After removing sticky floor tiles in your home, you will find in most cases glue residue remaining on the surface. This glue is quite hard to remove with water and knife alone and can be frustrating. Let me help you.
How to Remove Glue Residue from Floor Tiles?
- The easiest way is to remove it with the so-called Super Remover. Unlike many adhesive removers, this one does not contain Methylene Chloride, NMP, or any other toxic chemicals.
- For concrete floors, Blue Bear 500MR Mastic Remover is the best choice. It is made out of Soy Beans. It passed several safety tests and can even remove glues that are more than 50 years old.
- Try to clean it with Mineral Spirits. We all have it in our homes.
Top 3 Best Adhesive Removers for Tiles
There are several types of adhesives available on the market. Some of them are bonded with cement so they require special adhesive remover. I care for the environment, so I have chosen the best three adhesive removers that do the job well.
1. Super Remover
Finding a safe adhesive remover is vital. One of them is Super Remover. It has the same good qualities as those of the highly toxic ones. However, it does not contain Methylene Chloride and other harmful chemicals.
Its gel formula removes all types of glue, urethane foam, tar, epoxy, or contact cement quickly and easily. You can use it on wood, metal, and concrete – making it perfect for any stripping project. Plus, it works in just 15 minutes and is water cleanable. I highly recommend this product because of its strong performance and safety features.
Pros
- Non-toxic and safe for the environment
- Removes all types of glue quickly
- Water cleanable
- Versatile – Works on multiple surfaces
Cons
- The odor might be a little annoying for some people
2. Blue Bear 500MR Mastic Remover
Mastic is that gooey stuff that holds tiles and other materials to a surface and can be tough to remove. If you have a concrete surface you should consider buying this product.
It is made with American Grown Soybeans, has virtually no odor, and has less than 3% VOC so you won’t have to worry about any harmful fumes while using it.
500MR Mastic remover is best for asbestos, black mastic, vinyl glue, ceramic mastic, and traditional carpet adhesives. It can remove newer mastics, layered adhesives, and even glues that are more than 50 years old.
Pros
- Certified by USPS for being an environmentally friendly product
- Removes multiple types of mastics, especially under 90’s asbestos tiles
- Non-flammable and has little to no odor
Cons
- The process is a bit messy and labor-intensive
- You will need some time to let it soak in the glue
3. Mineral Spirits
Mineral Spirits is probably the most widely used solvent and almost every household has it. Generally, it is used to clean paintbrushes. However, you can also use it to remove adhesive residue from your floors.
Made from renewable resources it is both safe and environmentally friendly. Additionally, it can be used indoors without any hazardous air pollutants, and it leaves no residue behind.
You’ll love how effectively this product cleans surfaces. It reduces fumes, and unwanted smell, and leaves no residue. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used by professionals for a variety of functions.
Pros
- Effectively removes grease, dust, dirt and tar-based adhesives
- Non-toxic, non-flammable and odorless
- Multi-purpose – it can be used for solvents, paintbrushes, tools and equipment and surfaces
Cons
- It might irritate the skin
- It can be a bit expensive solution
How to Remove Glue Residue from Floor Tiles?
If you are removing tiles, the first step is to remove the mastic or adhesive that is holding them in place. You can do this by using a mastic remover such as Super Remover or Blue Bear 500MR.
Cleaning With Mastic Remover
Once the mastic remover has been applied, you will need to wait for it to soak in and loosen the adhesive. This can take a while, so be patient. Depending on the type of adhesive and the surface, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Remove the tiles from the floor with the help of a chisel and a hammer.
- Apply the mastic remover to the glue residue and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub the area with a wire brush to remove the residue.
- Clean the area with a wet rag.
Cleaning With Super Remover
Super Remover is a non-toxic, biodegradable adhesive remover that works on most surfaces. To remove glue from floor tiles, follow the below steps:
- Remove the tiles from the floor or anything that hinders contact with glue and remover.
- Shake the bottle well and apply it liberally over the glue residue. Ideally, apply a 1/8 thick coat of super remover over the surface.
- Let it soak in for a few minutes. Usually, 15-30 mins are enough.
