How to get glue adhesive off hardwood floors

Rehabbing & House Flipping
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How to get glue adhesive off hardwood floors

Jon Collins
Investor · Saint Louis, MO · Member since 2015 · 108 posts · 31 votes

Hi, I'm trying to pull up sticky tiles that were installed over hardwood floors. No problem getting up tiles because I'm using a heat gun. But the sticky residue left in the floors has been an issue. Any suggestions?

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John Teachout
Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
5y

Don't try to sand any type of adhesive. It will immediately gum up the sandpaper which will stop sanding in seconds.

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  • Edward A.
    Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 6 posts · 2 votes
    5y

    Can you sand them down and refinish? I imagine getting the adhesive off and maintaining the original veneer would be pretty tedious. 

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  • Genny Li
    Baltimore, MD · Member since 2018 · 431 posts · 281 votes
    5y

    Goo gone. 

    1Reply
  • Bob H.
    Rental Property Investor · Cedar Park, TX · Member since 2014 · 414 posts · 272 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Genny Li:

    Goo gone. 

    Right. With major ventilation.

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  • Genny Li
    Baltimore, MD · Member since 2018 · 431 posts · 281 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Bob H.:
    Originally posted by @Genny Li:

    Goo gone. 

    Right. With major ventilation.

     Goof off needs the ventilation. Goo gone is the oily stuff. 

    0Reply
  • Bob H.
    Rental Property Investor · Cedar Park, TX · Member since 2014 · 414 posts · 272 votes
    5y

    @Genny Li Good point!

    1Reply
  • James Sebastian
    Member since 2021 · 56 posts · 27 votes
    5y

    I had this problem in a room a couple years ago.  Used gentle heat and careful hand scraping, mostly with a putty knife.  It's slow but I was afraid the chemicals would dissolve the black mastic and soak in, staining the floor forever.  

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  • David Vargas
    Contractor · Hopatcong, NJ · Member since 2020 · 24 posts · 14 votes
    5y

    @Jon Collins

    I assume you'll be refinishing the floors correct? You can use a buffer attachment called a diamabrush before getting the belt sander out. It'll make quick work of it.

    1Reply
  • Jon Collins
    OP
    Investor · Saint Louis, MO · Member since 2015 · 108 posts · 31 votes
    5y

    Thanks everyone for the suggestions.  I did run across a video of someone suggesting Goo Gone to clean the glue on hardwood.  i gave it a try and it worked pretty well.  

    1Reply
  • Jon Collins
    OP
    Investor · Saint Louis, MO · Member since 2015 · 108 posts · 31 votes
    5y

    @David Vargas, yes I will be refinishing the floors.  Goo Gone did appear to work pretty well.  But will also try what you suggested.  Thanks

    0Reply
  • Jon Collins
    OP
    Investor · Saint Louis, MO · Member since 2015 · 108 posts · 31 votes
    5y

    @Genny Li, I ran across a video on youtube and gave Goo Gone a try.  It did the trick.  However it is oily, lol.  Had to wipe it off really well but it worked.  Thanks

    2Reply
  • John Teachout
    Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    Don't try to sand any type of adhesive. It will immediately gum up the sandpaper which will stop sanding in seconds.

    2Reply
  • Genny Li
    Baltimore, MD · Member since 2018 · 431 posts · 281 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Jon Collins:

    @Genny Li, I ran across a video on youtube and gave Goo Gone a try.  It did the trick.  However it is oily, lol.  Had to wipe it off really well but it worked.  Thanks

     Yep, you can clean easily with any gentle soap. 

    0Reply
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