We may earn revenue from the product available on this page and take part in affiliate programs . Learn More ›

Removing wallpaper is laborious . The process takes a large deal of energy and clip . And lo and behold , even once you think you ’re end , you ’re not . pig-headedly positioned between you and a still , clean wall , there still rest a smattering of obstinate wallpaper glue .

Do n’t worry , you may get it off . In fact , anyone can learn how to remove wallpaper gum . It does n’t take any advanced skills or alien tools . But much like the oeuvre you ’ve done already to get this far , removing wallpaper glue requires patience and commitment .

A mother and son scraping off old wallpaper and glue off a bedroom wall.

Photo: Paul Mansfield / Getty Images

When you ’re quick to power through to the finish line , continue reading the measure - by - whole tone teaching for removing wallpaper glue .

Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may realize a commission from purchase made through these links .

Guide to Removing Wallpaper Glue

Step 1: Clear the room.

First , before you begin toremove wallpaperglue in earnest , get all furniture and accessories out of the way . If you ca n’t move everything , at least protect it with a charge card tarpaulin . Use another tarp to cover the trading floor .

As a further precaution , we recommend using painter ’s tape to cover the electrical way out in the room . In fact , it ’s not a terrible idea to cut off big businessman to the room altogether .

The last thing needed to prepare the workplace sphere : tripe bags , and plenty of them . thing are about to get messy .

Article image

Step 2: Mix hot water with dish soap and baking soda, possibly even vinegar.

In a bucket , aggregate spicy water , fluid dish soap , and a heap tablespoonful of baking soda . For especially stubborn adhesive , add one cup of acetum for every Imperial gallon of pee used .

Step 3: Sponge the hot solution onto patches of wallpaper glue.

Next , soak a sponge in the solvent , squeeze out the excess liquid , and mildly rub the sponge over a small section of wallpaper gum .

Having done so , try out the mucilage with your fingernail . You ’ll point out that the wallpaper glue has softened substantially and seems willing to budge .

Continue apply the solution to the wall .

Article image

Tried-and-True Advice

“ When I was polish off wallpaper glue in my honest-to-goodness apartment , I establish the mental process could be a routine overpowering , especially when the adhesive agent was stubborn . One thing I acquire was to work in smaller sections rather than trying to tackle the whole wall at once . Not only does it keep the work more manageable , but it also aid the solution soak in the right way without drying out too rapidly .

Another trick I discovered is using a plastic spatula rather of a metallic element putty tongue for the scratch . It ’s gentle on the wall , and reduces the risk of force out the surface . believe me , it ’s deserving the excess patience ! ”

— Paul Rankin , Contributing author

Step 4: Remove wallpaper glue with a putty knife and cloth.

With a tag end , try wipe   a pocket-size section of   glue off the paries . If it ’s quick , a adept portion of the glue will get along aright off . At that point , you’re able to reach for theputty knifeand scrape away the adhesive .

Because even a mite of remnant wallpaper mucilage can detract from a future paint job , it ’s important remove wallpaper mucilage exhaustively and altogether . Try and get every last act .

With a clean fabric , utilize circular motions to wipe the softening solution off the rampart . Move on to the next surgical incision and repeat the process in Step 3 . One finished with the entire wall , let the elbow room fully air out .

Step 5: Switch to a commercial wallpaper remover, if necessary.

If the wallpaper glue seems unfazed , consider purchasing commercial-grade wallpaper remover , such as this tight - acting solvent fromWP Chomp . It ’s not unremarkably necessary , but unlike installers use dissimilar types of glues , some more stubborn than others .

Step 6: Prep for painting, or restore the room to its previous state.

Remove the painter ’s mag tape and the tarp , and supplant the article of furniture in the room , unless you plan topaint the elbow room . If that ’s the type , you ’re essentially all dress to continue working — if you have any energy left , that is !

This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation

Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this overhaul the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to last out on budget .