Is a Wallpaper Steamer Worth It? The Ultimate Guide

Removing wallpaper can be an extremely tedious and time-consuming process. Traditionally, wallpaper removal required scraping tools, chemical strippers, and a lot of elbow grease. However, with the invention of the wallpaper steamer, stripping wallpaper has become much easier and more efficient.

But is investing in a wallpaper steamer really worth the cost? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the pros and cons of wallpaper steamers to help you decide if purchasing one is the right choice for your next wallpaper removal project.

What is a Wallpaper Steamer?

A wallpaper steamer is a specialized tool that uses steam to loosen wallpaper glue and separate wallpaper from walls. It consists of a water reservoir that is heated to produce pressurized steam. This steam is then expelled through a nozzle which can be passed over the surface of the wallpaper.

The combination of heat and moisture from the steam softens the wallpaper glue, causing the paper to lift off the wall. The glue is reactivated, allowing you to then scrape off the wallpaper relatively easily. Wallpaper steamers are suitable for removing all types of wallpapers, including vinyl, woodchip, embossed, and traditional paper wallpapers.

Pros of Using a Wallpaper Steamer

1. Fast & Efficient Wallpaper Removal

One of the biggest benefits of using a wallpaper steamer is the speed at which it can remove wallpaper compared to other methods. With the right technique, you can strip wallpaper in a fraction of the time it would take scraping and peeling it by hand.

The steamer loosens the adhesive rapidly, allowing you to quickly peel off full sheets of wallpaper without the exhaustive effort of picking at edges bit by bit. This makes it ideal if you have many rooms or large surfaces that need stripping.

2. Less Mess & Damage to Walls

Trying to remove wallpaper by hand often damages the drywall or plaster underneath. As you peel and scrape, the surface can become gouged and torn.

With a steamer, the wallpaper comes off relatively intact in large sheets without damaging the wall behind it. The steam saturates the glue evenly, preventing uneven pulling on the surface below. This gives much cleaner results.

3. Suitable for All Wallpaper Types

Another advantage of a wallpaper steamer is its versatility in being able to remove any type of wallpaper. Other DIY removal methods like chemical strippers work well for regular papers but not thicker vinyls. The steamer can tackle everything from thin facers to woodchip textures.

The heat and moisture work universally to loosen glue. Even glossy vinyl papers that are hard to penetrate come off easily after steaming.

4. Adjustable Steam Levels

Most wallpaper steamers allow you to adjust the steam intensity. For thicker or heavily glued papers, you can turn up the heat to penetrate deeper into layers. On more delicate papers, lower steam levels give you more control.

This adjustability makes the steamer equally effective on all wallpaper types and weights. You simply set the steam to the level needed for the specific job.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Steamers provide a chemical-free method for wallpaper removal. No harsh solvents or stripping chemicals are necessary as steam naturally reactivates the adhesives. This makes the process easier on the environment and safer for the user.

Breathing in fumes from chemical strippers can be harmful. Steaming avoids these toxic exposures, plus there‘s no chemical residue left on the walls afterward.

6. Cost Effective Long-Term Investment

While the initial investment in a wallpaper steamer may seem high, it pays for itself over time. With the ability to quickly remove wallpaper and prepare surfaces for new wallpaper or painting, you save money on labor costs.

Rather than paying for repeated professional removals, the steamer allows you to strip wallpaper yourself in all the rooms of your home over many years. This makes it very cost effective in the long run.

Cons of Using a Wallpaper Steamer

1. Upfront Cost

The main drawback of a wallpaper steamer is its initial cost, which can range from $70 for small handheld models up to $200 for heavy-duty stand up steamers. For those only looking to strip wallpaper in a single room, this may not be the most economical option.

However, the higher price is well worth it if you‘ll use the steamer for multiple projects or have extensive areas to strip.

2. Learning Curve

As with any new tool, using a wallpaper steamer takes some practice to master the technique. If not done properly, you may oversaturate the walls, cause damage, or make the job take longer. Following tutorials and manufacturers guidelines closes the learning curve.

3. Can Be Heavy & Bulky

Larger electric and pressurized steamers can weigh over 20 pounds. Their bulkiness also makes storage and transporting them inconvenient. However, smaller handheld models are very lightweight and compact.

4. Moisture Risks

While moisture is necessary to activate the wallpaper glue, too much steam and water runoff may lead to mold, mildew or drywall damage if not managed properly. Proper ventilation and moisture control measures must be used.

