What are the most effective methods for removing old wallpaper, particularly dealing with stubborn glue residue?
Asked by Franca Dittmer 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 17, 2024
What’s the best way to remove old wallpaper? We’ve been steaming it to peel off the top layer, but the glue residue is stubborn. We’ve been trying to soak it with water and then using a drywall scraper to get it off. Any other tricks that might work better?
Spray it down with water, let it sit for 3-4 minutes, repeat this process 3 times, and it should come off very easily. (try using a pump-up bug sprayer)
Totally agrees! Letting it sit longer is key! Use HOT water!
Looking for the best method to take down wallpaper? Here’s a suggestion!
Removing stubborn wallpaper can be tricky, but I found a great way to do it!
I’ve had success using scrub pads like this. The design helps prevent residue buildup, especially on tough surfaces like old plaster walls. If you have drywall, it might be too rough. You can also try a mixture of Dawn and fabric softener in a small bucket to soften the residue. It can get messy though.
I mix hot water, a cheap liquid fabric softener, and a bit of dawn in a pump sprayer. I spray it generously on the ground where I have placed some towels. After that, I use a plastic scraper that I have sanded the corners of to ensure there are no sharp edges.
Kevin s loves fabric softener – it’s a total game changer!
I successfully removed some really tough wallpaper border yesterday. It was a challenge!
When I had to remove a border, I used a mixture of white vinegar and water instead of just water. Spray, scrape, spray, scrape.
Great cleaning product I found at the Dollar Tree, works well with hot water
When you’re dealing with the glue residue, try using warm soapy water with dawn dishsoap and a big sponge. It helps cut through the residue. If you come across a tough spot, let it soak wet for around 5-10 minutes, then use a scraper and it should come off easily.
That’s about right 👍🏼
Let the water do the heavy lifting. Give it a good spray, let it sit, then spray again. Use a scoring roller to make it easier to remove the paper. Keep saturating the paper with water, letting it soak in before spraying again. Repeat until the paper comes off easily, and make sure to clean off any adhesive right away. Use sponges or scrub pads to keep everything wet, and change the water as needed until all the glue is gone. I usually focus on two walls at a time, spraying as I go along. It’s much more efficient to remove the paper and glue together rather than separately. Work smarter, not harder!
I’ve tried both steaming and the saturation method, but I never went back to steaming. With the saturation method, you can remove most of the paper in one piece. Usually, I won’t even begin scraping until the paper has soaked for at least half an hour with 5-6 spray and soak cycles.
All you need is some good old-fashioned soap and water, plus a little bit of elbow grease.
TSP did the trick for us in removing wallpaper residue, even though it was mixed with nicotine.