Removing old underlay glued to screed floor in smokers flat

Joined
2 Dec 2015
Messages
469
Reaction score
18
Country
United Kingdom
Evening,
I am refurbing a flat previously inhabited by a heavy smoker.
I removed the carpet and scraped the old underlay up, which was in an awful state.
I'm left with remnants of underlay which is stuck to the screed / concrete floor and stinks of smoke.
I need a 'blank canvas' before re carpeting as I don't want nicotine stains / smells coming through.
Any ideas?
Ta.
 
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
A 1 to 2% solution of trisodoum phosphate (aka TSO, a heavy alkali once used in soap manufacture) in water will remove nocotine tar - crystals can be bought off Amazon. Alternatively, you could try a solution of caustic soda (often sold as a drain cleaner, bought as crystals), a very strong degreaser. Then scrape with a full size (i.e stand up) floor scraper whilst wet. Be cautious with these chemicals - always add the crystals to the water (NEVER the other way round) also that TSP is harmful to aquatic life and a splash of caustic in the eye can damage it - so glasses and rubber gloves at a times and windows open. I used TSP to clean off the paintwork of one flat we rented about 35 years back where the owner was a heavy smoker. Cured the problems after sugar soap had failed
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Back
Top