by Aliyeus J

Created on: August 11, 2010

Home renovating can be exciting and inspiring as you envision before you, the transformation about to take place. But before you can settle into the comfort of a new space, you must deal with expunging the old to usher in the new. And unfortunately, in many instances, removing linoleum can be one of the more challenging jobs of any home renovation.

Before you begin your project you should attempt to determine the level of difficulty. Even if for no other reason than to better prepare yourself for what you're up against. Several underlying factors will determine how tough of a job you'll have ahead of you. Older sets of linoleum, certain adhesives, as well as having multiple layers already laid, could all contribute to making your task that much harder. If the linoleum is not cracking or swelling you may prefer to leave it intact and beneath whatever new material you choose to lay over it. But if like most people, you're still determined to start fresh, then lets begin with the job ahead.

To start, restrict your task to a small area at a time You'll want a sharp utility knife with plenty of replacement blades. Keeping in mind the type of flooring you have beneath the linoleum, rather concrete or wood that you'd like to protect, slice the linoleum into 6” to 8” wide strips. This will provide you with better leverage as working with wider sheets can be difficult. Work a putty knife beneath the linoleum strips until you are able to freely roll them away. After you have removed them all, you will find that glue residual and other stubborn materials remain.

To help in removing glue and stubborn materials, there are solvents and remover products that specialize in the area. Home improvement stores have plenty to choose from, but take caution when using this method if you have a wooden floor still hiding beneath the left-over remnants of your removal project. In fact, I wouldn't recommend using solvents at all when trying to protect a wooden floor. There are other options, though it may account for a bit more time and toil. But it's best to get the job done right, and be pleased with yourself, rather than disappointed in yourself, later.

Instead of solvents, you can apply heating methods to get rid of the glue left behind. Pour hot or boiling water onto the glue residual and let it soak for a while. You’ll still need to take caution if you have a wooden floor beneath, to avoid warping. If preferable put a towel down first, then pour hot water over

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