Remove Wallpaper Glue: A Step-by-Step Guide with Expert Tips

by Zuzana November 25, 2019

written by Zuzana November 25, 2019

How to Remove Wallpaper Glue: A Comprehensive Guide

Materials and Tools

Plastic tarps
Painter’s tape
Stepladder
2 Buckets
Dishwashing gloves
Putty knife or paint scraper
Cellulose sponge
Microfiber cloths
Cleaning solution (1 gallon hot water, 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, 1 cup distilled white vinegar)
Baking soda
Clean warm water

Safety Considerations

When removing wallpaper glue, it’s crucial to protect yourself and your surroundings. Cover floors and mask off electrical outlets and wall switches to prevent water damage and electrical hazards.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Room

Clear the room of furniture or move it away from walls.
Cover furniture with plastic sheeting.
Cover electrical outlets and switches with painter’s tape.
Protect the floor with plastic tarps secured with painter’s tape.

2. Mix the Cleaning Solution

In a large bucket, combine hot water, dishwashing liquid, and distilled white vinegar.
Fill a second bucket with clean warm water for rinsing.

3. Apply the Cleaning Solution

Using a cellulose sponge, apply the cleaning solution to the glue-covered wall from top to bottom.
Rewet the sponge as needed.

4. Scrub the Wet Wall

After a few minutes, wipe the wet wall with a microfiber cloth dampened with the cleaning solution.
Rinse the cloth frequently to remove glue and wallpaper backing material.

5. Focus on Stubborn Spots

If the glue persists, saturate it with the cleaning solution and wait.
Apply baking soda to the damp cloth and gently rub the glue-covered area.
If necessary, use a putty knife to scrape away the glue, taking care not to damage the wall.

6. Rinse and Dry the Wall

Wipe down the walls with a clean microfiber cloth dampened with fresh water.
Air-dry the area thoroughly before painting or repapering.

Tips for Cleaning Glue From Wallpaper

Fresh Glue

Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

Dried Glue Streaks

Use a plastic paint scraper to chip away the glue.
Soften any remaining glue with a damp microfiber cloth and wipe away.

Dried Glue Drips

Saturate with rubbing alcohol using cotton swabs.
After 10 minutes, chip away the glue with a paint scraper and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

Additional Tips

Test cleaning methods on a scrap of wallpaper or in a hidden area first.
Use a light touch when scraping glue to avoid damaging the wall.
Be careful not to over-saturate drywall walls with water, as it can soften the paper facing.
If the glue is particularly stubborn, consider using a commercial wallpaper glue remover.

Zuzana

Zuzana isn't your average homeowner. Sure, she spends weekends nurturing a vibrant garden, coaxing life from seeds and reveling in the calming rhythm of nature. But her passion extends beyond the flowerbeds. Zuzana thrives on transforming everyday spaces, unearthing design magic on a budget. Imagine her, armed with a stack of magazines (think recycled, of course!) and a twinkle in her eye, meticulously planning a living room refresh. Upcycled furniture finds new life with a coat of paint and strategically placed throw pillows. A cascading vine, meticulously nurtured from a cutting, adds a touch of organic charm. Zuzana's creativity isn't confined to expensive renovations; it flourishes in the realm of resourcefulness. Her love for all things green spills over into her design philosophy. Think repurposed mason jars transformed into hanging terrariums, or strategically placed houseplants that breathe life into a corner. Sustainability and resourcefulness are woven into the very fabric of her design aesthetic. Zuzana's journey isn't about achieving perfection from a catalog page; it's about expressing personal style with a dash of ingenuity. Whether it's breathing new life into a vintage find or crafting a unique centerpiece from foraged treasures, her creations are a testament to the power of imagination and a sprinkle of DIY magic.