How to Remove 1920's Linoleum

Remove 1920s linoleum floors.

Due to the adhesive power of 1920s linoleum glue and its resistance to some modern chemicals, linoleum removal can be difficult. Before attempting to remove the linoleum from the floor, it is important to determine whether the old flooring contains asbestos. A professional analysis is necessary to determine whether asbestos is present on the back of the old linoleum flooring. If a flooring company determines that asbestos is present, a professional will need to be hired to remove the flooring. If the floor sample proves to be asbestos free, you can remove the linoleum yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Boiling water
• Towels
• Scraper
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. 

   Wear protective gloves.

   Protect hands, feet, and knees before beginning the linoleum removal process. Choose temperature resistant gloves and boots that can be purchased from a local hardware store. Wear plastic or rubber knee pads to protect the knee area while bending to remove the unwanted linoleum.

2. 

   Score the linoleum surface.

   Score the linoleum flooring in an X-pattern with a utility knife. Do not cut too deeply with the utility knife to avoid damaging any hardwood below.

3. 

   Apply boiled water to the linoleum surface.

   Boil water. Carefully soak a hand towel or small bath towel in the boiling water and place it on the scored linoleum. Allow the towel to rest on the linoleum for two minutes to loosen the old glue. Work with one small area of flooring at a time.

4. 

   Remove linoleum using a scraper.

   Scrape the old 1920s linoleum from the sub floor with the razor blade or scraper. Slide the scraper under the edge of the linoleum and pull up on the old flooring. Repeat until all flooring has been removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If adhesive residue remains on the sub floor once the linoleum has been removed, use a chemical called Krud Kutter on the sticky area. Wear protective eye, face, and hand gear when using this chemical. Make sure the room is well ventilated.

• When scoring the surface of the linoleum, make sure your non-cutting hand is clear of the blade of the utility knife.

References

• Linoleum Flooring
• How to Remove Old Linoleum

Resources

• Linoleum and Asbestos