Any tips on removing glue residue from previous tile to restore hardwood floors during a complete renovation?
Asked by Ljudmila Flach 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Hey there! Just starting out on a big renovation project here. I’ve got some pictures of the flooring we’re pulling up, and it looks like there’s some sticky glue residue from the old tiles. Any tips on the best way to remove it and restore the hardwood floors to their former glory?
Rent a drum sander and make sure to have plenty of sanding belts. Begin with a rough grit (25-35) and gradually switch to a finer grit like 120-150. ‘t forget to also rent an edger. Follow the same procedure. I suggest sanding the main floor first before moving on to the edger. It’s messy and time-consuming, but worth it in the end.
Thank you so much! The floor is really sticky – do you think the drum sander will take care of it so I don’t need to use a cleaning solution? And will it also help with the pet odor from the previous owner?
Hey Laketta Wilson, it might work but the belts could get clogged up fast. I suggest using a strong scraper to get rid of most of it. Maybe Goo Gone could help with the rest.
Oh, and remember to sand in the same direction as the wood grain when using the drum sander.
Hey Lenny, should I start by using a hand sander to remove the glue?
Laketta Wilson Nope, a hand sander is not the same as a drum sander – it’s smaller and takes longer. I’d suggest using a stiff scraper and goo gone first to speed up the process. Then switch to the drum sander. You could try skipping the scraping step, but I wouldn’t recommend it. If you opt to sand it all off, just be ready to replace the sanding belt frequently until the sticky residue is completely gone.
PS Got it, Lenny! Thanks a bunch for clarifying!
Laketta Wilson Have you heard of a product called “Natures miracle” for removing pet smells? It works wonders on urine odor.
You could try using a drum or edge sander to get started. Clear off the heavy debris with a chisel or scraper first, then start sanding. It’s normal for hardwood floors to look a bit rough before sanding properly.
I appreciate the advice! It looks like having the drum sander is essential!
Laketta Wilson when it comes to both the drum and edge sander, you can rent them as a set. Just remember to never stop with the drum sander while it’s on… it can cause a divot. That’s a basic rule. You can probably find videos on YouTube (unlike in the 80s when I did some floors, I didn’t have that advantage! 😀).
Haha, I’m actually a girl on YouTube. I’m attempting to do as many DIY projects as I can to cut costs on this project!
You have the option to rent a sander and purchase the pads from Home Depot or Lowe’s to remove all the dirt and reveal a clean floor surface. It’s cost-effective and easy to operate.
You know what? I have a feeling that I’ll be visiting Lowes and Home Depot quite often in the next few months. 🤦🏾♀️
Personally, I prefer renting tools from Home Depot. Home Depot is like a buddy to me haha. I’m a contractor, so I’m there a few times every week 😂
Consider opting for an orbital sander instead of a drum sander! These floors carry a story and will look stunning once completed!
Hey , looks like you’ve added a new term haha. What’s the distinction 🤦🏾♀️
Your patches should be staggered, not laid in a straight line. Also, be careful when using a sander if you don’t have experience, as you could potentially damage your floors. It might be best to have them professionally refinished, especially since the wood may not even match due to the improper installation. Consider seeking advice from a professional rather than relying solely on the internet. In my opinion, your floors may not be worth the investment in refinishing if they were laid improperly.
Hey , just to clarify, I didn’t lay down anything as this is a new property. The work you’re seeing was not done by me. I have already reached out to professionals, but I also value this group for additional resources and information.
I get where you’re coming from, Laketta Wilson. I wouldn’t want you to waste money on something that’s not worth it. Adding a new floor on top might not be the solution here. This group focuses on DIY, so maybe a YouTube video could help you with a perfect DIY floor installation. Installing LVT click floors may not be as difficult as it seems.
I hope you’re not expecting too much…