5. Not for All Wall Types

Heavily textured or delicate wall surfaces may be damaged by the steam or moisture. On rare occasions, certain glue types also react poorly to steaming. Testing first in a small hidden area is advised before using a steamer on unique wallpapers or fragile walls.

What Can I Use Instead of a Wallpaper Steamer?

If you don‘t want to buy or rent a wallpaper steamer, there are a few alternative DIY methods and tools you can use to remove wallpaper:

Scoring Tools: Scoring tools pierce holes in the wallpaper surface so moisture can penetrate the backing. A perforator tool or scoring wheel creates the needed holes.
Fabric Steamer: Clothing or fabric steamers provide localized steam. While slower than a large wallpaper steamer, a fabric steamer can be effective for small jobs.
Hot Water: Boiling water mixed in a spray bottle with fabric softener helps soften glue. Apply it evenly then scrape off paper.
Chemical Strippers: Wallpaper stripper solutions break down adhesives. They‘re applied with a roller then scraped off once dry.
Sponge Mop & Water: A natural sea sponge mop dipped in hot water can mimic steaming when wrung out on wallpaper.
Blow Dryer: Blow dryers don‘t get hot enough to fully steam but the heat helps activate glue when moving slowly over the surface.
Pressure Washer: High pressure water jets help remove wallpaper but also greatly increases the risk of water damage.

For small surfaces, these alternatives may provide adequate results. However, for larger or difficult removals, the consistent high heat levels of a true wallpaper steamer are much more effective.

How Hard is it to Steam Off Wallpaper?

How difficult it is to steam off wallpaper depends on a few factors:

Wallpaper Type: Basic paper sheets are easiest to remove after steaming while thicker vinyl papers require more heat exposure.
Wallpaper Age: Wallpaper that has been up for many years usually has stronger, more set adhesive. Newer papers have weaker glue bonds.
Wall Material: Porous surfaces like new drywall soak up steam while glossy paints cause it to bead up and run off. Proper prep helps overcome this.
Wall Condition: Damage to walls underneath makes papers adhere poorly in spots, creating an uneven effect when steaming.
Steam Technique: Holding the steamer too far away or not concentrating it in one area makes steaming ineffective.

Even with difficult wallpaper, some persistence and the right technique will get the job done. Thoroughly steam each section until the paper bubbles and lifts up easily. Be slow and methodical in your process, and not much wallpaper will stand up to the power of steam.

How Long Does it Take to Strip Wallpaper With a Steamer?

The time it takes to strip wallpaper using a steamer depends on a few factors:

Room Size: A small bathroom may take 1-2 hours while a large living room may take 5+ hours.
Wall Surface Area: More wall space means more time, especially if there are multiple layers to remove.
Wallpaper Type: Thicker vinyls require more steaming to penetrate while thin papers strip faster.
Steamer Size: Small handheld steamers take longer than more powerful electric steamers.
Number of Layers: Having multiple generations of wallpaper on top of one another adds significant time.

As a general guideline for traditional 8×10 foot walls:

One layer of light wallpaper: 1-2 hours
One layer of heavy wallpaper: 2-3 hours
Multiple layers: 4+ hours

Preparation like scoring also helps speed up the process. With an electric steamer and proper technique, you can typically steam full walls in just 10-15 minutes per section. Just be sure to account for larger surface areas needing more time.

Step-By-Step Wallpaper Removal Process With a Steamer

Removing wallpaper with a steamer is a multi-stage process. Follow these steps for smooth stripping:

1. Prep the Workspace

Clear furniture away from walls to allow access. Cover floors and furniture with plastic drop cloths. Open windows and set up fans to ventilate the room. Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask.

2. Score the Wallpaper

Use a scoring tool to perforate the wallpaper surface. This allows steam to penetrate the backing rather than beading on top.

3. Steam the Wallpaper

Turn the steamer on and allow it to fully heat up. Holding the nozzle 2-4 inches away from the wall, apply steam slowly up and down each section until the paper bubbles and lifts. Don‘t oversaturate.

4. Scrape Off Wallpaper

Once steamed, use a scraper or putty knife to gently lift up corners and scrape off the loosened wallpaper. Take care not to gouge into the wall surface.

