How to Remove Carpet Glue From Concrete

Carpet glue being poured onto concrete flooring in preparation for installing carpet.
What You'll Need
Razor blade scraper
Boiling water
Clothing iron
Newspapers
Scouring pad
Ammonia
Detergent
Bucket
Eco-friendly adhesive remover
What You'll Need
Razor blade scraper
Boiling water
Clothing iron
Newspapers
Scouring pad
Ammonia
Detergent
Bucket
Eco-friendly adhesive remover

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 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 your health and to the environment.

Although there are indeed eco-friendly, soy-based products that promise to dissolve carpet glue without the toxic effects, these products cost money and need to be applied several times before they get the glue off the concrete surface. Here are some alternative methods to get carpet glue off of concrete that will protect your health and your wallet.

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 get the job done more easily later.

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 three to five 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, for safety reasons. If such is the case, go to steps three and five.

Step 3 – Scrub the Leftover Glue

To remove adhesive that has not yet been scraped from the concrete using the methods above, make use of a scouring pad to get 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 4 - Use a Mastic or Adhesive Remover

If there is still more glue left, or if the above methods fail, it is time to use an eco-friendly adhesive remover. It will chemically soften the adhesive for quick and easy removal.

Apply the adhesive remover on the carpet glue residue, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When the adhesive softens, scrape it up as before.