PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE About UsRandom ArticleQuizzesRequest a New Article Community DashboardTrendingForums Computers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Finance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship QuizzesCars & Other Vehicles Food and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and FitnessComputers and Electronics HealthPets and AnimalsTravelEducation & Communication Hobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork WorldFamily Life Holidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Maintenance
Floors and Stairs
Floor Types
How to Remove Linoleum Download ArticleExplore this Article parts 1 Removing the Linoleum Topper 2 Removing the Adhesive Paper or Underlayment 3 Finishing the Process Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Mark Spelman
Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Approved
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 483,232 times.
Linoleum is a cost efficient and environmentally friendly floor covering that is often found in kitchens, foyers, laundries, or meeting rooms. Linoleum is easily installed to a subfloor in one of two ways: full bonding or perimeter bonding. The entire subfloor is coated with adhesive during a full bonding installation, while only the perimeter edges and interior seams are glued down for a perimeter bonding job. Either way, linoleum removal is a typically straightforward procedure that most homeowners can complete on their own with little experience.
Things You Should Know
Cut linoleum into strips with a utility knife, lift the edge of each strip with a scraper tool, and pull it up.
Use a scraper tool to remove adhesive paper or underlayment. For stubborn adhesive, apply a chemical stripper first.
Sweep or vacuum the newly exposed subfloor thoroughly.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Removing the Linoleum Topper
Download Article
1 Clear the work area. Remove all large appliances, furniture, or other obstacles from the linoleum surface.
2 Cut the linoleum into 12-inch (34.48 cm) strips using a sharp utility knife. Removal of smaller, easy-to-handle strips will be much easier than trying to handle the entire sheet of linoleum at once. Advertisement
3 Heat the linoleum topper with a heat gun to soften it for easy removal. In order to get the lino topper soft and pliable, consider heating one section at a time with a heat gun. This will make the removal of the topper much easier.[1]XResearch source
What if you don't have a heat gun? A hair dryer may work, but chances are that the hair gun doesn't get hot enough to do the job efficiently. Try for yourself and see whether the hottest setting on the hair gun makes the removal of the topper any easier.
4 Peel back the strips manually. Use a 5 in 1 tool or hand scraper to lift the edges of each section and then tear the remainder. The tough outer skin should come off easily, but if the linoleum was fully bonded when installed, you may have large sections of soft backing and adhesive that will need additional attention.[2]XResearch source
5 Use a vinyl floor scraping machine. Alternately, automate the process by using a vinyl floor craping machine with a rigid scraper blade. Rub a bit of petroleum jelly on the scraper blade to keep it from getting gunked up. Then, begin by sliding the automatic scraper underneath a pre-cut seam and lifting the linoleum up with your free hand. Follow the pre-cut seams to remove the linoleum topper. Depending on the job, this process is sometimes quicker than removing the topper by hand.
You can rent these machines from a tool rental company.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Removing the Adhesive Paper or Underlayment
Download Article
1 Be aware that this can be a difficult process. Removing the tacky paper or underlayment that adheres the lino to the subfloor can be a tricky and time-consuming process. Earlier linoleum (before the days of plywood) was fastened to the subfloor with underlayment, which can contain tar. If your lino is very old and the underlayment is extremely difficult to remove, consider calling an experienced professional.
2 Check older linoleum for asbestos. For older linoleum, consider breaking off a small piece of tacky paper or underlayment gunk and get it tested for asbestos. Many older linoleum floors contain either asbestos tiles or sheeting, which are small fibers that can be dangerous if inhaled. Although proper and safe removal of asbestos can be accomplished at home, it may be easier (and ultimately safer) to remove it with the help of a professional abatement contractor.[3]XResearch source
Either way, prepare to use goggles and a respirator mask to filter out any potential asbestos fibers from the more porous parts of your body. These should be used for safety regardless of whether you think your lino flooring contains asbestos.
