How to Remove Linoleum Glue

Linoleum flooring is glued to the floor and when its time to replace it, the glue can be challenging to remove. Follow these steps to remove linoleum and adhesive from the floor.

Things You'll Need

• Razor blade
• Floor scraper with razor blade edge
• Sandpaper
• Spray bottle
• Water

Instructions

1. Use a razor blade to cut the linoleum into small sections will aid in the removal of the linoleum.

2. Use hands to pull up the linoleum sections from the floor. Some of the linoleum might not pull up and some of the linoleum adhesive will remain on the sub floor.

3. Use a floor scraper with a razor blade edge to scrape any remaining linoleum and adhesive from the floor. If the sub floor is wood, scrape with the grain of the wood to avoid taking chunks out of the wood. Avoid taking gouges out of a wood sub floor by not scraping too hard.

4. If scraping the floor does not remove all of the linoleum adhesive, use a spray bottle to spray the floor with warm water. Let the water sit on the floor until the adhesive is soft and scrape it with a floor scraper. Take care when working with a wood sub floor to avoid using so much water that water damage occurs.

5. If any linoleum adhesive remains, sand gently with sandpaper. Sand with the grain on a wood sub floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Linoleum floors from the 1970s and earlier may contain asbestos. Removing flooring that contains asbestos can lead to asbestos inhalation--a serious health hazard. Contact a professional to remove flooring that contains asbestos.