How to Remove Linoleum Glue Stains From Floor
Removing linoleum glue stains from flooring can be a tricky task. Linoleum is made from renewable materials like linseed oil, pine rosin and cork dust, and is a very durable flooring. To secure linoleum to a sub-floor apply a glue, or mastic, directly to the sub-floor. While linoleum flooring is an excellent and relatively inexpensive flooring option, the glue it leaves behind can complicate matters. When it comes time to replace the linoleum, one of the biggest parts of the job can be removing the glue. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Razor blade
- Floor scraper
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Chemical stripping agent
Instructions
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Remove the linoleum strips or squares. Remove any screwed down metal strips often found in doorways, and cut any caulking found along the baseboards. Use a razor blade to initiate the removal, and start peeling back the sheets of linoleum. Once the sub-flooring is exposed, begin removing the residual glue left from the linoleum.
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Start with a floor scrapper that has a near-razor edge. Scrape with the grain of the wood sub-flooring. Scraping against the grain often results in deep cuts in the wood which will hamper efforts to secure a new floor later.
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Pour hot tap water into a bucket, and use a sponge to soak the remaining glue residue. Do not puddle the water as that could cause damage to the sub-floor. You just want it wet enough to soften the glue. Keep it wet for 30 minutes or so. This should loosen up the glue enough to continue scraping it off. For extra tough spots add some vinegar to the hot water to assist in the loosening.
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Use chemicals as a last resort as they can damage the wood flooring. If a particular section of glue residue won't come off and will prevent you from laying down a new floor, try using paint thinner, isopropyl alcohol or another chemical stripping agent. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes before re-scraping. Whenever you use chemicals, keep the room well ventilated.
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