Simple Tips to Get Rid of Stubborn Carpet GlueBy Keith Loria
Moving into a new home is a great opportunity for homeowners to tackle a variety of projects to get the house looking like their own—with changes and renovations beginning almost immediately after taking ownership of a property. And more often than not, floors are job No. 1.
For many, there’s nothing better than ripping up a carpet and discovering beautiful wood flooring underneath. The problem is, removing carpets can be a painful process, one that leaves marks on the floor due to the glue that kept them in place over the years. These problematic remnants are typically harder to remove than the actual carpet itself, but with a little elbow grease and some basic DIY instructions, homeowners will be enjoying their new hardwood floors before they know it. The first step toward tackling stubborn carpet glue is to determine what type of glue you’re dealing with. Not all carpet glues are the same, requiring different solutions and steps depending on the type you’re working with. Therefore, before you can remove any adhesive from the floor, you must determine what type of glue you’re dealing with. Tar-based adhesives are dark brown or tan, while yellow-looking adhesives typically signify that a carpet was glued down with a more general adhesive. Once you’ve determined which type of glue you’re dealing with, go to your local hardware store and buy the appropriate removal material. General adhesives are best removed with some basic adhesive remover, while tar-based glues need mineral spirits to get the job done. Both require a good deal of that elbow grease we spoke about earlier. The process of removing the glue is simple. Start by scraping off any spots you can, but don’t dig in too deep, as you don’t want to damage the floor. Next, add the adhesive remover, spreading it out evenly. Read the instructions carefully to ensure you keep it on for the correct amount of time. Also, since many of these adhesive removers can be toxic, be sure to wear gloves and keep the windows open to allow proper ventilation. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape the glue away as this won’t scratch or scuff the floor like a metal tool will. If the glue isn’t completely wiped away, follow the instructions again and add more remover to the spot. This time, use an old towel to wipe away the remaining glue. Once all the glue is gone and the floor has dried, vacuum the area so no glue particles remain. Buy some floor cleaner and polish up the wood floor so it looks brand new, and enjoy. For more tips on removing carpet glue, contact our office today. |
Today's Top Stories |