In recent decades, vinyl flooring has gained wild popularity, thanks to its visual appeal and ease of installation. The installation involves the use of glue or adhesive, and some of it stays on the flooring after installation, affecting the visual appeal of the planks. If you are wondering how to remove vinyl flooring glue, keep reading.
Generally, use some acetone or acetone-based nail polish to remove the leftover adhesive from vinyl flooring. You must do it gently and carefully because the procedure can damage the flooring. Soften the glue with a small amount of acetone, and then use a plastic scraper to scrape the glue. However, the actual process may vary depending on the type of glue you want to remove
In this post, we will provide instructions for different types of adhesives from vinyl flooring. Here you will find answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the process.
How to Remove Fresh Adhesive from Vinyl Flooring
When you glue down vinyl planks, you may accidentally apply the adhesive on the top. Be sure to remove the glue because it affects the visual appeal of the flooring.
As long as the glue is fresh, removing it is easy. Just take a piece of dry microfiber cloth and wipe the adhesive off. If the adhesive has partially dried, don’t worry. Take a cotton swab and dip it in a nail polish remover that contains acetone. Then gently rub the wet cotton swab over the stain. You can use a clean microfiber cloth to remove the remaining stain.
How to Remove Vinyl Flooring Glue That Has Dried
With the right tool, you can remove dried and hardened adhesive. You can use floor glue solvent or a glue removing spray such as Sprayidea 103. However, if you do not have access to a commercial product, you can use rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or degreasing soap instead. Any of these three is a good alternative to a floor stripper or glue solvent.
You will need the following tools and materials:
- Water
- Glue solvent
- Scraper
- Squirt bottle
- Gloves
- Microfiber cloths
Here is the procedure:
Step 1: Do not attempt to scrape off dried glue. Apply glue solvent to it first to loosen it. Pour some glue solvent into a squirt bottle and apply a small amount over the dried adhesive.
Step 2: Wait a few minutes while the dried adhesive softens. If there are specific instructions for using the solvent, follow them. In most cases, letting it sit for 10 minutes should be enough. Be careful about the timing. Do not let the glue solvent sit for too long because that may dull the shine of your vinyl plank.
Step 3: Remove the glue with the scraper. Gently push the glue horizontally with the edge of the scraper. Be sure to avoid scratching the plank.
Step 4: If there are still some glue residues, remove them with the scraper. Apply some more solvent if needed, and remove any trace of the adhesive.
Step 5: Once you have removed the stain, soak a clean cloth in water and use the wet cloth to wipe off the area. Make sure there is no trace of the solvent because it can damage the plank.
Pro tip: To test the effect of the glue solvent on your vinyl plank, consider applying the solvent in an inconspicuous area first.
How to Remove Vinyl Flooring Glue from Vinyl Plank Seams
When installing vinyl planks, applying too much adhesive is a common issue. If the excess glue gets stuck into the seams, you can remove it easily. For this, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Floor stripping solution
- Scraper
- Water
- Latex gloves
- Microfiber cloths
Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Wear latex gloves and remove the excess adhesive with a scraper. You won’t be able to remove it all but scrape as much as possible.
Step 2: Take a clean microfiber cloth and dip it in the floor stripping solution. Gently rub the wet cloth on the seam area. Do not rub too hard because you are removing only the excess glue.
Step 3: If there is still some excess stripping solution between the seams, wipe it off with a piece of damp microfiber cloth to wipe off the excess water.
Pro Tip: Consider using an all-purpose foam cleaner to get the job done quickly and more efficiently.
How to Remove Carpet Adhesive from Vinyl Planks
Removing carpet adhesive from vinyl planks is easy if you know how to remove vinyl flooring glue. You can use solvents to remove carpet glue from vinyl planks.
To begin with, pay attention to the appearance of the glue. Use mineral spirits to remove tar-based glue, which is dark in color. However, use acetone if the adhesive is lighter in color.
If you have to remove the adhesive from a small area, removal is quick and easy. And if it is a large area, be careful. Otherwise, you may end up damaging the vinyl planks beneath the carpet. A large amount of acetone will release fumes, so consider using mineral spirits in such a case.
Before applying acetone or mineral spirits, make sure the room is well-ventilated. In this use case, mineral spirits serve the same purpose as acetone: to soften the glue. But remember that applying too much chemical may discolor or damage your vinyl planks. Choosing a mild but effective glue remover is the key here. Sprayidea 101 can make the job easy for you.
If you want to remove carpet glue, using a razor scraper may not be a good idea, but if you use one, be cautious. Remove the glue only when it is soft. However, with a plastic scraper, you do not have to be very careful, but removing the glue will be difficult.
As you remove the softened adhesive, make sure it does not spread across the plank. To remove old glue, however, you may have to apply the solvent several times.
Then, use clean water to wash the floor and remove the solvents. Again, avoid using too much water because it will harm the plank.
How Long Does Spray Adhesive Take to Dry
The drying period depends on the type of spray glue. Most spray glues, however, become touch-dry within 5 minutes of application. When the glue dries, it becomes transparent, hard, and flawless. The appearance of the glue may slightly vary depending on the ingredients used in it.
Can You Reuse Vinyl Planks after Removing Adhesive from Them?
We have explained how to remove vinyl flooring glue, whether it is fresh, dry, or sticky. Now you may wonder if you can remove old glue, clean the glued planks and reinstall them. Well, even if the individual planks look good, there may be dents between the glued planks.
And in most cases, the process of removing glue residues harms the quality of the planks. Therefore, installing new planks may be a more convenient way to fix your floor. It’s quick, easy, and cost-effective. And if you have the right tools, you can take it as a DIY project.
Conclusion
This is how to remove vinyl flooring glue. The exact procedure depends on the type of glue you want to remove. While removing fresh adhesive is as simple as wiping it off, you need to use acetone or an acetone-based fingernail polish remover to remove dry glue. We have discussed all possible scenarios, and we hope you are now better prepared to take action.