How to Remove Floor Tile Glue From Cement
After you pull up old tiles from cement, you still have to deal with the ugly adhesive left behind. In the past this meant you'd need to go out and buy heavy-duty chemical solvents. Most of these solvents are very flammable and toxic. Now companies produce a large variety of less toxic, nonflammable (always check the labels) solvents to soften old tile glue. You'll still have to roll up your sleeves and allot some time, patience and energy for this messy job, but at least now it can be a little less hazardous to your health. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Floor adhesive remover (can be Citrus King Mastic Adhesive remover, SoyClean nontoxic adhesive and mastic remover or another, similar adhesive remover)
- Clean cotton mop
- Long-handled scraper
- Water
- Safety glasses
- Flat pieces of cardboard
Instructions
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1
Ventilate the area well and put your safety glasses on. Apply adhesive remover to all areas of the concrete that have leftover tile glue. Spread the remover evenly, with a disposable cotton cloth mop.
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2
Allow some time for the remover to penetrate the glue. This may take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the kind you use and the amount of tile glue that was used on the floor.
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3
Use the scraper to scrape the now-softened tile glue off the cement. Push the glue onto pieces of cardboard for easier disposal later.
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4
Apply more adhesive remover if any glue still remains (and most likely, some does). This time it should not take as long to soften.
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5
Scrape the remaining tile glue off the cement. Rinse the floor very well with water--this is especially important if you plain to paint the floor or lay down new flooring.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear old shoes you don't care about or protective covers (nonslip) over your shoes. If you step in the glue, it won't be easy to get off your shoes.
Wear safety glasses when working with any adhesive remover. In addition, be careful not to splash adhesive remover on your clothes or skin. Even the safer biodegradable kinds can be hazardous. Take removed glue to your local hazardous waste facility as soon as possible--do not store in areas accessible to children or pets.
