One of the biggest challenges that homeowners face is removing old linoleum. It’s a daunting task, but there are tricks you can use to make the job a little easier. The level of difficulty really depends on several underlying factors, like the type of adhesive and the age of the linoleum. If you’re putting down a new floor it may be easier just to leave the linoleum intact, especially if it’s solidly bound and not cracked or heaving. If it needs to go, you’re in for a big job.
To start with, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to just remove the linoleum and adhesive all at once. What’s under the linoleum can be part of the problem, especially if it’s wood. Concrete floors can withstand a lot more in the way of rough treatment, including the type of scraper you use. Most people will use paint scrapers, although scrapers with a razor blade are usually more efficient. Be ready to break some blades it if the adhesive is hard, and you’re working on concrete.
Don’t try to remove everything at once. Instead, try cutting the linoleum into strips or sections, and peeling them away. You should be able to remove most of the surface layer and a good portion of the linoleum backing. Using this method also makes it a lot easier to get at the underlying adhesive.
After the top layer is taken up and you’re down to scraps, you have options for removing the adhesive. Chemical solvents such as Krud Kutter can be effective. Research these products and read the customer reviews. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully, and wear protective gloves and a mask. Work with a small area at a time and take a breath of fresh air before moving to the next.
Other home repairers report success with using nothing more advanced than boiling or very hot water. The water can be poured directly on the backing and adhesive, a small area at a time, left to soak, and then scraped up. Alternatively, you can fold an old towel and lay it on top of a section of adhesive, pour boiling water over it, let it set, remove and then scrape.
Direct heat is a great way to soften old linoleum adhesive. Find an inconspicuous area of flooring, and use a hair dryer and putty knife to scrape away the glue. On hardwood floors, you must push the scraper in the same direction as the natural grain of the wood, or you’ll be left with a damaged floor. Keep a durable pan nearby to hold the scrapings, and be sure that it won’t melt or burn if it comes in contact with the heat source or hot materials.
You may wish to move up to using a heat gun after you become comfortable with this process. If so, be careful not to overheat the wood and char it. You should also know that using this technique may allow some of the softened mastic to flow into the joints between the floorboards. Keeping the heated area small, constantly moving the heat source and scraping as quickly as possible will all help improve the outcome.
It’s virtually impossible to remove every bit of old adhesive from a hardwood floor, and too much scraping can easily damage the wood. Use the above methods to take away as much old adhesive as possible. Then, take a break to consider your next step. Some people choose to lightly sand away any remaining adhesive, while others use mineral spirits and turpentine to scrub it off. However you choose to clean your wood floors, remember this important final step: seal the wood to protect it before you lay any new adhesives or coverings.
