How to Remove Vinyl Floor Squares

Vinyl floor squares can be a challenge to remove.

Over time, vinyl flooring can begin to peel on the edges or look worn and discolored. Leaving old flooring when you lay new tiles can cause slipping of new tiles or uneven spots on your new floors, so you should completely remove all old vinyl tiles. But beware of vinyl tiles that contain asbestos, which can pose a health hazard.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Floor scrapper
• Gloves
• Heat gun
• Goggles
• Trisodium phosphate
• Sponge mop

Instructions

1. Cut the tiles into strips using a sharp utility knife. Start at the outside walls and move towards the center of the room. The outside tiles will generally be cut tiles and will be smaller.

2. Pull up the tile strips. Wear utility gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the tile and the harsh adhesive.

3. Spray soapy water on any felt backing to break the felt down so that it can be scraped off with your utility knife.

4. Use a floor scraper or a long-handled chisel to pull up any remaining hard-to-remove pieces of tile. Scrape up as much of the adhesive as possible.

5. Heat up the adhesive with a heat gun to soften it for easier removal. Hold the heat gun 4 to 6 inches from the adhesive and use the chisel or scraper to scrape the adhesive off of the floor.

6. Remove any leftover adhesive with trisodium phosphate, which can be purchased at any home supply store. Use a sponge mop or an old cloth to apply the chemical to the floor, and scrape the remaining adhesive. Wear goggles when working with the chemical.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a professional asbestos specialist if your vinyl tiles were made in the 1970s. Many vinyl tiles contained an asbestos backing. The professionals can test your tiles to see if they contain asbestos. If they do, you will need to hire a professional asbestos removal company to remove the tile.

References

• Floor-Facts.com: How to Remove Vinyl Flooring
• Flooring Lady: Removing Vinyl Flooring