Another way to make possible asbestos tiles or sheeting less dangerous is to dampen in with water before removal. Dry asbestos gets airborne relatively easily, even if you can't see it. Wet asbestos doesn't get airborne as easily. Be careful about dampening the underlayment if you have wooden floors. See the next couple of steps below.
3 Use a scraper tool for delicate linoleum. For delicate floors, scrape the adhesive or underlayment with a scraper tool. You may need to apply moderate to extreme pressure depending on the strength of the adhesive. This can be very time-consuming, but it doesn't risk damaging hardwood subfloors.[4]XResearch source
You can try to use the heat gun and automatic oscillating scraper for removing the adhesive, just as you removed the lino topper. You may, however, find that it's difficult to get the oscillating scraper blade underneath the adhesive. Either way, the heat gun softens the adhesive and makes it easier to remove.
4 Heat the adhesive for durable subfloors. For more durable subfloors, soak the adhesive with boiling hot water and allow it to absorb for approximately 15 minutes. Again, only apply water if the subfloor is concrete or a replaceable plywood. Wood warping may occur with any type of water application so be careful when dealing with salvageable hardwood subfloors.
Here's how you get the boiling water onto the adhesive or underlayment without creating an absolute mess or, even worse, flooding. Line sections of the floor with towels — towels you're okay with losing. Pour the hot water over the towels, letting the towels absorb most of the water but heat up the adhesive anyway. Wait 15 minutes before removing the towels.
You can also cut the floor open in several places using a sharp blade and pour a stripping material into the gaps to help loosen the linoleum.
Next scrape away with a manual scraper. You'll want a larger scraper for moistened adhesive, as it comes off much easier than dry adhesive, giving you plenty of opportunity to take a wider berth.
5 Use a wallpaper steamer. For a neat trick, try using a wallpaper steamer. You can rent these on the cheap at your local hardware store. Get the steamer warmed up. Place the applicator pad of the steamer over one section of the adhesive and let it steam for 60 to 90 seconds. Move the steamer to an adjacent section and scrape off the section where the applicator just was.
This process is pretty quick compared to the dry method of removing adhesive. A 100 square foot floor should take less than two hours.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Finishing the Process
Download Article
1 Apply a chemical stripper. You can apply a chemical stripper to any stubborn adhesive per the manufacturer's instructions. Most chemical strippers use the same active ingredients that are found in paint strippers and can be purchased at your local hardware store.[5]XResearch source
2 Scrape the treated adhesive. Scrape away the treated adhesive with a putty knife to remove any existing material. Since most of the adhesive should have been removed before the stripper was deployed, this process should be fairly easy.
3 Sweep or vacuum the newly exposed subfloor. This is important to remove any small debris. Your subfloor is officially ready to shine in a new skin!
