How to remove old wallpaper glue from your wall

Hi Tomasz,
Thank you for reaching out to us. I understand the frustration you're feeling after removing old wallpaper, only to be left with stubborn glue residue. This is a common issue, especially with older adhesives, and I’m glad you asked before trying any potentially harmful methods. Let’s look at the best way to get rid of that old glue, so you can avoid damaging your walls.

Why is it important to remove old wallpaper glue?

You have to carefully remove old glue after you strip the wallpaper as part of your redecorating project, as any residue will cause problems later on. I have seen this over and over and cannot stress enough how crucial this step is: if the glue isn’t fully cleaned off, it creates a sticky, uneven surface that will stop new paint or wallpaper from adhering properly. Even a small amount of residue can lead to bumps or rough patches. Worse, if you’re painting, the glue might reactivate with the moisture in the paint, which will cause the surface to become uneven and unattractive. So, cleaning off all the glue now ensures your next steps will go smoothly.

If you are thinking “but it looks fairly clean, let’s not spend too much time on this step” you are in for some bad news, as you’re likely to face fairly serious issues later. Your new wallpaper won’t be able to stick to the wall properly and might peel off or bubble. If you’re planning to paint the wall, the leftover glue can cause the paint to crack or chip over time as it struggles to stick to the uneven surface.

To remove old wallpaper glue from the wall, you'll need to soften the adhesive with a cleaning solution, gently scrape it off, and clean the surface to ensure it's completely smooth and ready for your next project. Now, let’s dive into the details of each step!

Which tools and materials do you need to remove old wallpaper glue?

Before you get started, it’s a good idea to check you have everything needed for the job ahead. Here’s what you should have on hand:

• Ladder
  (to reach all parts of the wall)
• Gloves, a bucket and warm water
  (for mixing your cleaning solution and rinsing)
• Drop cloths or protective covers
  (to catch drips and protect surfaces from mess)
• Dish soap (colour-free), vinegar, and baking soda
  (ingredients for creating the cleaning solution to break down glue residue)
• Commercial wallpaper glue remover
  (if you prefer a store-bought solution)
• Sponges or spray bottle and clean cloths
  (to apply and wipe away the cleaning solution)
• Putty knife or scraper
  (a plastic or flexible putty knife is ideal to gently scrape off glue without damaging the wall underneath)
• Fine-grit sandpaper
  (for carefully sanding off any remaining glue)

Getting your room ready for wallpaper adhesive removal

If you can, start by moving any furniture away from the walls or even out of the room to give yourself plenty of space to work. Cover the floor and any larger furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting - this will keep them protected from water, glue residue, and any splashes from the cleaning solutions.
Next, take down any wall decorations, shelves, and fixtures to clear the area completely. Set up a little station nearby for used cloths, sponges, and any glue scrapings you collect as you go. Keeping a trash bag close by is also a handy way to avoid accidentally moving bits of glue around the house!
Finally, open a window or turn on a fan to keep fresh air flowing. Some cleaning solutions can have pretty strong odours, and a bit of ventilation will make the process much more pleasant.

How to prepare the cleaning solution for removing old wallpaper glue

When it comes to cleaning solutions, you can make your own or buy a ready-made one. I suggest making your own as commercial products contain strong chemicals and should be handled with great care, following the manufacturer's instructions. To make your own solution:

1. Fill your bucket with a gallon of hot water (around 3 to 4 litres).
2. Add a tablespoon of washing-up liquid and thoroughly mix it in.
3. Alternatively, add one cup (250 ml) of distilled white vinegar.
4. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda to either of these solutions. It is optional but it will enhance the cleaning power and also help to deodorise.

If you’re working on a small area, pour the solution into a spray bottle. This allows you to apply the mixture directly to stubborn glue spots without soaking the entire wall. As always, it is a good idea to first test on a small, hidden part of the wall to ensure it won’t cause any discolouration or damage, especially if you’re working with drywall or painted surfaces.

