How do you remove strong adhesive from concrete?

Author: Elza Schamberger  |  Last update: Monday, November 3, 2025

Mastic, for example, tends to come off with a little hot water and some light scraping. However, if you need to remove stronger adhesives from concrete such as flooring adhesive, vinyl adhesive or laminate glue, a stronger solvent like acetone, paint stripper or mineral spirits may be required.

What is the best adhesive remover for concrete?

Klean-Strip Green Floor Adhesive Remover removes adhesives from wood, concrete, metal and masonry. It's easy to use because it stays wet and active for up to 24 hours. Low odor and less harsh on skin.

How to remove dried adhesive from concrete?

Apply a small amount of acetone or white spirit to the concrete surface, and check that it's compatible. Apply the solvent to the glue stain. Use a cloth soaked in solvent to remove the glue. Clean up.

What will dissolve strong adhesive?

Acetone: Acetone is a common solvent that can soften some types of adhesives, including some epoxy formulations. Soak a cloth in acetone and apply it to the glued area. Let it sit for a while before attempting to scrape the glue off.

How do you remove heavy duty construction adhesive?

To do this, heat the adhesive with an electric heat gun or blow dryer. Alternatively, you could coat the adhesive with petroleum jelly or mineral spirits for at least 12 hours to a day. Be aware that mineral spirits are not recommended for tub surrounds, vinyl, plastic, painted surfaces, or varnish.

How to Remove Adhesive From Concrete Floors - 5 DIY Ways to Get Glue Off Concrete

Can construction adhesive be removed from concrete?

Read the adhesive manufacturer's instructions to check whether acetone or mineral spirits is best to get the glue off the concrete. Apply a small amount of acetone or mineral spirits to a rag and briefly soak the affected area. Wipe it off.

What dissolves heavy duty glue?

Apply Heat. If you are dealing with a delicate surface and are unable to use adhesive remover, acetone, rubbing alcohol, etc., a bit of heat may do the trick, without damaging the surface. Some stubborn adhesives melt or soften and become much easier to remove when heated. Heat the adhesive using a heat gun.

What is the most powerful adhesive remover?

If gentler methods don't work, try more powerful chemical solvents, such as lighter fluid, paint thinner, acetone, or rubbing alcohol.

How do you remove hardened adhesive?

How to Remove Glue from Most Surfaces
  1. Use a plastic card or a spoon and scrape off the hardened glue. ...
  2. Soak the glue residue in rubbing alcohol, acetone, or vinegar. ...
  3. If the glue still proves too stubborn, try heating it up with a hair dryer. ...
  4. A product that can help is a few sprays of WD-40.

What solvent removes strong glue?

Use a cotton ball soaked in pure acetone or nail varnish remover, and press it against the glue. Once it's dissolved, it should be easy to wipe away. Alternatively, try scraping away the glue. Use a putty knife or razor blade.

Will Goo Gone remove adhesive from concrete?

For stubborn floor adhesive, apply hot water to the mess, wait for several minutes, then apply Goo Gone. Before continuing your renovation, make sure the surface is completely dry prior to applying more floor adhesive.

Will vinegar remove concrete residue?

Fill a spray bottle using half of the pure white vinegar and top it off with lukewarm water. Shake the contents of your spray bottle for at least 5 minutes in order to thoroughly mix the water and vinegar. Vinegar's acidity helps in dissolving your cement stains, which makes it easier to remove.

Will muriatic acid remove glue from concrete?

Have you ever had to remove carpet glue from a concrete floor? If so, you know it's not an easy task. You could try to scrape it off with a putty knife or with a wire brush, but that can be very time-consuming and tedious. Instead, you can use muriatic acid to remove the glue quickly and effectively.

Is concrete adhesive stronger than mortar?

Masonry adhesive creates a very strong bond between masonry materials, and it's usually used for projects that require a long-lasting bond — like attaching stone veneer or architectural accents. Mortar, meanwhile, creates a slightly weaker bond than masonry adhesive but is still strong enough for most projects.

How do you remove old mastic from concrete?

For mastic, you'll need to use a solvent-based remover to remove the adhesive thoroughly. On the other hand, acrylic-based adhesives require water-based removers. And in the case of polyurethane-based glue, you'll need urethane-specific removers.

How do you remove hardened construction adhesive?

If the adhesive is too hard to scrape, apply a light layer of baby oil or petroleum jelly, wait a couple hours, then scrape.

Is there anything stronger than Goo Gone?

A: Goof Off is industrial strength; it is the super solvent, BUT, is so strong it will dissolve a great number of plastic items. Most clear, polished plastic services will become frosted from just a damp wiping with Goof off. Where Goo Gone is more of an oily solvent.

How do you remove extra strength adhesive?

To remove strong adhesive left by a sticker, apply an oil-based substance like cooking oil or WD-40 directly onto the adhesive. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the glue, then gently scrape it off with a plastic scraper or credit card. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Is vinegar a good adhesive remover?

White vinegar is a safe and natural cleaner, deodorizer, and adhesive remover you can use on many surfaces. Soak a paper towel in vinegar and cover the sticky spot. Let the vinegar soak for a few minutes to dissolve the adhesive, then scrape it off with a credit card.

What is the strongest adhesive remover?

Our picks below will help you find the best adhesive removers for your cleaning needs.
  1. Goo Gone Original Liquid Surface Safe Adhesive Remover. ...
  2. 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner. ...
  3. Elmer's Sticky Out Adhesive Remover. ...
  4. un-du Original Formula Remover. ...
  5. Uni Solve Adhesive Remover Wipes.

Previous article
How to clean a washing machine with white vinegar?
Next article
Can someone watch my screen without me knowing?