How to Remove Old Glue From Under Vinyl Tiles

Scraping Glue Off Subflooring

1). Position a heat gun over a 2-by-2-foot section of the glue. Move it back and forth and up and down over the area to soften the glue. Do not concentrate the heat in one section, as it may cause a fire or scorch mark on the subflooring.
2). Allow the heat to soften the glue. Continue to apply heat until the glue is pliable.
3). Scrape the subflooring with a metal scraper, removing as much of the old glue as possible.
4). Load a belt sander or orbital sander with medium-grit sandpaper and sand off the remaining glue.

1). Remove base moldings from the perimeter of the room. Tape plastic sheeting to the wall, beginning at the floor and moving up the wall 2 to 3 feet. The sheeting will protect the wall from splashing solvent.
2). Pour a light coat of adhesive solvent directly onto the old glue. Work in smaller, 4-by-4-foot sections to avoid stepping in the solvent and tracking it to other areas. Begin in a far corner and work your way toward the doorway.
3). Work the solvent into the subfloor with a stiff bristle broom. Allow the solvent to remain on the subfloor according to the manufacturer's recommendations, usually 10 to 30 minutes depending on the brand and active ingredient. Chemical-based solvents typically work faster than eco-friendly citrus-based solvents. Both types are equally effective.
4). Wipe up the dissolved glue with rags.
5). Wash the floor with trisodium phosphate (TSP). Rinse the floor several times to remove solvent residue.