How to apply the cleaning solution

Now that we have our cleaning solution ready, it’s time to start applying it to the areas with wallpaper glue. Slip on your rubber gloves, dip your sponge into the bucket, give it a good squeeze to remove any excess liquid, and start applying the solution evenly to a small section of the wall. After a few minutes, you’ll start to see the magic - the solution reactivates and softens the old glue! At this point, you should be able to wipe away most of the residue with a clean towel.
I’d suggest working on one small area at a time, especially if you’re tackling a larger wall. This way, the solution won’t dry out too quickly, giving you plenty of time to remove the glue while it’s still softened.
If you’re working with drywall or another surface sensitive to moisture, be careful not to let the wall get too wet. Lightly moisten it instead and work gently to avoid over-soaking.

Remember: patience is the key. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then touch the glue to check if it feels soft and pliable. If it’s still hard or sticky, wait a few more minutes and apply a bit more solution as needed.

How to scrape off the wallpaper glue

Once the glue is softened, you’re ready to move on to the next step - gently scraping it off to reveal a clean, smooth surface underneath.

• Use a flexible plastic putty knife for scraping, as it is delicate enough to remove the glue without damaging the wall. Avoid metal blades, particularly on delicate surfaces, as they can cause dents and scratches.
• Position it at a 45-degree angle to the wall and gently scrape away the softened glue with small, controlled strokes. Focus on removing one section at a time and use a cloth to wipe off the glue from your scraper from time to time, so you’re not spreading residue around.
• When facing areas where the glue isn’t coming off easily, you can reapply the cleaning solution and wait a few more minutes for it to soften. This will make scraping easier and prevent you from damaging the wall by applying too much force.

Once you’ve scraped off the bulk of the glue, inspect the wall for any remaining patches by running your hand over the surface. Does it feel nice and smooth? You’re nearly done! Is it still sticky or rough? Apply more solution and carefully scrape again until all residue is gone.

How to wipe down the wall after removing the glue

Once you are satisfied that all the glue has been removed, it’s time to give the wall a final wipe-down to make sure there’s no residue left behind. This step ensures that your wall is completely clean and prepped for your new wallpaper. How to proceed now depends on the type of wall you are working on.

For delicate surfaces, stick with the dry method, using a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe off any dust or leftover residue. If your wall is made of a sturdier material, you can use a sponge dampened with warm water; just be sure to wring it out well to avoid soaking the wall. After you’ve finished wiping the wall down, go over it with a clean, dry microfibre cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

Let the wall dry and inspect the surface

After all this hard work, it’s time to give your wall a little breather and let it dry out completely. Open the windows, switch on a fan, or just let the air do its thing for a few hours. It’s important to make sure the wall is fully dry before you check it over - any leftover dampness can hide sticky spots or bits of residue.
Once it’s dry, run your fingers over the whole surface to see if any areas still feel a bit tacky. If you notice any stickiness, it’s likely there’s some glue still hanging around, so those spots might need a little extra attention. For a final check, grab a flashlight and hold it at an angle along the wall. Any glue that’s left will show up as slightly darker or glossy patches under the light.
If you do spot any glue bits you missed, just repeat the steps on those areas until your wall feels completely smooth and residue-free.

Troubleshooting: what to do if some glue remains

Sometimes, despite all the scrubbing and wiping, a bit of stubborn glue might still linger. If this is the case, follow these tips:

Sand stubborn residue

Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand carefully to avoid creating uneven spots. Just a few light strokes are usually enough to smooth out any remaining residue.

Try a stronger cleaner for tough areas

If your cleaning solution didn’t work, you can try with a stronger commercial product. You should be able to find it in most hardware/DIY stores. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and test a small, hidden area first to avoid damaging the wall.

Contact a professional cleaner

If all the above methods fail, it might be necessary to get in touch with a professional wallpaper installer and seek his/her advice.

I hope this answer satisfies your question. Removing wallpaper adhesive can take a bit of time and patience, but it’s absolutely worth it for the results you’ll get. A clean, glue-free wall not only looks much better but also prevents common issues like peeling, bubbling, or uneven surfaces that can appear when residue is left behind. So, as you work through these steps, know that you’re setting yourself up for a long-lasting, beautiful result.

If you have any more questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!

Your wallpaper expert

Isabel