How to Take Off Wallpaper Glue From Paneling

Mix equal parts of hot water and liquid fabric softener in a bucket. Start with no more than one-quarter bucket of water so the water will remain hot while you work. Any brand of fabric softener will work.

Moisten a large sponge in the water and fabric softener mixture and scrub the wall. Hold the sponge over thicker areas of glue to allow more moisture from the sponge to penetrate the adhesive.

Lift the sponge and immediately use a plastic scraper to work the glue loose. A plastic kitchen spatula or a plastic dish scrubber can be used. If the glue is removed with the fabric softener mixture, then skip to Step 6. If some glue remains, proceed to Step 4.

Rinse the bucket and sponge with hot water. Mix 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon of warm water (about one-quarter of a standard household bucket). Wear gloves, long sleeves and goggles when working with TSP.

Sponge the TSP mixture on the paneling and use the plastic scraper to remove the last residue of glue. Use the TSP mixture over all the area covered by the wallpaper even if the glue has been dissolved so the paneling is evenly treated.

Rinse the sponge and bucket thoroughly. Fill the bucket about halfway and then swish in about 1 tbsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent. If using a concentrated variety of dishwashing detergent, use less, or about 1 tsp.

Clean the wall using the sponge and mixture of water and dishwashing detergent. Perform one final cleaning with clear water to rinse off all residue. Wipe the paneling dry with rags to help prevent warping.