How to Remove Vinyl Tile Squares

Vinyl floor tiles can be a challenge to remove.

Vinyl tile squares are one of the most challenging types of floor tile to remove. The adhesive that is used to bond vinyl to the subfloor gets harder and stronger as time goes by. Vinyl tiles that have been down for years can be much more difficult to pull up than tiles that have been down for months. Depending on the age of the floor and the condition of the adhesive, you may need to remove the tiles themselves first, and then the adhesive.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife with razor blade
• Floor scraper
• Heat gun, hair dryer or clothes iron
• Damp wash cloth
• Adhesive remover

Instructions

1. Test the corners of a few vinyl tile squares at various places in the room. Use a utility knife to cut or pry up the corners and see how well adhered the tile and adhesive are to the subfloor. Insert the edge of the utility knife's blade beneath the corner of the tile and push in and up to test.

2. Insert the edge of a floor scraper beneath a loosened corner of a vinyl tile. Stand facing the tile and hold the scraper at an angle to the floor. Push the scraper forward in short thrusts, getting beneath the tile and as much adhesive as possible. Remove any tiles that come up easily using this method.

3. Hold a heat gun or hair dryer above any tiles that are stuck hard to the subfloor. Alternatively, place a damp wash cloth on the tile, and set a hot clothes iron on top for a few minutes. The heat will soften the adhesive, helping to release the vinyl tile from the floor. Use the floor scraper to bring up the vinyl square after the adhesive has softened.

4. Hold the heat gun, hair dryer or hot clothes iron above any remaining adhesive stuck to the subfloor after the vinyl squares have been removed. Do not allow the hot appliance to come in contact with the adhesive. Use the floor scraper to take up the softened, leftover adhesive.

5. Pour a small amount of adhesive solvent onto any remaining adhesive that is not coming up with heat or scraping. Allow the solvent to soften the adhesive and use the floor scraper to bring it up, removing all traces of the adhesive from the subfloor.

Tips & Warnings

• Vinyl tiles installed prior to 1980, which are dark in color, have black adhesive, or measure 9-inches or 13-inches square in size may contain asbestos fibers. Do not attempt to remove these tiles--seek professional help.

References

• Guide 4 Home: Removing Vinyl Flooring
• The Flooring Lady: Removing Vinyl Flooring
• The Natural Handyman: Removing Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring