How to remove wallpaper the easy way.
Forget steamers, scrapers, and toxic chemicals. SimpleStrip's patented HydroSheet system removes wallpaper in three simple steps — and leaves your walls ready to decorate.
What You'll Need
Every SimpleStrip kit includes everything you need. Just add warm water and a bucket.
Scoring Tool
Creates tiny perforations so the solution can reach the paste
Power Solution
Enzymatic concentrate that dissolves wallpaper adhesive on contact
HydroSheets
Patented absorbent cloths that lock moisture against the wall
Pressure Sprayer
Keeps sheets moist during the soaking process
Skimmer Tool
Lifts stubborn edges and cleans any remaining paste residue
Three Steps. That's It.
No special skills needed. If you can soak a cloth and press it against a wall, you can do this.
Score
Run the scoring tool across your wallpaper using a circular or straight pattern.
Don't press too hard — you want to perforate the wallpaper, not gouge the wall. If you can feel resistance, ease off. The scoring tool is designed to do the work with minimal pressure. For painted-over wallpaper, score a little more firmly to get through the paint layer.
Soak
Fill a bucket with warm water (not hot) and add the Power Solution concentrate. Immerse the HydroSheets and let them soak for a few minutes until fully saturated. Wring out excess water, then press the sheets firmly against the scored wallpaper.
The HydroSheets cling to the wall and hold moisture exactly where it's needed. This is what makes SimpleStrip different from spraying — the sheets create a continuous seal that keeps the solution working instead of dripping down the wall and evaporating.
Use the pressure sprayer to keep the top two-thirds of the sheets moist. Wait 20-30 minutes for the solution to penetrate and dissolve the adhesive. Tougher or older wallpaper may need a bit longer.
Use warm water, not hot — the enzymatic formula works best at room temperature. Keep the sheets damp by spraying every 5 minutes. If the wallpaper is very old or heavily coated, leave the sheets on longer. You'll know it's ready when you can peel a corner easily.
Strip
Once the adhesive has dissolved, remove the HydroSheets and place them back in the bucket — they're reusable up to 50 times. Now peel the wallpaper away from the wall. In most cases, it comes off in large sheets or whole strips with no scraping needed.
Use the skimmer tool to lift any stubborn edges or clean up paste residue. If any areas resist, spray them directly with the Power Solution, wait a few more minutes, and try again. When you're done, wipe the wall with a damp cloth and it's ready for painting or new wallpaper.
Start peeling from the bottom and work upward — gravity helps the sheets fall away cleanly. If you have more than 4 layers of wallpaper, you may need to repeat the process for the remaining layers. Move the HydroSheets to the next section and keep working while the solution does its job.
Built for Every Professional Job
Whether you're a painting contractor, property manager, or renovation specialist.
Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper
The top vinyl layer often peels away first, revealing the backing paper. Once the backing is exposed, apply HydroSheets and Power Solution directly. The solution will dissolve the adhesive underneath, and the backing peels off cleanly.
Painted-Over Wallpaper
Score firmly through the paint layer using the scoring tool. The perforations need to penetrate both the paint and the wallpaper so the solution can reach the adhesive. Allow a bit more soaking time — 30-45 minutes typically does it.
Multiple Layers
SimpleStrip handles up to 6 layers at once. Score through all layers with firm, even pressure. Apply the HydroSheets and allow extra soaking time. If some layers remain after the first pass, repeat the process — the outer layers are already gone, so it goes faster.
Grasscloth & Textured
Score the surface and apply the HydroSheets as normal. Use the pressure sprayer to keep the sheets moist every 10-15 minutes. When the grasscloth peels easily, remove the sheets and use the skimmer to lift it away from the wall.
Foil & Metallic
Foil wallpaper is non-porous, so thorough scoring is essential — the solution can only get through the perforations. Score the entire surface firmly, then apply the HydroSheets. The soaking time may be slightly longer, but the result is the same: clean removal.
Wallpaper on Drywall
SimpleStrip is especially good on drywall because there's no steam to soften or damage the paper facing. Use gentle, even scoring pressure. If the drywall paper gets slightly wavy, don't worry — the waves disappear completely as the wall dries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Get the best results by avoiding these common pitfalls.
Scoring too hard
Pressing too firmly can cut through to the drywall. Light, even pressure is all you need — the tool does the work.
Test on a small area first
Score a small section to get the right pressure before doing the whole wall. You'll quickly find the sweet spot.
Letting sheets dry out
If the HydroSheets dry, the solution stops working. Use the sprayer every 10-15 minutes to keep them moist.
Use warm water, not hot
The enzymatic formula works best with warm water. Hot water can reduce its effectiveness and create unnecessary steam.
Rushing the soaking time
If the wallpaper doesn't peel easily, it needs more time. Don't force it — spray more solution and wait a few more minutes.
Peel from the bottom up
Starting from the bottom lets gravity help the sheets fall away. You'll get larger, cleaner pieces with less effort.
Got Questions?
Everything you need to know about removing wallpaper with SimpleStrip.