How to Remove Wallpaper Adhesive

Wallpaper can generally be removed by saturating it with a wet sponge and peeling it from the wall. Sometimes, the procedure backfires and you are left with a wall full of wallpaper adhesive that is difficult to remove. But there are several different techniques that have been proven to make the task a lot easier. Products vary from store-bought chemical enzymes to everyday household items. You can decide which one will work best for your situation.

Things You'll Need

• Portable steamer
• Fabric softener
• Water
• Bucket
• Spray bottle
• Plastic paint scraper
• Gel enzyme wallpaper adhesive remover
• Vinegar
• Hairdryer
• Towels
• Old sheets or tarp

Instructions

1. Starting at one corner of the wall and use a portable steamer to soften the wallpaper adhesive. Gently scrape the adhesive from the wall as it begins to loosen. Continue the process of steaming and scraping until the adhesive is completely removed.

2. Mix a capful of liquid fabric softener with 1 qt. of water in a bucket. Stir the mixture well. Fill a spray bottle with the fabric softener mixture and saturate the remaining wallpaper adhesive. Allow the mixture to set for approximately 30 minutes, and gently scrape the adhesive from the wall with a plastic paint scraper.

3. Spray a gel enzyme onto the remaining wallpaper adhesive and leave it on for 30 minutes. Follow up with a light scraping with a plastic paint scraper (see Resources below).

4. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part water. Spray the mixture onto the wallpaper adhesive, liberally, and allow it to work its magic for about 30 minutes. Remove the adhesive with a plastic paint scraper.

5. Plug in a hairdryer and blow the hot air onto the wallpaper adhesive. Place the hairdryer on the highest heat setting and soften the wallpaper adhesive. Gently scrape the adhesive from the wall with a plastic paint scraper as you go along. Continue to combination of forced hot air and scraping until all of the adhesive is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Adhesive removal can be messy. Before attempting any of the above techniques, prepare your work area. Spread an old sheet or tarp along the area at the bottom of the wall in case of drips, and wear old clothing. Keep a towel handy to clean up any dripping mixtures that may run down the wall.

• Never use a metal paint scraper when removing wallpaper adhesive. A metal scraper is sharper than a plastic one and can cause damage to the drywall underneath.

Resources

• Enzyme wallpaper remover