Use This Unexpected Bathroom Staple To Remove Wall Decor Like A Pro

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Bringing your style to life at home is simple (and fun) when you use home decor and DIY decor tricks to beautify your space. Whether you're hanging up mirrors, photos, or small wall accents, these little touches can totally transform a room. What isn't so fun is when it's time to take everything down, perhaps because you're redecorating or getting ready to move, and suddenly your wall decor is peeling paint off the walls during the removal process, or it's refusing to come off like it pays rent. Not only is it frustrating, but it could also cost you a chunk of your security deposit.

Luckily, YouTuber Do It On A Dime shared a surprisingly clever hack for removing wall decor mounted with adhesive nano dots, 3M Command Strips, or similar adhesives. It promises to leave no damage behind and helps reduce the stress of takedown. The secret is dental floss, the same stuff sitting in your bathroom drawer or tucked away in your under-the-counter organizer. Turns out, it's not just a tool to help keep teeth healthy; it can also help you remove wall decor like a pro, whether it's a stubborn wall hook or a luxurious DIY Dollar Tree mosaic mirror.

To remove wall decor using dental floss, start by grabbing a piece that's long enough for you to get a good grip on it. Ideally, you'll want enough slack to wrap it around your fingers once or twice while still being able to reach behind the wall decor comfortably. Gently slide the floss behind the mirror or object, then wiggle it back and forth to gradually loosen it from the adhesive. Depending on the size or weight of the piece, it's smart to have someone nearby to catch the mounted item once it comes loose, since both your hands will be occupied, and you definitely don't want to risk it falling and breaking. YouTuber Do It On A Dime used Glide Pro-Health dental floss, but any strong, durable kind should do the trick.

Once the wall decor is off, you might still have leftover nano dots or Command Strips stuck to the wall. One of the easiest ways to remove the adhesive without damaging the wall's surface is to use a push-and-roll technique. This involves pressing on the edge and trying to roll the adhesive off bit by bit. It might take a few tries, so be patient. If it starts to lift and roll, keep going until it's completely removed.

If that doesn't work, try warming the adhesive with a hair dryer to loosen the grip; just be careful not to burn your fingers. And, if all else fails, you can use something like Goo Gone Goo & Adhesive Remover Spray Gel. It's safe for walls and designed specifically to remove adhesives, stickers, and tape without compromising your paint or finish.