How to Remove Old Stinky Carpet: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

$32
3 Hours
Easy
Who likes nasty worn out carpet?
Not me and I bet you don't either. Unfortunately, our kids kinda spilled some glue and other unmentionable items over the last 6 years (in addition to the fact that we didn't like the color).
Carpet removal can be a lumbering job but I put together a checklist on what to do to make it easier. Plus, you'll want to check out the subfloors to make sure your new flooring has a safe place to reside.
And on top of all this I assembled a complete step-by-step video for all of us DIYers who don't mind getting a little dirty to save money. Here's the link to my post for with the juicy details.
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-remove-old-carpet/
Start in a corner
Fold carpet into thirds
Cut along the fold
Padding has staples
Pull up padding by hand, but use gloves (unlike me).
Remove staples in the subfloor
Secure loose subfloor panels
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  • Lin Mulhern Lin Mulhern on Aug 28, 2013
    Just an idea on what to do with old carpet....I've used it in the garden to make weed free paths. Clear the area, lay the carpet in strips to your desired width, cover with woodchips and stepping stones and it looks great and lasts for years!
  • Janice Presecky Janice Presecky on Sep 09, 2013
    I have carpet in our basement it has been glued down on the cement floor how does one get that stuff up It has been down thers for about 20 years it is getting to look pretty nasty I have leaned it many times Help!!!!
    • See 1 previous
    • Laurie Harry Laurie Harry on Apr 26, 2016
      @Janice Presecky I just recently removed my basement carpeting and it was surprisingly easy - two men and a couple of utility knives and a scraper shovel. The carpet probably isn't glued completely down, just in strips. Once you scrape down the strip, the rest should come up easily. It took them just a couple of hours and some of that time was moving the furniture around. We do have some glue residue still on the floor but have been living with it by covering with some area rugs. Eventually we'll tackle getting that up and painting the concrete.
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