Removing Latex Carpet Backing From Wood Floors

Carpet backing keeps the fibers of the carpet pad in place. Carpets have two separate backings, a primary and secondary. The secondary backing touches the floor. Latex is applied between the primary backing on top and the secondary backing on bottom. The backing should lift off the floor when the carpet is removed. However, sometimes it is resilient and sticks to the floor. There are a few tools needed to completely remove the backing from your wood floors.

Things You'll Need

• Flathead screwdriver
• Wide putty knife
• Floor scraper

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove any staples from the backing by inserting the tip of a flathead screwdriver between the staple and the floor and popping the staple out.

   • 2

     Slide a wide putty knife underneath the latex backing and lift it up.

   • 3

     Pull the latex backing away from the wood floor with your hands.

   • 4

     Scrape away any resistant pieces of latex backing with a floor scraper.