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Do I have to remove the vinyl of a 1975 house before laying down linoleum? Mark Spelman Construction Professional Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. Mark Spelman Construction Professional Expert Answer If the existing material is stuck down well and it is flat, then it is fine to go over it. There is also an embossing procedure you can do if needed. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4
Question Does a cheaper steam cleaner get hot enough to loosen the glue? Mark Spelman Construction Professional Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. Mark Spelman Construction Professional Expert Answer No, but heat guns are great for this. Have a friend help you with this. One person can heat while the other scrapes. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 7
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
New tile, Pergo or vinyl floor covering may be installed directly over existing linoleum if the old floor is smooth and firmly affixed. Thanks Helpful 53 Not Helpful 59
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Flooring products and adhesives applied prior to 1980 may contain asbestos, so proper precautions must be when tearing, breaking or sanding questionable material. Thanks Helpful 37 Not Helpful 17
Provide adequate ventilation and follow all safety instructions when utilizing chemical strippers. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 14
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Utility knife
Work gloves
Scraper or 5 in 1 tool
Putty knife
Hot water
Chemical stripper
Vinyl stripping machine (for stubborn floors)
You Might Also Like
How toReplace LinoleumHow toInstall Linoleum FlooringHow toRemove Adhesive from a Hardwood FloorHow toRemove MasticHow toInstall Vinyl FlooringHow toStrip and Wax a FloorHow toRemove Paint from WoodHow to Remove Wallpaper Without Any Residue (DIY)How toRemove Bathroom TileHow to Remove Carpet Glue from ConcreteHow toRemove Wallpaper from DrywallHow toReplace Laminate FlooringHow toRemove Wallpaper That Has Been Painted OverHow toStrip Wax Buildup From Floors Advertisement
Co-authored by: Mark Spelman Construction Professional This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. This article has been viewed 483,232 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 20Updated: April 1, 2025 Views: 483,232 Categories: Floor TypesArticle SummaryX
If you’re trying to remove linoleum, start by using a utility knife to cut it into 12 inch strips. Then heat it with a heat gun or hair dryer to soften it. Lift the edges of each piece with a hand scraper and then tear away the rest of the strip. When you’ve got the entire top layer off, use a scraper tool on the adhesive paper underneath if your floor is delicate. For more durable floors, try using boiling water or a wallpaper steamer. To finish, apply a chemical stripper or use a putty knife to remove any remaining residue. For more tips from our General Contractor reviewer, including how remove small debris from your new floor, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish German French Italian Russian Japanese Czech
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 483,232 times.
Reader Success Stories
Lesley Pingley
Jul 13, 2017
"I inherited an 80-year-old mill home. I feel safe and loved, as if my grandparents are still with me. There were 2 layers of vinyl in the kitchen. It took me days to remove because I work also. The instructions were very helpful. I don't have strong hands, so the heating process was very helpful. "..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Mark Spelman Construction Professional 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 20Updated: April 1, 2025 Views: 483,232
Lesley Pingley
Jul 13, 2017
"I inherited an 80-year-old mill home. I feel safe and loved, as if my grandparents are still with me. There were 2 layers of vinyl in the kitchen. It took me days to remove because I work also. The instructions were very helpful. I don't have strong hands, so the heating process was very helpful. "..." more Rated this article:
Melissa Surry
Mar 30, 2016
"Very helpful to me. Provided me with directions on how to get this task accomplished! I'm having the carpet and vinyl flooring in my home replaced, and the company charges for removal. I wanted to save money and figured I could do it myself. I'm so grateful. Thank you!"..." more
Robin Sunbeam
Mar 9, 2017
"I have to remove old linoleum from the bathroom wall. This was helpful because it informed me that there are 2 layers to be removed, that it is easier if I slice it into 12" squares, and that boiling water or a heat gun will help. "..." more
Jim Williams
Dec 16, 2016
"The hot water and towel soaking method really worked and made the job so much easier to scrape off. Thanks."
Carl Lentz
Jan 3, 2017
"Perfect article. Now I know how to remove linoleum. I need to buy a heat gun, but that's all." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
How to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizLyrical Memory QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toReplace LinoleumHow toInstall Linoleum FlooringHow toRemove Adhesive from a Hardwood FloorHow toRemove Mastic
Featured Articles
How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?
Trending Articles
Am I Chopped QuizCrush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?What Does “Eat Zucchini” From KATSEYE Mean?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizAm I a Pick Me Girl QuizWhat Is the I Found a Leaf Relationship Test on TikTok?
