How can I remove residue left from peel and stick tiles?

Question

I have old peel and stick vinyl tiles coming up off my vinyl flooring. I want to keep the floor underneath.

What gets rid of glue residue but is safe to use in house?

Answer 1

The approach is usually progressive. You try a less aggressive cleaner to see if it works, and if not, then move on to a more aggressive. At some point, you may find that the cleaner damages the surface, so test in an inconspicuous area.

I would use paper towels and a mild scrubbing pad, and I would use cleaners in the following order:

• a soap based cleaner, such as Murphy's Oil Soap
• strong household cleaner with grease cutter, such as Formula 409
• a residue remover, such as Goo-Gone
• a mild solvent, such as denatured alcohol
• a stronger solvent, such as mineral spirits
• a mild stripper, such as a citrus based product
• a very strong solvent, such as acetone or lacquer thinner (but at this point you are almost sure to damage the surface of the flooring finish).

Answer 2

I have found an easy way if you are going to recover the floor with some other type of floor covering first i heat an iron and soften tile by laying iron over cloth so tile lifts easily then i sprinkle the floor with fine sawdust and rub in i leave the sawdust fir 15 minutes while lifting more tiles then brush off excess when completed the area i wish to work on i leave for half hour brush off again then vacuum and you are left with a clean floor with only very fine trace of sawdust

Answer 3

I pried up old peal and stick tile using heat gun, leaving very sticky glue residue, tried cleaning with hot water, mineral spirits and finally acetone. None worked. So finally I pealed off one tile and just sprinkled corn starch onto residue, making it no longer tacky at all. Not going to scrape anything as I plan on going over top of the concrete floor with floating click together vinyl.

Answer 4

If you are leaving the tiles in place: peanut butter and a little rubbing. The only problem is it will remove the deep shine, in that area. Just give the flooring a little Mop & Glow..

Answer 5

I removed the tiles, sprayed linoleum with Goo Gone,wiped up Goo Gone. Lineoleum is clean. Quick and easy.

Answer 6

I had a sticky floor issue after removing self stick 12x12 tiles. I took some advice and tried baking soda and it worked beautifully.

Answer 7

You can try applying apple cider vinegar to it and let it sit. Of that doesn't work get yourself some goo gone . That should do the trick.