Never attempt to put new wallpaper over the old. It is impossible to make the new lie flat, and is most unhygienic.

The easiest way to remove the old paper is to dip a large, clean whitewash-brush in warm water and apply it to the wall. When the paper is thoroughly damp, scrape it off with an old kitchen knife.

Before putting on the new wallpaper, go over the walls carefully and fill up every hole, even the tiny ones, with a mixture of plaster of Paris and mortar.