How To Remove Glue Or Adhesive Off Wooden Floors
If you are in the process of installing your beautiful new hardwood floor or if you have had it fitted for a while but perhaps embarked upon a different DIY or craft project that requires the use of glue or adhesive you may encounter a sticky problem; glue or adhesive on your wood floors.
Problems with application, spills, drips or walking glue across your wood flooring might send you into panic mode but don't worry this helpful guide to explain how to get glue off wooden floors safely and effectively.
Identifying the Glue Type
Different glue types may require a different removal method to avoid stains and avoid damaging the finish or the wood floorboards underneath.
If you are installing the hardwood floor or engineered wood floors then you will have chosen a wooden floor glue or parquet adhesive such as Junckers Parquet Adhesive, Floorbond or PVA Glue. We recommend that you read the data sheet available on our website to get the details of these adhesive products; such as ingredients and the glue type.
If the glue or adhesive that was spilt or otherwise marring your wood floors was from a source other than installation do your best to find out whether it is:
- Super glue
- Wood glues
- Polymers such as glues used in glue guns
- Epoxy
- Fabric glue
- Floor Adhesive
- Polyurethane
Choosing the Right Removal Method
The good news is, that the majority of glues and adhesives can be removed easily with a pallet knife, spatula-type tool or similar; don't use sharp-edged metal that could damage not only the finish but the wood underneath too, and gently scrape. Then wipe with a wet cloth until you have removed all the sticky residue. That is if you can act quickly before the glue dries or sets.
It is always worth reading the manufacturer's instructions and/or datasheet to find the recommended methods to remove glue from wood floors or any other surface.
Once it has dried, which some glue types do almost instantly, it does become trickier but it is still possible to remove glue from wood floors. The best way to try to remove glue from wood floors is to use recommended wooden floor cleaning products such as the WOCA cleaning kit bundle, or other suitable high-quality cleaning accessories that you would usually use for maintaining your wood floors including a good-quality polishing cloth.
Employing Solvents
Many 'how to' guides will advise you to use acetone/nail polish remover, mineral spirits or other solvents as an effective way to remove glue from wood floors and hardwood floors. However, we would advise against using solvents or certainly to use extreme caution if you do decide to use them as they are very likely to damage the finish of your engineered or hardwood floors and possibly the wood underneath. We also advise against using vinegar - another method that is commonly cited in less reputable how-to guides.
Harnessing the Power of Heat: Softening Stubborn Glues
Sometimes for epoxy-type glues including polymer and polyurethane, heating the glue is an effective way to remove glue from wood floors. First, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and then try heating the glue with a heat gun on a low setting or a hairdryer. You could even try using very hot water and a hot, damp cloth. This should turn the glue to its liquid state and the steps above i.e. gently scrape and wash with a clean cloth to remove any and all leftover residue. Using a low setting is of paramount importance to avoid damage to the finish of your engineered wood or hardwood floors.
Utilising Abrasive Methods: Gentle Rubbing for Resistant Residues
If you have used one of our recommended cleaning products and tried the heat method detailed above to remove glue from wooden floors and the glue still hasn't been effectively removed from your engineered or hardwood floors then abrasive methods should be your next port of call. Using a fine grit sandpaper and pinpoint accuracy gently scour away any glue or leftover residue on your wood floor. If it is not coming off easily, resist the urge to use a coarser grade of sandpaper and just use a bit more elbow grease.
Protecting the Wood Finish: Essential Precautions
A word of warning. Before you begin the process of removing glue from your wood floor, make sure you don't make the problem worse! Use a suitable protective floor covering over the remainder of the floor that you will not be working on. Don't risk making the job bigger than it already is.
Prevention; Maintaining Your Wooden Floor
We know that it's a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, but, prevention is so much better than cure. When beginning any project from installing your new wood flooring, to other DIY, or craft projects and especially if you have children in the house who are embarking upon a project of their own; cover your wood flooring carefully. Furthermore, keep your floor well-maintained by sweeping and regular cleaning with a high-quality, suitable product as per your manufacturer's guidelines.
Conclusion: Restoring Your Floor to Glory
If you have managed to remove glue from your wood floor, well done. You might want to finish the job with a thorough clean or potentially refinishing your floor depending on the size of the job. However, if you are thinking that you are still unsure of what to do and how to remove glue from your wood floors then consider contacting professional services to help.
