How do I get this off of my concrete floor?
May 7, 2010 12:37 PM Subscribe
My rug gripper has fused to my concrete floor. Please help me clean it off.
While rearranging furniture in my apartment, I discovered that the rug gripper beneath my area rug has fused to the finished (sealed) concrete floor. I peeled it off, but only about half of it would come up. As far as I know, there was no glue involved, or any other sort of chemical that would react with concrete or the gripper. The same rug and gripper lived happily on a hardwood floor for a year and a half prior.
My first impulse was to use a razor blade to scrape the mat off. This also scraped off the top layer of the sealed concrete, so that is out.
I then tried Goo Gone with an ice scraper. This made a disgusting paste that became a mess of flakes when dried. It also did not get all of the mat off the floor.
Any successful techniques or stories of similar experiences would be appreciated.
While rearranging furniture in my apartment, I discovered that the rug gripper beneath my area rug has fused to the finished (sealed) concrete floor. I peeled it off, but only about half of it would come up. As far as I know, there was no glue involved, or any other sort of chemical that would react with concrete or the gripper. The same rug and gripper lived happily on a hardwood floor for a year and a half prior.
My first impulse was to use a razor blade to scrape the mat off. This also scraped off the top layer of the sealed concrete, so that is out.
I then tried Goo Gone with an ice scraper. This made a disgusting paste that became a mess of flakes when dried. It also did not get all of the mat off the floor.
Any successful techniques or stories of similar experiences would be appreciated.
What kind of finish is on the concrete?
I have had horrible, horrible experiences with carpet pad glued to painted concrete, but some of my problem was due to the fact that the solvents that attacked the adhesive (TSP, and one of those citrus-based solvents) also attacked the paint, so I basically had to get down to bare concrete to get a surface I could repaint.
posted by misterbrandt at 1:44 PM on May 7, 2010
I have had horrible, horrible experiences with carpet pad glued to painted concrete, but some of my problem was due to the fact that the solvents that attacked the adhesive (TSP, and one of those citrus-based solvents) also attacked the paint, so I basically had to get down to bare concrete to get a surface I could repaint.
posted by misterbrandt at 1:44 PM on May 7, 2010
Response by poster: I have no idea what kind of finish is on the concrete. We are on the ground floor, it is smooth and the concrete is very old (this is a loft in an historic building).
posted by AtomicBee at 2:35 PM on May 7, 2010
posted by AtomicBee at 2:35 PM on May 7, 2010
I would try a cloth polishing wheel (flapper) on a handheld drill (corded probably for more power/longevity). I know a wire wheel would take it right off but will probaby take off the sealant as well. the also make a sandpaper flapper wheel that might work. The concrete can probably be resealed as well, but might show the patch. Good luck.
posted by bartonlong at 2:46 PM on May 7, 2010
posted by bartonlong at 2:46 PM on May 7, 2010
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) works wonders with glue on most surfaces; just wear gloves.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 8:10 PM on May 7, 2010
posted by Hardcore Poser at 8:10 PM on May 7, 2010
Meant to say, "..just apply with a bit of water, use a stiff brush and wear gloves."
posted by Hardcore Poser at 8:11 PM on May 7, 2010
posted by Hardcore Poser at 8:11 PM on May 7, 2010
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posted by mmf at 12:41 PM on May 7, 2010