How to Remove Adhesive from Wood Floors

There are many different strategies for removing adhesive or glue from wood floors. Some of these strategies are quite simple and pose little threat of accidental damage to your wood floors, while others may be a bit riskier. While removing adhesive from the floor may require a good deal of hard work and patience, the actual process to remove the adhesive from the wood floor usually only consists of a few simple and straightforward steps.

Things You'll Need

• Boiling water
• Towels
• Paint scraper
• Mineral spirits, paint thinner or acetone
• Heat gun

Instructions

Boiling Water Method

1. Make a large pot of boiling water. Be sure to boil enough water to thoroughly soak the area with the adhesive.

2. Place towels over the area with the adhesive. Be sure to use old towels that you do not mind getting dirty with the adhesive.

3. Pour the boiling water over the towels and adhesive. Be sure to allow enough time for the water to thoroughly soak the adhesive.

4. Use the towels to wipe up the adhesive. If the glue does not wipe off easily, use a paint scraper or other instrument to carefully try to scrape it away. However, be sure to take caution while doing this so as not to accidentally scrape the wooden floor. Repeat this process, adding more water if necessary.

5. When finished, be sure to completely dry the area, as remaining water could damage the wood floors if left on too long.

Mineral Spirits, Paint Thinner or Acetone Method

1. Purchase either mineral spirits, paint thinner or acetone from your local hardware store. Any of these options should work equally well, so deciding which one to use is really just a personal preference or what you have on hand.

2. Open windows around the area to ensure proper ventilation when working. Rubber gloves are also a good idea.

3. Pour the liquid onto a rag or towel. Use this soaked rag or towel to scrub the adhesive. Add more of the liquid and repeat the process, as needed. If scrubbing alone does not work, use a paint scraper or other instrument to scrape at the adhesive. However, take special care not to accidentally scrape the floor while doing so.

4. When finished, completely clean and dry the area to eliminate the risk of damage to your wood floors.

Heat Gun Method

1. Buy or rent a heat gun from your local hardware store. These look similar to hair dryers, but they deliver a very high level of heat.

2. Use the heat gun to melt the adhesive. However, be extremely careful not to scorch the floors, as the air will be extremely hot.

3. Wipe away the adhesive with a towel when it is sufficiently melted. Clean and dry the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• If none of the above methods work, another option is to use course sandpaper to buff the adhesive off the floor.

• No matter which method you decide to use for adhesive removal, be very careful not to damage your wood floor or injure yourself.

References

• Newsday

Resources

• Hardwood Information Center
• The National Wood Flooring Association