- Scrub the area with a scraper or spatula.
NOTE: Do not let the super remover dry over the glue because it will harden and become more difficult to remove.
Cleaning With Mineral Spirits
If you are using mineral spirits to clean adhesive residue, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it will not damage the surface.
- First, apply it to a rag and let it get wet.
- Next, rub the wet cloth in a circular motion over the adhesive surface.
- Once the mineral spirit has dissolved the glue, scrape off the residue.
- Repeat the process until you get to remove all the glue.
- After you have successfully removed the adhesive, take warm, soapy water and clean the surface well.
NOTE: Make sure to wear gloves to protect your skin from the irritants within the solvent.
What Are Other DIY Solutions To Removing Adhesive From Tiles?
Below are some of the most popular DIY methods for removing adhesive from tiles. However, each method has its own set of risks and might not be as effective as using an adhesive remover.
- Use Vinegar: Soak a paper towel in white vinegar and place it over the adhesive. Let it sit for an hour or two before scraping off the residue.
- Baking Soda and Soapy Water: Mix baking soda and soapy water to form a paste. Apply it to the adhesive and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing it off with a brush.
- Corn Starch: Make a paste of corn starch by mixing it with water. Then apply it over the effect surface and let it dry for half an hour. Scrub off the residue with a scraper.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil or Peanut Butter: These oils work as a lubricant and can help to loosen the adhesive. Apply it to the adhesive and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing it off with a brush.
- Hairdryer: Heat up the adhesive until it’s soft enough to scrape off with a putty knife.
- Oven Cleaner: Spray oven cleaner over the adhesive and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub the rest with a putty knife.
- WD-40: Spray it over the adhesive and let it sit for a few minutes before using a scraper to remove it.
- Rub Alcohol or Vodka: Apply to rub alcohol to a rag and rub it in a circular motion over the adhesive. Let it sit for an hour or two. Lastly, scrape off the residue.
- Acetone or Nail Polish Remover: Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and place it over the adhesive. Let it loose the glue for an hour or two.
How To Remove Adhesive Tiles From Floor?
The removal process depends on the type of tile and the adhesive used.
If you are using ceramic tiles with an organic adhesive, such as mastic, you can use a mastic remover to remove them. Similarly, If you are using tiles with a synthetic adhesive, such as vinyl floor tiles, you will need to use a degreaser or mineral spirits to dissolve the adhesive before you can remove the tiles.
In most cases, you will need to use a chisel and hammer. Be very careful when doing this as you could damage the surface underneath.
Once the tiles are removed, clean the area with a degreaser or mineral spirits to remove any adhesive residue. Finally, wash the area with warm, soapy water.
Related questions
What Is The Best Way To Remove Adhesive Residue
There are many ways to remove glue residue depending upon the type of surface you are working on and the type of adhesive. However, the safest and most effective way to do it is by using an adhesive remover.
How to remove adhesive from ceramic tile?
To remove adhesive from ceramic tile, you can use a mastic remover, degreaser, or mineral spirits. Remove the tiles, then apply the remover and let soak the glue, then wipe or scrape off with a rag.
Will using adhesive remover decolor my tiles?
Adhesive remover can potentially discolor tiles if left on for an extended period. Always test in a small area before applying to the entire surface.
Can I use a hairdryer to remove adhesive from tiles?
A hairdryer can be used to help remove adhesive from tiles, but it is not always effective. The heat from the hairdryer can help loosen the adhesive, but it may take some scrubbing with a scraper or spatula to remove it completely.
How to remove dried adhesive from tiles at home?
To do this, you can use a chisel and hammer to break the adhesive up, then clean by soaking the tile in a degreaser or mineral spirits. Finally, wash the tile with warm, soapy water.
How to remove glue from mosaic tiles?
Mosaic tiles use a variety of adhesives, so it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific adhesive used. In most cases, you can use a degreaser or mineral spirits to dissolve them.
Can I use Acetone to remove glue residue from ceramic tiles?
Acetone can be used to remove glue residue from ceramic tiles, but it is a harsh solvent and should be used with caution. However it does not work as well as other specialized adhesive removers.
