How to Remove Linoleum From Cement

Remove linoleum from your cement floor with a scraper, a heat gun and some elbow greeeeeez.

When your linoleum floors have become outdated or just very worn and used-looking, you will want to remove and replace the linoleum with new flooring. Linoleum is glued to the underlayment, which is usually wood or cement. Getting linoleum off cement flooring requires a lot of scraping. Removing linoleum from your cement floor involves a few special supplies and tools, but doing it yourself will save you a hefty carpenter's fee.

Things You'll Need

• Floor scraper or large putty knife
• Utility knife
• Wire brush
• Heat gun
• Rubber gloves
• Goggles
• Paint brush
• General purpose adhesive cleaner
• Old towels

Instructions

1. Cut the linoleum into smaller pieces so heating and scraping will be easier. Insert the utility knife through the linoleum and cut approximately 2-by-2-foot squares over the entire linoleum area.

2. Plug in the heating gun. Hold it an inch above the linoleum and heat up the entire 2-by-2 foot area.

3. Insert the putty knife or floor scraper under the edge of the piece of linoleum you warmed up. Scrape up the piece and pull it off the cement floor with your hands. Scrape as much of the glue off the floor as you can. Use the heating gun again on small pieces of linoleum that wouldn't come off, and scrape them off the cement.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you have all the linoleum pieces off the cement floor.

5. Apply a thin coat of adhesive cleaner over the entire glue-covered area. using the paint brush. Allow it to soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

6. Scrap up the remaining glue on the cement with the putty knife. Wipe off the entire cement floor with towels soaked in hot water.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves.

References

• Search Warp: How To Remove Linoleum | Some Easy Guidelines
• Brown Stoner: Removing Hard-to-Remove Linoleum Remnants