How to Clean an Adhesive Off a Concrete Floor After Removing Indoor/Outdoor Carpeting

Indoor/outdoor carpeting that is laid on a concrete floor requires adhesive be put on the floor to hold it down. When you rip up the carpeting, some of that adhesive will likely be left on the concrete. Before you paint, stain, seal or apply new flooring to the concrete, all of the adhesive must first be removed. You can remove adhesive from concrete yourself with the right products and techniques.

Floor scraper
Vacuum cleaner
Mastic or adhesive remover
Bucket
Mop
Dish soap
Rags

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape away as much of the glue as possible with a floor scraper. After scraping the entire floor, vacuum up the loosened glue.
- 2
  Pour mastic or adhesive remover into a bucket. Read the label on the remover for specific instructions. Although most of these products do not need to be diluted with water, check the label just to be sure.
- 3
  Apply the adhesive remover to any remaining glue spots using a mop. Let the solvent sit on the adhesive for a minimum of 30 minutes, or the manufacturer's recommended time.
- 4
  Scrape the adhesive again with the floor scraper to remove the remaining spots. Once all the adhesive is removed, pick up the large chunks with the floor scraper and discard them in the trash. Clean the floor well with warm, soapy water to remove the residue.

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