How to Remove Tile Adhesive: A Step-by-Step Guide

Removing tile adhesive can be a messy job, but with the right tools and approach, it’s a task that any DIYer can do. Whether you’re sprucing up a kitchen, refreshing a bathroom or preparing for new flooring, understanding how to remove old tile adhesive will help ensure a smooth, professional finish when it comes to retiling.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know - from what tools you need to have, to step-by-step instructions on how to remove tile adhesive from walls and floors.

• Tools required
• Preparation
• How to remove tile adhesive from walls and floors
• Other tips for the best results
• Get the equipment you need to remove tile adhesive at Tile Warehouse

Tools required

To remove tile adhesive efficiently, we recommend that you have the following tools and pieces of equipment to hand:

• Protective gear (including work gloves, a mask and protective sheets)
• A chisel and a hammer
• Scraper
• Warm water and a sponge/cloth, or a steamer

Preparation

As with any DIY project, preparation is essential. Taking time to set up your workspace will make the clean-up far easier and allow you to work more confidently without worrying about mess or safety risks.

Protective clothing

Removing tile adhesive may seem like a small task, but it’s important to wear appropriate protective gear to protect yourself from dust and sharp debris. When removing tile adhesive from walls and floors, we recommend that you wear:

• A face mask to prevent inhaling dust particles, which can be harmful to your health
• Safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust and debris
• Sturdy boots to protect your feet
• Old clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty

Protective sheets

Dust is inevitable in any DIY project, so we recommend covering your workspace with protective sheets. We also recommend that you close doors and seal small gaps, such as those around light switches, to stop dust from spreading throughout your home.

Although it might seem logical to open windows while you work, doing so can cause dust to circulate even more. Instead, keep windows closed and vacuum regularly as you go to keep dust under control.

How to remove tile adhesive from walls and floors

Now that you’re properly kitted out and your workspace is ready, it’s time to start removing the tile adhesive itself. The method you choose will depend on how much adhesive remains and how stubborn it is. 

Below are our tips to remove tile adhesive from walls and floors effectively:

Use a chisel to remove old adhesive from the tiles

Start by using a chisel and hammer to chip away the tile adhesive. Hold the chisel at a shallow angle and tap it gently with the hammer to lift the adhesive away from the surface. This is particularly effective for areas of thick or brittle adhesive.

Use hot water or steam to loosen the adhesive

For the stubborn patches or thinner layers of tile adhesive, heat and moisture can help soften it, making removal easier. You can use warm water or a handheld steamer to do this:

Warm water

1. Soak a sponge or cloth in warm water and wring it out so it’s damp, but not dripping.
2. Apply the cloth to the adhesive and leave for a few minutes.
3. Once the adhesive has softened, use a scraper to gently remove it.

Using a steamer

1. Apply the steam directly to the tile adhesive to soften it (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
2. Scrape off the adhesive. 

Repeat either method as needed, reapplying heat and moisture to particularly stubborn areas. Never force the scraper, as this can damage the surface underneath: be patient and let the moisture do the work.

Other tips for the best results

Keep your tools sharp and clean

A blunt scraper or a chisel covered in adhesive won’t be effective. Wipe down tools regularly to ensure they perform at their best.

Be patient

Removing tile adhesive isn’t a fast job. Rushing the process can damage surfaces or make the clean-up more difficult. Work slowly for the best results.

Test a small area first

When removing tile adhesive from walls and floors, it can be a case of trial and error. We recommend that you try a range of methods before committing to one, to ensure that you use the approach most appropriate for your space.

Get the equipment you need to remove tile adhesive at Tile Warehouse

With the right tools and a bit of preparation, removing tile adhesive from walls and floors doesn’t have to be a tedious job. At Tile Warehouse, we stock a range of tiling tools to help get the job done properly. And when you’re ready to apply new adhesive, why not browse our full range of high-quality tile adhesives, perfect for any project.