🧼 How to Remove Glue from Tiles (Plus My Experience on a Real Job)

Removing glue from tiles can be a real headache, especially after carpets or vinyl flooring have been glued down. Whether you’re dealing with sticky residue or hardened adhesive, it’s important to know the right method to get your tiles clean without damaging them.

Let me share both the step-by-step guide and a real experience I had on a tile cleaning job in town.


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🧪 Why Does Glue Stick So Badly?

When glue is used to hold down carpets or vinyl tiles, it’s often a pressure-sensitive or construction-grade adhesive. Over time, this glue bonds tightly to the tile surface. When you remove the carpet or flooring, you’re left with a stubborn, sticky mess that’s tough to clean off without the right tools.


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🧰 What You’ll Need

Plastic or metal scraper

Hot water and dish soap

Adhesive remover (like Goo Gone, acetone, or mineral spirits)

Clean rags or old towels

Floor-safe degreaser

Rubber gloves

Mop and bucket



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🔧 Step-by-Step: How to Remove Glue from Tiles

1. Start by Scraping

Use a plastic scraper (to avoid scratching) or a metal one if the glue is thick and dry. Scrape gently but firmly to peel off as much of the adhesive as you can.

> 📝 Tip: Heating the glue a bit with a hair dryer can make it easier to loosen and scrape.




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2. Soak with Warm Soapy Water

Mix hot water with dish soap and soak a rag or towel in it. Place it on the glue for 10–15 minutes to soften the adhesive.

Remove the towel and try scraping again. This step may need to be repeated a few times.


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3. Apply Adhesive Remover

If water isn’t enough, use an adhesive remover. You can try:

Goo Gone or Goof Off (for light glue)

Acetone or mineral spirits (for heavy-duty glue)


Instructions:

Apply the remover to the glue

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes

Scrape gently

Wipe off residue with a clean rag


Always test a small area first to avoid discoloring your tiles.


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4. Degrease and Clean the Surface

After the glue is gone, clean the floor with a tile-safe degreaser or a strong floor cleaner to remove oily residue. Rinse well and let the floor dry.


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🧹 My Real Experience with Stubborn Glue

One of the days, I got a job in town to clean tiles in a commercial space. When I arrived, I noticed that the floor was covered in patches of dried glue. It turned out they had glued a carpet directly onto the tiles years ago—and used very strong adhesive.

I knew regular cleaning wouldn’t be enough. I started scraping and then soaked the glue with hot soapy water. After that, I used a professional-grade adhesive remover. It took time and effort, but by the end of the day, the tiles looked clean and fresh again.

👉 This job reminded me that every surface has a history, and cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing—it’s about using the right methods and tools.


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👷 Need Help with Tile Cleaning?

At Rollen Projects And Services, we don’t just clean—we restore. Whether it’s removing glue, polishing tiles, or handling general maintenance, we do the job right.

✅ Tile Cleaning
✅ Drywall & Ceiling
✅ Plumbing & Electrical Maintenance

📞 Call or WhatsApp: 067 878 5106
📧 Email: info@rollenprojects.co.za
🌐 Visit: www.rollenprojects.co.za