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You can determine your wall type through tactile and visual tests. Start by checking the surface by inserting a thumbtack, feeling the texture, tapping to listen for a hollow sound, and examining cut edges under outlet covers. Drywall feels soft with a hollow sound, while plaster is hard and solid. These checks are especially useful in older homes where plaster is more common.

After removing wallpaper, you can dispose of small amounts in your household trash. However, if you are removing wallpaper from your entire home, you’ll need to contact a waste removal service, rent a dumpster, or arrange a special pick-up with your municipality’s waste service. Wallpaper cannot be recycled, so it is important to keep it separate from the recycling stream to comply with local waste guidelines.

It takes a professional from several hours up to a full day to remove wallpaper from a single room. The removal duration depends on the type of adhesive, the age of the wallpaper, the condition of the wall, and the number of layers present. High ceilings and additional layers increase the time required, as extra care is taken to protect the wall surface while ensuring a complete removal.

Using fabric softener with water is an option for removing wallpaper, but its effectiveness is limited and depends on the type of wallpaper being used. This low-cost method is most effective on modern, less porous wallpaper and may not yield optimal results on vintage or textured varieties. It might also affect wall surface preparation for new coverings if the residue is not completely removed. For stubborn adhesive or textured surfaces, professional solutions are recommended to ensure a thorough removal without damaging the underlying wall.