Hints From Heloise

Thu., March 27, 1997

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: My husband and I have had extensive experience stripping wallpaper in the past few years.

We have tried steamers and commercial removers, but the best is liquid fabric softener. Any kind will do. I buy whatever is cheapest.

Dilute 1 part fabric softener to 2 parts water in a spray bottle.

Strip as much of the top layer of the paper off as possible, then soak thoroughly with the fabric-softener spray. Let it sit a few minutes and it will peel right off. The fabric softener is kind to your hands.

You may need to wash the wall down when you are done to remove the rest of the wallpaper glue. - Debbie Young, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Don’t you like cheap, home-style remedies? This sure is a great money-saving hint. Thanks. - Heloise

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