Asked on Mar 07, 2019

How to remove rubber rug backing from ceramic tile?

Elizabeth
by Elizabeth

Old bathroom rug left remnants of the backing on bathroom floor.

  12 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Mar 07, 2019

    Use a plastic scraper and soak down with goo gone. Let sit then scrape off.

  • Valerie Burge Valerie Burge on Mar 11, 2019

    I agree, scraper and goo gone will work. Mr. Clean magic erasers are also pretty amazing! I think they really are magic!! LOL And no harsh chemical smell.

  • William William on Mar 11, 2019

    Like Kelli suggests. Soak the rubber with Goo Gone to soften it. Then use a plastic scraper to remove it.

  • Debi53 Debi53 on Mar 11, 2019

    Spray with WD-40. Let it sit and then scrape.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Mar 11, 2019

    A soft scrub brush or old toothbrush will also work with the Goo Gone. Let it soak in, for the best effect.

  • Dee Dee on Mar 11, 2019

    Acetone, the kind you get in the Hardware store will dissolve the rubber, then use a plastic scraper from the auto store or a flat edge razor to get any residue.

  • Pat Ruge Pat Ruge on Mar 15, 2019

    If you cannot handle the chemical smells, you might try making your own. Take about 1/4 cup baking soda, add enough water to make into a paste and then add 1 tbsp. cooking/olive oil. Rub into area and cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for a while. Then go over it with a blue scrubber sponge. This also works to remove adhesive labels from jars et.al., cleans your oven or stove top and other things.

  • Laura Mitchell-Patrick Laura Mitchell-Patrick on Feb 04, 2020

    Be careful with Goo Gone and WD-40 because it will stain the grout.


  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 23, 2021

    Go with Goo Gone and the plastic scraper. Looks like it is on the grout too, be careful with the scraper not to go into the grout and dig it out.

  • Amir Hyman Amir Hyman on Jan 03, 2023

    To remove rubber rug backing from ceramic tile, you can try the following steps:


    1. Scrape off as much of the rubber backing as possible using a sharp knife or razor blade. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the tile.
    2. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cloth and gently rub the area where the rubber backing was. The alcohol can help to loosen and dissolve the adhesive.
    3. If the backing is still not coming off, you can try using a commercial adhesive remover according to the instructions on the product. Be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions.
    4. Once the backing has been removed, wipe the tile with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
    5. If there is any stubborn residue left behind, you can try scrubbing the area with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, using a scrub sponge or a nylon scouring pad. Rinse the area thoroughly and allow the tile to dry.


    Remember to use caution when removing rubber backing from ceramic tile, as the tile can be easily damaged.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 03, 2023

    Apply spray lubricant, like the kind you use on squeaky hinges, to a nylon scrubber (do not spray directly onto the tile — it may stain the grout). Scrub until the rubber loosens, then wipe dry with a paper towel.

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 17, 2023

    Hello, try spraying this with wd 40 and using a scrub bush to remove it. Hope this helps.