How do I Remove Wallpaper Paste Residue From Wall?
Wallpaper paste has to be tough enough to keep wallpaper from pulling away from the wall. It's not uncommon to find wallpaper that's been hanging for many years, so the adhesive used clearly does its job. But once you've got the wallpaper down, the adhesive can remain and wreak havoc on your new paint job or make it impossible to hang new paper until it's gone. Getting rid of it doesn't have to be a dreaded chore, though. Trisodium phosphate, commonly called TSP, is a heavy-duty detergent that is carried in many hardware stores and home centers. Using this detergent, you can get rid of wallpaper paste with just a little elbow grease. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 buckets
- Duct tape
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Sponge
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
Instructions
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Mix TSP and warm water in approximately equal proportions in one bucket. Fill the second bucket with plain warm water for rinsing the sponge.
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2
Use a large sponge to apply the TSP mix to the wall, paying special attention to areas of built-up adhesive. Wear your rubber gloves whenever working with the detergent.
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3
Rinse the sponge in the warm water often so that you're getting the paste off the wall and not just spreading it around. If you find that it's not removing the adhesive at this ratio, mix in a little more TSP, but don't use the detergent undiluted.
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4
Rinse the wall with warm water and let it dry thoroughly.
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5
Get rid of any remaining patches of adhesive by spot cleaning with the TSP. Remember to rinse the wall afterward.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to use something less harsh than TSP, try an equal mix of water and white vinegar or water and fabric softener.
When working with chemicals like TSP, either work in a well-ventilated area or set up a fan or two to draw the fumes away from the area.
