How to Dissolve Wallpaper Paste

Wallpaper paste is easy to put on but can be difficult to remove.

Taking down old wallpaper can be a chore. When the wallpaper is finally down and you're faced with the sticky remains of wallpaper paste, it can be a bit disconcerting. While dissolving and removing wallpaper paste is a tedious job, it can be done using supplies found in the home. Once your walls are clean, you'll be ready to hang new wallpaper or give your walls a fresh coat of paint.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Hot water
• Measuring spoons
• Baking soda
• Plastic scraper
• Bucket
• Water
• Sponge

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Instructions

1. Mix one heaping tablespoon of baking soda with hot water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix.

2. 

   Spray bottles make for easy application.

   Spray the baking soda solution on the wallpaper paste. Allow it to sit for up to five minutes. The baking soda will work to dissolve the paste.

3. Scrape the dissolved wallpaper paste off the walls using a plastic scraper. Refrain from using a metal scraper as it can scratch the surface of the walls.

4. 

   A bucket is convenient for washing and rinsing.

   Pour warm water into a bucket. Dip a clean sponge in the water, then wash away the baking soda solution and any remaining wallpaper paste on the wall. If any of the paste on the walls has not dissolved, repeats steps 2 through 4.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply straight fabric softener to old, stubborn wallpaper paste. Allow it to dissolve the paste for a few minutes before you begin to scrape.

• Keep a garbage bag or can nearby to toss wallpaper paste in as you scrape it off.

References

• Painting Ideas and Techniques: Removing Wallpaper Glue