how to clean walls after removing wallpaper

Removing wallpaper can be a time-consuming and challenging project. After you’ve successfully peeled off the wallpaper, you may think the hard part is over. However, a lot of work still needs to be done to get the walls in a condition ready for painting or repapering. To get the job done right, you need to clean the walls properly after stripping wallpaper.

How to Get Started

To clean the walls after removing wallpaper, you need to be prepared with the right supplies. Gather warm water, a mild detergent or a wallpaper removal solution, a plastic putty knife, a scrub brush and a sponge.

Removing Wallpaper Glue

Once you’ve collected the necessary cleaning supplies, it’s time to tackle the glue residue left behind after wallpaper removal. Begin combing the wall with the putty knife to scrape off any remaining glue. If you’re having a hard time removing the glue, you may need to use a wallpaper removal solution that you can purchase at any home improvement store. Once all of the glue residue has been removed, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Cleaning Walls

Now it’s time to use the warm water, mild detergent and sponge to clean any leftover dirt or debris on the wall. If the walls are very dirty, you may need to use the scrub brush to get into the tighter spaces. Make sure to scrub the walls gently as to not damage the surface. After you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the wall with clean water and let it dry completely.

Repairing Walls After Removing Wallpaper

Now that you’ve removed the wallpaper and cleaned the walls, you may notice some damage. Small holes, dents and other types of damage are common after wallpaper removal. To repair these areas, you will need to patch them with a wall repair patch kit. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging to fill in any holes or dents.

Sealing Wallpaper Paste Holes

You may also have some holes in the walls from removing the wallpaper. If so, you need to fill them in with a sealant. This sealant can be purchased at any home improvement store and should be applied with a paintbrush. Make sure to apply a thin layer and allow it to dry completely before painting the wall.

Priming Walls After Removing Wallpaper

Once the walls have been properly cleaned, repaired and sealed, it’s time to prime them before painting or papering. Priming the walls helps to create a smooth surface and also aids in paint adhesion. You can purchase a good quality primer at any home improvement store.

Painting or Papering After Wallpaper Removal

Finally, you can move on to the fun part of choosing a paint color or wallpaper pattern for your walls. After applying the primer, you can paint the walls or hang new wallpaper. Be sure to follow the instructions on the paint or wallpaper packaging for best results.

Conclusion

Removing wallpaper can be a tedious process but with the right supplies and some patience, it can be done successfully. After all of the wallpaper has been removed, you need to clean and repair the walls as well as prime them before painting or papering. Cleaning and repairing walls after removing wallpaper can seem like a daunting task, but with the right supplies and a bit of elbow grease, your walls will be in great shape and ready to be painted or papered.