How to Remove Linoleum on Stairs

Put on safety glasses and heat-resistant work gloves.

Wedge a claw hammer's claw end or a flat pry bar under the metal trim on the edge of one stair step. Use the tool to pry off the metal trim. Repeat the procedure for each step. Some installers add the metal trim to cover the linoleum's edges; the trim also is decorative and holds the linoleum edges in place.

Direct heat from a heat gun or hot air from a hairdryer at a seam in the linoleum until the adhesive under the linoleum softens and becomes pliable. Turn off the heat gun or hairdryer.

Place a metal putty knife on the linoleum seam at a low angle to the step. Force the putty knife under the edge of one linoleum piece at the seam, and lift it off the step's surface. Grab the lifted linoleum with vise grips, and pull the linoleum off the step.

Move the heat gun's or hairdryer's heat or hot air over the linoleum section that remains affixed to the step. Allow the heat or hot air to soften the adhesive, and pull the linoleum off the step.

Apply heat or hot air in the same manner as earlier to other sections of linoleum on the steps, and peel off the linoleum until none remains on the steps.

Aim the heat gun or hairdryer at the edge of the linoleum is on a stair riser, which is the vertical portion between steps. Wedge the putty knife under the edge of the linoleum, and use it to lift the linoleum. Grip the lifted linoleum with the vise grips. Continue to apply heat or hot air, and peel the linoleum off the riser until no linoleum remains on the riser. Repeat the process to remove linoleum from all the risers.

Apply a citrus-based adhesive solvent to the steps and risers with a paintbrush, rag or string mop. Allow the solvent to remain on the surfaces for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the solvent manufacturer’s directions on the product's label.

Scrape the adhesive off the steps and risers with a metal scraper.

Mix 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Dip a nylon scrub brush in the mixture, and use it to scrub the solvent and adhesive residue from the steps and risers. Wipe the steps and risers with a damp rag.