Removing Floor Adhesive: Job for a Grinder-Scraper Machine

Q. I recently removed the carpet from my concrete basement floor and want to replace it with 12-inch vinyl tiles. There is a thin layer of adhesive on the floor that I applied 20 years ago. I haven't been able to remove most of the adhesive. I got some off with a putty knife and hammer. This is 800 square feet, and getting off all the adhesive this way would be a terrific job. What do you suggest?

If you want to remove all the adhesive, check with tool-rental agencies for devices that can greatly speed up the job. There are grinder-scraper machines designed specifically for removing adhesive from floors. Large, hand-held scrapers that can be used from a standing position are also available. It is sometimes possible to scrape effectively using a flat-bladed garden spade with a short handle; sharpen the end of the shovel with a file for best results.

If you use any type of scraper, you will generate a lot of dust, so you should provide as much ventilation as possible and wear a protective mask. To help keep dust down and possibly make scraping easier, wet the area you are working on with hot water.

Chemical adhesive removers are available to soften adhesives, but I don't recommend using them in a basement for health reasons. Most of these cleaners have powerful vapors that should not be breathed.

I have also heard of people installing tiles on concrete without removing old adhesive. If the adhesive layer is thin and fairly smooth, you might be able to do this.

Q. Our wood-burning fireplace has a foul odor, especially when the weather is warm and damp. I have used an air cleaner to no avail, and the chimney is capped and well-sealed. I clean out the ashes after each fire. What next?

Odor in fireplaces is often caused by a dirty chimney, moisture or burning unseasoned wood. Since you have good protection against moisture, consider whether dirt in the chimney or unseasoned wood might be causing the problem. A chimney sweep can check and clean the chimney, preferably every year if you use the fireplace regularly, and you should burn only hardwoods that have been seasoned for at least a year.

A deodorizer might also help if the problem continues. A product called Exstink is guaranteed to clear up fireplace odor or you can get your money back. A four-pound bag costs about $18. Clean and vacuum the fireplace and put some Exstink in a dish in or near the fireplace. According to the manufacturer, the product will absorb fireplace odors and many other odors.

QUICK TIP: If you have been using inexpensive fiberglass air filters in your central heater or air conditioner, try upgrading to pleated filters. Pleated filters cost more but are much more efficient at filtering out dust, pollen and other indoor-air contaminants. Many better-grade filters can also be used effectively for longer periods of time than fiberglass filters, reducing the overall cost. Whatever filter you use, change or clean it when it accumulates a significant amount of dirt.

Write to Gene Austin at doit861@aol.com or 1730 Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

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