How To Remove Linoleum | Some Easy Guidelines
Posted: Friday, January 20, 2006
by James McDonald
http://www.easyhomeimprovements.net
If you are considering remodeling your home and want to know how to remove linoleum, here are some
For starters, you probably won't be able to completely remove all the linoleum and adhesive during the first pass. The type of flooring underneath can contribute to the problem as well, especially if it happens to be wood. Concrete floors can certainly take more abuse than wooden ones, particularly if you are using a scraper. Try finding one with a good razor blade as these are the most efficient, but be careful using it. It's easy to cut yourself when you are pushing it hard, and try to have extra blades on hand as you most likely will break some.
One thing we recommend is to split the project up into sections and concentrate on one at a time. Try to cut the linoleum into these strips or sections, and peel them back. You can apply more pressure to a smaller portion, giving you the required leverage to get most of the backing off. This should also make it easier to remove the adhesive underneath.
After you have finished the surface materials and are left with the stubborn stuff, there are a couple things you can do to help your scraping efforts. Try to apply a solvent or remover product that specializes in just this type of application. Many home improvement stores or departments will have several to choose from. Remember to start with small sections to not get overwhelmed. Finish one and move on to the next.
If you want to try a homegrown solution, some people recommend using hot or boiling water instead of the solvent. It can be poured right on the adhesive backing, left to soak for a while, and finally scraped up. You can even put a towel down first, pour the water over it, let it set, then remove and scrape. Proceed cautiously with this method if you have a nice hardwood floor underneath to avoid warping.
Another technique that has been recommended by do it yourself homeowners is to first heat the adhesive with a hair dryer, then to scrape it up with a straight-blade scraper or something with a beveled edge. Should you be uncovering a hardwood floor, move the scraper in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Since the shavings will be hot, be careful moving them and avoid dropping them back on the uncovered wood. Instead of using a hair dryer, you can also try a heat gun. We only recommend this if you are experienced with it as it can damage the flooring you are trying to save. Either way, just keep the heated area small and constantly move the heat source. Scraping quickly after applying the heat will be the most effective removal method.
Should you reach a point where you cannot remove any more of the old adhesive using the techniques described, you can try a light sanding. Don't use a coarse sandpaper unless absolutely necessary as this may damage the surface. You can also try to mop the residue off using rags dampened with turpentine, mineral spirits, or similar types of solvent. Once you are happy with the way the floor looks you will be ready to either apply a seal, or some other type of covering.
For more flooring information, try Home Remodel Ideas.
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More commentsYes, great advise with several options. I was removing linoleum that had been down in the bathroom for 15 years & was stuck with alot of adhesive. I tried the hair dryer method first, it worked, but was slow & tedious. Then, I bought some stripper from Home Depot, it worked great & within 4 hrs my bathroom floor was stripped. I couldn't have been happier.how many square ft
Thanks,Good direction
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!! THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS. BRADENTON, FLORIDA
Thanks for the advice, have a 1945 house with about 3 different flooring options in the bathroom over the original hardwood. Then a bad leaking wax seal, what a disaster, still in process of removing the black asphalt/ adhesive stuff, boiling water does work but slow, going to Lowes today to see about the stripper.thanks againRobertRocky Mount VAHave the same problem myself. Got that portion of the water damaged floor out this weekend but still having problems getting the rest of the glue off. What a task !!! Needed to remodel anyway. Now's as good a time as any.
Very comprehensive instructions, lots of ideas and sound solutions. Thanks!
Thanks alot!!! When me and husband got started we knew it was going to be a long time before we finished. We wondered if there was a way to get if off easier...you answered that question for us and thanks again.
I have searched everywhere for an easier method but......there is none! SO to everyone else that takes on this project search no more. Your best advice is wear gloves and do small sections at a time to see the progress. Thank You for your advice and direction.
Great advice. I have done this in the past but couldn't remember what was helpful other than hard work!!! Heat gun works for me.
I like to use a electric scrapper. I bought one of tv that does allot of things and the scrapper I used to most. They can be pretty spendy for the one I got it was $478 but I know Menard's and Lowes sells a Knock of brand that does just scrapping for around $80
I needed to remove about 150 sq ft of linoleum last weekend. I tried the heat gun method and the floor steamer method and it took me about an hour and a half to remove about 15 sq ft. Use the following method and your life will be easier. Pull up the top layer of linoleum the best you can. This will leave just the paper backing and adhesive. Go to your local hardware store and buy a gallon of Klean Strip Adhesive Remover. I rolled it on with a cheap paint roller. Do not use a plastic paint pan because it will eat the paint pan. I poured it right on the floor and spread it around after it ate my paint pan. Wait about 15 minutes and use a long handled scraper and the paper and adhesive peels away with little effort. This left no damage at all to my particle board subfloor. If you are using a putty knife to peel it back make sure you are wearing gloves because the stripper will burn your skin. I took about an hour and a half to strip off about 135 Sq ft of adhesive. Do a small 5' by 5' section at a time so the stripper doesn't dry on the floor. It cost me about $35 for the Stripper, Roller and Scraper. Well worth the price.
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