5. Remove Adhesive Residue

Use a stiff bristle brush and more steam to scrub away any residual glue left after removing top layers. Rinse with clean water.

6. Allow Walls to Dry

Let walls fully dry out before attempting to apply new wallpaper or paint. This prevents mold or mildew growth.

Following these steps with care results in clean walls free of old wallpaper and residue. Your surfaces will be prepped and ready for decorating.

Tips for Using a Wallpaper Steamer

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for getting the most effective use from your wallpaper steamer:

Always read the manufacturer‘s instructions for proper setup and operation.
Make sure the steamer is on a flat, stable surface and the steam plate is parallel to the wall.
Allow the steamer to fully heat up and calibrate before starting. This gives you optimal steam power.
Keep the nozzle 2-4 inches from the wallpaper to concentrate steam without oversaturation.
Use long, smooth strokes up and down. Avoid staying in one spot too long.
Work in manageable sections, fully removing paper as you go before moving on.
Periodically wipe away excess moisture with a sponge to prevent water damage.
Go slowly on textured surfaces like grasscloth. Use lower steam settings.
Apply heavier steam to areas where glue didn‘t reactivate fully.
For multiple layers, remove top layers first before attacking bottom layers.

Following the proper techniques maximizes efficiency and results when using a wallpaper steamer. With some practice, you‘ll be stripping away layers with ease.

FAQs About Wallpaper Steamers

Can I use a clothes steamer instead?

While a garment steamer isn‘t as powerful as a true wallpaper steamer, it can be used in smaller rooms with relatively new wallpaper. Test a small section first to ensure the weaker steam penetrates the glue. Keep the nozzle directly on the wallpaper and move very slowly.

How do I know when the steamer is ready to use?

Check for any indicator lights that show the unit has reached optimal steaming temperature. Many models also have audible beeps. If there are no signals, allow at least 5-10 minutes of heat up time before starting to ensure sufficient steam generation.

How often should the water tank be refilled?

This depends on the size of the steamer‘s reservoir and the scope of your project. In general, small tanks need refilling every 15-20 minutes while large-capacity tanks can go 30-60 minutes between refills. Top off the tank whenever steam pressure starts noticeably declining.

What temperature water should be used to fill the steamer?

Always use hot tap water unless otherwise specified. Most electric steamer reservoirs can safely handle hot water right from the tap at 140°F (60°C). Do not use boiling water as putting extreme heat into the tank can damage the steamer.

Is wall damage common when using a steamer?

If used correctly, a steamer causes very minimal damage to walls. Gouging and tearing is more likely when scraping without properly steaming the wallpaper first. However, moisture runoff still needs to be carefully controlled.

Can I rent instead of buying a steamer?

Many home improvement stores like Home Depot and tool rental companies offer wallpaper steamer rentals for around $40-75 a day. For one time use, renting can be more economical. But buying pays off long-term if you‘ll be removing wallpaper regularly.

Safety Tips for Using Wallpaper Steamers

Working with the high heat levels that wallpaper steamers generate requires taking some necessary safety precautions:

Always check for electrical hazards and damaged cords before plugging in a steamer.
Keep steamer cords clear of water spills which can cause electrocution risks.
Allow units to fully cool before storing to prevent fire hazards.
Do not leave a hot steamer unattended or allow children nearby.
Never open the water reservoir cap while the steamer is operating.
Always direct steam away from yourself and wear protective clothing.
Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhaling steam vapors.
Handle hot tools carefully and allow them to fully cool before touching surfaces.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of unlikely water splatter flares.

Exercising proper caution makes using steamers safe. It also prevents damage to the tool, walls, and yourself.

Is a Wallpaper Steamer Worth the Investment?

At the end of the day, choosing to use a wallpaper steamer is highly dependent on the specifics of your situation and needs:

Large Spaces: A steamer is extremely useful if you have many large rooms or whole houses that need wallpaper removed.
Thick Wallpaper: For heavy vinyls or layers glued directly to the plaster, steaming is the most effective method.
DIY Enthusiast: Avid DIYers will get their money‘s worth from the steamer over many future projects.
Environmentally Friendly: If you want to avoid chemical strippers, steam is the safest green alternative.
Future Changes: Planning to regularly change up wallpaper? A steamer makes redo‘s quick and easy.

While the upfront cost can give pause, a good steamer pays dividends over time. If stripping wallpaper is a regular need, the tool is well worth the investment for most homeowners.