Featured Articles
How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With
Featured Articles
What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)
Watch Articles
How toIron PantsHow toCut LimesHow to Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaHow toDraw 3D ShapesHow toMake a Sugar ScrubHow to Wear a Scarf: 19 Different Styles
Trending Articles
Rank My Attractiveness QuizChildhood Trauma TestAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizGuess My Age Quiz
Quizzes & Games
Can You Pass Our Lie Detector Test?Take QuizGuess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizTake QuizWhich Ninja Turtle Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Maintenance
Floors and Stairs
Floor Types
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Removing the Linoleum Topper 2 Removing the Adhesive Paper or Underlayment 3 Finishing the Process Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Mark Spelman 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Mark Spelman Construction Professional This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. This article has been viewed 483,232 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 20 Updated: April 1, 2025 Views: 483,232 Categories: Floor Types Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
602 
1 Clear the work area. Remove all large appliances, furniture, or other obstacles from the linoleum surface. 
2 Cut the linoleum into 12-inch (34.48 cm) strips using a sharp utility knife. Removal of smaller, easy-to-handle strips will be much easier than trying to handle the entire sheet of linoleum at once. Advertisement 
3 Heat the linoleum topper with a heat gun to soften it for easy removal. In order to get the lino topper soft and pliable, consider heating one section at a time with a heat gun. This will make the removal of the topper much easier.[1] 
4 Peel back the strips manually. Use a 5 in 1 tool or hand scraper to lift the edges of each section and then tear the remainder. The tough outer skin should come off easily, but if the linoleum was fully bonded when installed, you may have large sections of soft backing and adhesive that will need additional attention.[2] 
5 Use a vinyl floor scraping machine. Alternately, automate the process by using a vinyl floor craping machine with a rigid scraper blade. Rub a bit of petroleum jelly on the scraper blade to keep it from getting gunked up. Then, begin by sliding the automatic scraper underneath a pre-cut seam and lifting the linoleum up with your free hand. Follow the pre-cut seams to remove the linoleum topper. Depending on the job, this process is sometimes quicker than removing the topper by hand. 
1 Be aware that this can be a difficult process. Removing the tacky paper or underlayment that adheres the lino to the subfloor can be a tricky and time-consuming process. Earlier linoleum (before the days of plywood) was fastened to the subfloor with underlayment, which can contain tar. If your lino is very old and the underlayment is extremely difficult to remove, consider calling an experienced professional. 
2 Check older linoleum for asbestos. For older linoleum, consider breaking off a small piece of tacky paper or underlayment gunk and get it tested for asbestos. Many older linoleum floors contain either asbestos tiles or sheeting, which are small fibers that can be dangerous if inhaled. Although proper and safe removal of asbestos can be accomplished at home, it may be easier (and ultimately safer) to remove it with the help of a professional abatement contractor.[3] 
3 Use a scraper tool for delicate linoleum. For delicate floors, scrape the adhesive or underlayment with a scraper tool. You may need to apply moderate to extreme pressure depending on the strength of the adhesive. This can be very time-consuming, but it doesn't risk damaging hardwood subfloors.[4] 
4 Heat the adhesive for durable subfloors. For more durable subfloors, soak the adhesive with boiling hot water and allow it to absorb for approximately 15 minutes. Again, only apply water if the subfloor is concrete or a replaceable plywood. Wood warping may occur with any type of water application so be careful when dealing with salvageable hardwood subfloors. 
5 Use a wallpaper steamer. For a neat trick, try using a wallpaper steamer. You can rent these on the cheap at your local hardware store. Get the steamer warmed up. Place the applicator pad of the steamer over one section of the adhesive and let it steam for 60 to 90 seconds. Move the steamer to an adjacent section and scrape off the section where the applicator just was. 
1 Apply a chemical stripper. You can apply a chemical stripper to any stubborn adhesive per the manufacturer's instructions. Most chemical strippers use the same active ingredients that are found in paint strippers and can be purchased at your local hardware store.[5] 
2 Scrape the treated adhesive. Scrape away the treated adhesive with a putty knife to remove any existing material. Since most of the adhesive should have been removed before the stripper was deployed, this process should be fairly easy. 
3 Sweep or vacuum the newly exposed subfloor. This is important to remove any small debris. Your subfloor is officially ready to shine in a new skin! Advertisement 
Mark Spelman Construction Professional Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.