How to Remove Vinyl Flooring In Bathroom (7 Easy Steps)

Worn out and damaged floors also need to be changed ASAP. 

Admittedly, removing vinyl floors might not be so easy, but with the right procedures, it can be achieved.

However, we focus on changing worn-out and damaged floors, and this article is centered on the easiest steps on how to remove vinyl flooring in bathroom.

A utility knife can be used to pry up the old vinyl floor. A strong adhesive remover or heat gun should be used to remove the stubborn adhesive glue that sticks to the subfloor.

Now, let’s see how to do this in practical terms!

How to Remove Vinyl Flooring in Bathroom

Step 1: Get the Tools/Equipment 

First, you need to get equipped with tools like a flat pry bar, mallet or hammer, 5-in-1 tool, utility knife, and heat gun.

Step 2: Clear the Area

We doubt if there is furniture to clear out of the bathroom. Still, you need the area to be completely cleared to give yourself unimpeded access to the work area.

It won’t also hurt to clean the old floors thoroughly.

See Also: How To Clean Non-Slip Flooring (4 Easy Steps)

Step 3: Remove All Baseboards and Any Other Trim That Meets the Floor

Sometimes, quarter-round trim is installed in front of the baseboards to cover the gap between the baseboards and the flooring. 

If such is the case, start by using the flat end of the pry bar to pry off the quarter-round.

Also, sometimes the baseboards are installed over the top of the flooring. 

You will need to remove the baseboards completely to remove the old flooring.

Start by placing a woodblock above the baseboard, then use the flat end of the pry bar and force it under the trim. If it proves difficult, rap the pry bar with a rubber mallet or hammer.

Gently pull off the entire length of the trim. 

Note that baseboards often get damaged during trim removal no matter how careful you pull the trim. 

Thus, you may want to price out the cost of new baseboards before you embark on this project.

Step 4: Remove the Vinyl Floors

Your work will be easier if the vinyl flooring has been entirely perimeter-installed – this means that only a 6-inch perimeter of the vinyl floors has been glued or stapled down while the middle of the vinyl flooring lays loose.

You can determine if it is perimeter installed by using a utility knife to cut the floor into 12-inch strips. 

If such is the case, start from the center and pull gently until you encounter resistance from the glue.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Grease On Kitchen Floor

Step 5: Remove Glued-Down Flooring with a Pry Bar

Once you encounter resistance from the glue, use the tip of the flat pry bar to chisel under the vinyl to separate it from the underlayment. 

For stubborn glue, you need to use a 5-in-1 tool, forcing the end of a freshly sharpened 5-in-1 tool between the vinyl and subfloor. 

Using this tool to chisel in between the vinyl and subfloor, use your other hand to keep peeling back the vinyl. 

Make sure that you are removing the full thickness of the flooring as you chisel and pull.

Step 6: Get Rid of The Glue

You should have some glue that remains lodged on the subfloor. 

First, use warm water mixed with soap and rub liberally to the glue. 

Give it a few minutes to soak in and soften, and then gently use the utility knife and your fingers to drag it out.

For stubborn glue, you will need a heat gun or hairdryer. 

Wait for the heat gun to heat up and hold it directly over the stubborn adhesive long enough to soften the glue. 

Step7: Clean up

Use a broom or shop vac to pick up all the debris and dispose of the old vinyl. 

You should make inquiries if vinyl floors can be recycled. If not, dispose of it in the trash (note that some towns do not accept building materials in household trash). 

Thus, you’ve to dispose of its specified waste disposal site.

Easier Way to Remove Vinyl Floorings

If the steps and procedures outlined here sound like too much work, the good news is that you can use a power scraper to remove the entire vinyl floor. 

Just use the utility knife to score the vinyl into 10-inch sections and turn on the scraper to finish the work. 

Power scrapers can be rented from your local home center at a small cost. 

Make sure to test this equipment in a discreet area before you get to work. 

Conclusion

We hope this article on how to remove vinyl flooring in the bathroom serves as a guide in your next project.

Remember, safety should be your watchword, and always take a break when you get tired.

Good Luck!

Read Also: How To Deodorize Subfloor (5 Simple Steps)