How to Remove Carpet Glue from Concrete

It is very hard to remove carpet glue from concrete even with the most advanced stripping agents. However, there is one method that is not only easy to use, but it is eco-friendly and inexpensive as well. There have been a lot of talks regarding the negative effects of toxic chemical strippers lately. When these chemicals are applied onto glued surfaces, they emit toxic fumes that are hazardous to health and to the environment. Although there are indeed eco-friendly soy-based products that promise to remove carpet glue from concrete without the toxic effects, these products cost money and they do need to be applied several times before they get the glue off the concrete surface. Here are methods to remove carpet glue from concrete:

Step 1 – Scraping the Carpet Glue

Remove as much of the carpet glue as possible by scraping it using a razor blade scraper. The scraper can easily remove big chunks of the glue, which helps in getting the job done easily afterwards.

Step 2 – Use Boiling Water

Boiling water will soften up hard-to-remove glue. Pour the boiling water over the carpet glue and allow it to sit there for about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not allow the boiling water to sit for too long or it will cool off. As the heat softens the glue, scrape it off using the razor blade scraper. This process is not applicable in some parts of the home, such as in areas where there are electrical outlets and cords. If such is the case, go to Step 3 and 5.

Step 3 – Use Iron and Newspapers

Connect the iron to an outlet plug and allow it to heat up moderately. Cover the concrete glue with newspapers. Run the iron over the glue covered in newspapers. The purpose of the newspaper it to avoid having the glue stick to the iron’s hot surface. When the glue is heated up, remove the newspapers and scrape off the softened glue. Repeat the process as often as necessary until all the glue is removed.

Step 4 – Scrub the Leftover Glue

To remove the glue that has not been removed from the concrete using the methods above, make use of a scouring pad to scrub what is left. In order to make the scrubbing more effective, mix one gallon of hot water with one cup of ammonia and a tablespoon of liquid detergent in a container. Pour the mixture on the concrete glue and allow it to sit for about three minutes. Scrub the concrete with the scouring pad until all the glue is removed. Rinse the concrete well with clear water afterwards.

Step 5 - Use a Mastic or Adhesive Remover

If there is still more glue left, or if all recommended methods fail, it is time to use an eco-friendly adhesive remover. It chemically softens the adhesive for quick and easy scraping. Apply the adhesive remover on the concrete floor covered with glue. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction. When the adhesive softens, scrape off.