Magnify Bolt
Products and appliances

Wallpaper strippers

Wallpaper strippers usage and safety

Removing old wallpaper is made much simpler with the help of an electric wallpaper stripper. But working with electricity and steam carries a particular set of safety risks.

Electric wallpaper strippers are high-power steamers that use boiling water and pressure to soften adhesive.

High-capacity steamers have 5-7 litre tanks and are suitable for heavy-duty work or removing multiple layers of wallpaper. Compact steamers are more portable units, suitable for smaller projects and rooms.

An electric stripper contains a durable, heat-resistant plastic water tank, a metal heating element, a flexible hose which is often heat-insulated, and a flat plastic steam plate with a handle.

Asterisk

Key points

  • All wallpaper strippers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
  • Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand.
  • Hot steam can burn, so wear gloves, a dust mask, and eye protection when using a wallpaper stripper.
  • Securely cover light switches and plug sockets in the area you’ll be working in, as well as furniture.
  • Open all the windows.
  • Unplug a wallpaper stripper when not in use or when doing maintenance on it.

Buying a wallpaper stripper

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
  • Avoid buying second-hand wallpaper strippers as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards. 
  • Safety features to look for include automatic shut-off for low water levels, anti-scald pressure relief valves, and cool-touch handles. Key safety design elements also include heat-insulated hoses and secure, non-pressurized filling caps.
  • Register your wallpaper stripper so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a wallpaper stripper safely

  • Before you start, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them.
  • Check your appliance has a UK 3-pin plug. If it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor as your wallpaper stripper may not meet UK safety standards. Get in touch with the retailer and ask for their advice. 
  • Make sure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, plug the wallpaper stripper into an extension lead or fully unwound cable reel to extend your reach safely.
  • Keep pets and children away from the area you’re working in.
  • Check the wallpaper stripper for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
  • Hot steam can burn, so wear gloves, a dust mask, and eye protection when using a wallpaper stripper.
  • If you’re stripping a ceiling, wear a hat and long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from any dripping condensation. Make sure the ladder is in good condition and stable.
  • If you can, perforate the wallpaper before you start. This helps the steam get through to the glue and should make the job quicker and easier.
  • Securely cover light switches and plug sockets in the area you’ll be working in, as well as furniture.
  • Open all the windows.
  • If you’re working close to electrical appliances such as fireplaces or ovens, it’s recommended to switch off the power at the mains.
  • Because old glue residue and paper can cause the wallpaper stripper to work less effectively, clean the paddle thoroughly after each use.
  • Unplug the wallpaper stripper when not in use, or before doing any maintenance on it.
  • Let the unit cool for a few minutes before refilling to avoid steam burns.
  • Store it in a cool, dry indoor place.
  • If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the wallpaper stripper off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
  • Register your wallpaper stripper with the manufacturer.
  • Clean the paddle thoroughly after each use.  

AVOID

  • Buying second-hand wallpaper strippers or from third-party sellers online.
  • Using the wallpaper stripper if you spot any signs of damage.
  • Leaving the wallpaper stripper plugged in after use or when doing maintenance on it.
  • Refilling the unit with water until it has cooled down after use. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Additional info

Wallpaper strippers are highly efficient tools, with most models capable of stripping approximately one metre squared per minute.

On average, a wallpaper stripper can use up to 2000W of power with some reaching 2300W.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Woman using a washing machine

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances
Image (1)

Sign up for emails

Whether you are a member of the public or an electrical professional, we will keep you in the know with the latest electrical safety news and information.

Chat with us