New flooring can make a big difference to your space, and there is nothing more satisfying than replacing a dingy old carpet with a sleek new floor. Here are our top tips to help you remove your old carpet so you can restore what is underneath, or replace it with something fresh!
Saying Goodbye to Old Carpet
New flooring can make a big difference to your space, and there is nothing more satisfying than replacing a dingy old carpet with a sleek new floor. Before you can get your floor transformation, you'll need to do the dirty work of ripping up what you already have. Here are a few tricks of the trade to make removing your old carpet easier.
Tips for Removing Old Carpet
Before You Get Started
If your carpet is more than 30 years old, the underlay could contain asbestos. Before you do anything, make sure you find out if this is the case. Any asbestos in your carpet is likely not dangerous unless you rip it up, which will cause the particles to become airborne and therefore hazardous to your health. If you’re unsure whether your underlay contains asbestos, have it tested by a professional and if it turns up positive for asbestos hire professionals to remove the carpet for you.
BEFORE: We removed the old carpet and installed new flooring in this home.
Safety First
Even if your carpet is asbestos-free, there are still a few precautions that are worth taking before you remove your old carpet by yourself. Wearing protective eyewear, gloves, and a dust mask will protect you from any hazardous debris such as rusty tacks and nails or mould spores released with the removal. Knee pads are also a good idea as you’ll be spending the majority of your time on your knees.
Your Basic Tool Kit
The first thing you’ll need is a utility knife to remove the carpet moulding and cut the carpet into more manageable pieces. Other tools that come in handy are a pry bar and pliers for particularly stuck sections, a hammer and chisel to remove stubborn tacks, and a floor scraper and mineral spirits to remove any glue left from the underlay.
AFTER: We replaced the old carpet with vinyl flooring from Premium Floors (Titan Vinyl Country Oak).
Clean as You Go
Most home renovations get messy, so it’s a good idea to clean up as you go. Best practice is to vacuum before you start the process of removing old carpet. This way you can get rid of any surface dust and dirt from the get-go. As you go, keep a dustpan or a vacuum on hand so that you can stay on top of the mess and clearly see any remaining glue or underlay on the floor after you’ve removed the carpet.
By removing your old carpet you could discover beautiful timber flooring underneath, or wipe the slate clean for a stunning new design. To learn more about what flooring will suit your home, check out our blog “Flooring for Different Design Styles”.