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Removing Old Carpet Adhesive
What is the best way to get carpet glue
off a hardwood floor. I bought a house in Tulsa, Okla. and it is 57 years
old. The previous owners put the industrial carpet squares down with glue
directly over the wood floor. I ripped out the old carpet and the glue
still has a tacky feel and a chemical smell. I want to get it all up
before I start sanding due to not wanting to get the glue build up on my
sand paper. Any ideas on what to use or how to get the clean up done?
Thanks
Thomas C.
Tulsa, OK
This
is a good time to jump to a maintenance tips article I recently wrote.
See: Cleaning With
Solvents.
My recommendation is to start at the top of the list and work down.
Sprinkle, spray or dab a little solvent on the a small patch. Use a wide
scraper (4 to 6") because a skinny scraper will take too long. Try
different solvents (but don't overlap areas or mix solvents together,
that could get weird) and see which one works the best.
My bet would be mineral spirits, because it works on many glues and tar
compounds.
I believe that every home needs a supply of rubbing alcohol, mineral
spirits, and Goof-Off, at the very least. This chemistry set can
clean almost anything.
I think that a lot of the challenge to your task is the choice of
scrubbing utensils. If a putty knife doesn't get every last bit of glue
off, try various plastic scrubbing devices, such as dishwashing brushes
or those 3M Scotch-Brite pads. Most plastics will not be affected by the
solvents mentioned here. I have a 3M scrubbing pad that is sold for use
in stripping paint, and it works really well for that. It is a coarse
Scotch-Brite pad bonded to a very comfortable handle. Look around and
try different tools, and don't be afraid to raid the kitchen. Just don't
tell your wife it was MY idea!
Bruce W. Maki, Editor.
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