drywall knife---to scrape the wallpaper off of the walls. Hold your tool at a 45-degree angle with the flat edge resting against the wall. Apply a little pressure and push the tool upwards into the wallpaper. The wallpaper should peel off as you scrape through it. If you encounter difficult spots, spray or wash on more of your solution, or simply wet with hot water. Continue to scrape away all of the wallpaper.
  
  When you are done, wash the walls clean with soap and water or vinegar and water. Allow to thoroughly dry, then check the walls for any areas that need repairing. Patch up holes with joint compound, and once it is set, dry and smooth, your walls are ready for a new finish.