While removing your old carpet from the floor, the adhesive used in gluing the carpet might get stuck to the floor and would not budge. It is even more frustrating if you have new flooring to install.
We would be revealing how to remove carpet glue from concrete. We have various methods which include; scraping the concrete, using boiled water, and applying glue remover. You can also use ammonia and detergent, and acetone. Sanding the floor does wonders too
Read on as we throw more light on how to remove carpet glue from concrete.
Related: How to Get Glue Out of Carpet
How to Remove Carpet Glue From Concrete
Table of Contents
Removing carpet glues from the concrete can be tough and annoying. It is even more so if you do not know the right step to go about it.
We gave detail on how to remove carpet glue from concrete.
Scrape the Concrete
The first step is to scrape off as much concrete glue as you can. To do this job you would need a scraper with a razor-sharp edge. On some occasions, it is even possible to get rid of all the glues with just this step.
If you were not able to get rid of the concrete glue, sweep away the glue slabs you were able to scrape off. Then move over to the next step.
Use Boiling Water
You would need to boil a pot of water, then apply it to the dry glue for you to loosen it up. This solely has to do with the age or type of glue used.
If the glue is quite stubborn you should use a big pot to boil the water, for effect. Then give the hot water time to sit on the glue for about 1-2 minutes.
Be careful not to splash the boiling water on yourself to avoid scalding. Carefully lower the floor and gently pour it out. You should wear a rain boot and a pair of rubber gloves, this would help safeguard you from the scalding splash.
It is best you work on a small area one at a time and not pour the boiling water all over the whole floor. If you pour the boiling water all over the floor, you would find out that once you get to the next section the hot water might have already cooled off.
The next step is to scrub the already wet glue off the concrete floor. Make use of a scrubber or you can equally continue with a scraper. If the glue is still unyielding, apply more boiling water and continue repeating the process.
Read: How to Remove Glue from Concrete Floor after Removing Linoleum
Apply Glue Remover
If you were unable to still remove the concrete glue with boiling water, the next step is to make use of a heavy-duty glue remover. Glue removers can easily permeate the glue and get rid of the glue.
Your room has to be well ventilated before you apply a glue remover because it can be dangerous. Also, ensure you read and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
After you are done applying the glue remover, use a scraper or a stiff straw scrubbing brush to continue working on the stubborn glue residue.
Ammonia and Detergent
You can also use ammonia to get rid of glue from the concrete floor. Ammonia is very effective and requires dilution with water before using it on the concrete floor. You would have to mix two cups of ammonia and a bucket of water. Also, spray dishwashing detergents judiciously on the mixture.
Do not forget to put on your safety wears like a respirator, goggles, and rubber gloves. This is is because its fumes are lethal. Scrub the area with a bristle brush to get rid of the remnant glues.
The detergent and ammonia mixture would make the glue loosen and it would easily be swiped off the floor. Wipe the concrete floor with a clean cloth to remove the residues. Apply the ammonia solution and detergent on the floor again till you have gotten rid of the glues.
After you are done, rinse the concrete floor with clean water and mop it immediately you are done.
Acetone
Acetone is another huge asset in removing glue from the concrete floor. You should note that acetone releases toxic gases and is also combustible.
So it is advised you make use of a respirator to keep the toxic fumes away from you. Also, be fully girded on your safety wears like goggles and gloves.
You would need a hard bristled brush. Then get a quarter cup of acetone and pour it on a tray. Dip your bristled brush on the solution. Then start scrubbing on the glue. The acetone would melt the remnant glue on the concrete floor. You would then use the brush to get rid of the glues.
Sand the Concrete Floor
If there is still glue on the concrete floor even after using the glue remover, then you should sand the floor. This is because you need to remove the whole glue from the layers of the concrete floor.
Make use of a floor sander or a floor buffing machine with a sanding disk. Either of them can get the work done effectively. Make use of aggressive grit to remove the majority of the glue. Then, switch over to a finer grit to complete the sanding process.
Also, be on the watch out to avoid sanding too much. This is because you might sand way too deep and end up causing damage to the floor.
Also, keep in mind that sanding the concrete would make it more spongy and it will end up absorbing more acid pigment and sealer.
When sanding the concrete floor you should be fully dressed in your safety wears like goggles, gloves, and a dust mask. The clothes you are putting on should also cover you fully. Also, do not focus on just one area while sanding try not to be on a given area for too long as it might result in uneven ground.
Troubleshoot
Even after you are done with the whole process above and the glue is yet to be removed from the concrete floor, you have only the option of troubleshooting. You have the option of using a heat gun to soften the glue. Ensure you cover the glue on the concrete floor before using the heat gun.
Read: How to Remove Carpet Padding From Wood Floors
Conclusion
While removing old carpets from your concrete floor, the glues used to adhere it might get stuck to the floor. And it can be tough removing it. We gave a detailed list of how to remove carpet glue from the concrete floors.