6 Tips to Remove Urethane Adhesive from Hardwood Floors

Removing urethane adhesive from hardwood floors can not only be frustrating, but it may also be pricey.

Since it has the potential to destroy the floor and leave you to repair that as well, it’s good not to give it a chance to dry on the surface and get it removed as soon as you notice.

Below are a few ways you can take care of the urethane adhesive on your hardwood floors before it becomes a serious problem.

1- Urethane Adhesive Remover

A high-quality urethane adhesive can take much of the effort out of cleaning the adhesive from the floor.

There are a number of removers explicitly designed for this task and can easily lift the adhesive while managing any stains left behind.

Many of the best urethane adhesive removers don’t have any sort of odor and don’t need much to get the job done.

There are even some that won’t leave behind any residue on the floor, making the process even simpler for you.

2- Mineral Spirits

Mineral spirits are commonly used to remove urethane adhesive from a floor.

It is a go-to choice for many professionals due to the ease with which it works on even the most stubborn urethane adhesive.

It is an organic solvent that works with the adhesive to loosen its bond and therefore allow it to easily lift from the floor.

Alongside this, mineral spirits are quite inexpensive, so it is widely available to people on most types of budgets.

3- Methylene Chloride

This type of cleaner is quite potent and strong compared to other removers or cleaners.

It is most commonly used in industries where working with adhesives is common.

It is transparent and has an odor, so you should wear a mask, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself while using it.

It works well on everything from tough stains to degreasing areas and can be used in any condition.

You may also see it labeled as dichloromethane in stores.

4- Acetone

Acetone is yet another organic solvent that is quite potent at removing glue residues.

The organic formula is highly effective against urethane adhesive on hardwood floors, even when compared to powerful chemical solvents.

It is commonly used in industries, plants, and manufacturing buildings where degreasing and deep cleaning are frequently required.

You can also use it at home to remove urethane adhesive, but it is important not to mix it with any other cleaning products, as this can produce a toxic and dangerous effect.

5- Denatured Alcohol

This solvent is commonly used to remove urethane adhesive.

The chemicals it contains make the alcohol quite strong and make it a common choice for anyone looking for an alternative to acetone.

It is safe to use without the need for any protective clothing, even though it is as powerful as it is. You may also see it labeled as methylated spirits.

6- Goo Gone Pro-Power Spray

This is a powerful spray that is able to latch onto any tough urethane adhesive and pull it out with ease.

It is a spray gel, making it quite simple to apply and use.

In terms of safety, it is among the safest options available, especially from the products mentioned above.

It does leave a bit of residue behind on the floor, but it can easily be wiped away using any kind of hardwood floor cleaner.

Furthermore, it is quite inexpensive, so anyone on a budget can take advantage of it.

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Steps for Removing Urethane Adhesive from Hardwood Floors

Armed with an understanding of the different types of products, you can now choose one to use for the job.

Below, you’ll find a list of steps to take to clean urethane adhesive from floors.

Step 1. Collect the materials

Before starting, be sure you have all of the materials you need on hand.

This includes not only the tools but also the solvent of your choice. You will need to obtain the following materials:

• Clean rag
• Mask, gloves, and goggles
• Hardwood floor cleaner
• Warm water

Step 2. Pour the solvent

When you pour the solvent, you’ll need to be sure that you are not pouring too much of it.

If you dump too much onto the hardwood floor, it will pool around and affect more than just the area of the urethane adhesive.

You will also want to be sure you don’t spill it on anything else so as not to cause damage.

When applying the solvent, be sure that it does fully cover all of the areas where the adhesive needs to be removed, but again, try to keep it confined to the immediate area.

Step 3. Allow the cleaner to sit

Once you have spread out the urethane adhesive remover of your choice, you have to let it sit to dry for at least 15 or 20 minutes.

During this time, the urethane adhesive will weaken its bonds and start to break apart.

It will begin to soften when this happens, so you can easily clean it up from the hardwood surface.

Step 4. Wipe away the adhesive

After the 15 or 20 minutes have passed to ensure the cleaner seeps into the urethane adhesive, you can clean it up.

Take a clean rag and clean up the remover, bringing the adhesive away with it.

The loosened particles will easily come loose from the floor, and soon you’ll be left with the clean hardwood floors that you started with.

Depending on how much is there, you may need to repeat the process.

Step 5. Repeat the process using a putty knife

Complete the steps all over again and allow it to soak, then wipe it once more.

Use a flat scraper or putty knife to ensure that every bit of it comes up this time. You can give certain stubborn spots more attention this way.

Step 6. Clean the surface

After you have cleared everything away with the flat scraper, you’ll have to wipe it all down.

Grab another clean rag and soak it in some warm water.

Once it is saturated, you can wipe the area gently to ensure nothing is left behind.

Step 7. Clean the hardwood floors

Use hardwood floor cleaner to get rid of any residue that might still be on the surface after your efforts.

This will ensure that absolutely nothing is left even after using a rag and putty knife.

This final step is important if you want to ensure that the floor looks perfect and shows no sign of any spilled urethane adhesive.

Final Thoughts

It can be tricky to remove urethane from hardwood flooring.

It only becomes more so when the urethane adhesive has had a chance to cure.

Following the steps above can, however, help you take the adhesive off without damaging your expensive floor surface.