Blog>Questions>How can I remove wallpaper glue?
Last updated: 6 October 2023
How can I remove wallpaper glue?
How can I remove wallpaper glue?
The best way to remove wallpaper glue
Saturate the wall with soapy water using a roller application
Work from bottom to top to limit water falling onto the floor
Repeat the process until the glue becomes soft and pliable
Once the glue is soft, use a scraper or spatula to shave the paste off the wall
Work from top to bottom and ensure that you lay a protective covering on the floor before you begin
Once you have removed most of the glue, allow the wall to thoroughly dry
Finally, sand down the wall to remove any excess glue and you’re ready to start decorating
You can also have a read of our guide on how to remove wallpaper glue for more detailed information.
Or, to save time and get a smooth wallpapered wall, hire a professional decorator to do the job for you.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Alternative methods to remove wallpaper glue
The above method is one of the most effective ways to remove wallpaper glue. If this does not work, however, it may be worth trying an alternative to soapy water to loosen the glue.
Some other mixtures to try include:
White distilled vinegar mixed with hot water and baking soda
Fabric conditioner
Purpose-designed wallpaper paste removal products
All these mixtures work in a similar way. You may also want to try using a steam stripper to loosen the glue ready to be scraped off the wall.
Hire a professional decorator
Preparing a room for decorating is often a labour-intensive and strenuous task.
At Checkatrade, our member database includes professional decorators in your local area. All you need to do is pop your postcode in the box below to find quality decorators close to you.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job