Help! I need a non-toxic way to remove linoleum tile adhesive from a ceramic tile floor?

The previous owners covered beautiful tile floor with the most hideous linoleum flooring. I am able to remove the floor, but the adhesive is where I am stuck...almost literally. I bought adhesive remover, but after reading all the warnings about poison and toxins, I don't want to use it in the house having children. Help!Help! I need a non-toxic way to remove linoleum tile adhesive from a ceramic tile floor?
Soak in warm water and scrape. The good news is that the adhesive will not adhere well to the tile surface. All you need to do is wet it, let it sit, and scrape. Works well on concrete.


Any remaining residue can be scrubbed off with barkeepers friend and a white nylon scrub pad..Help! I need a non-toxic way to remove linoleum tile adhesive from a ceramic tile floor?
Orange (or any citrus based) oil and soy based removers work most times, but usually involve a bit more elbow grease. Its entirely possible, however, that you will need a chemical solvent and they are going to be noxious. If you do have to use a solvent just try to isolate the room and get as much ventillation as possible, drop a couple box fans and open a window or two and you will be fine. If you are super paranoid about the fumes while removing the glue you can always just buy a mask style respirator with cartridges for filtering out organic vapors.
If this was a peel and stick floor, try orange oil. It actually does work (called Goo Gone). If the adhesive is the black or white kind that is trowelled on...I'm sorry...
Just send the kids to the grandparents house for the weekend and do the job right! The only other option is to get on your hands and knees with a razor blade and try to scrape it, and use other solvents (which are also toxic) to try to dissolve the glue. What magic remedy are you looking for without using a remover product?
Getting that adhesive up is a tough job by itself. I've been successful with a lot of light scraping and mineral spirits and adhesive remover. I don't know if there is a non toxic way to do it.
if you have the can the adhesive came in call the manufactureer and ask them for an MSDS on the product that will give you the specs and proper solvent to deal with whaty ever chemical is in the product


material safety data sheet





I believe its a federal law the MSDS sheet must be provided for all products by any one who sells them