| Author |
Message |
    
6yearrez
Citizen
Username: 6yearrez
Post Number: 46
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 2:10 pm: | 
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I just tried to move the bathroom rug on the floor of my kids' bathroom and found it stuck to the ceramic tile! I was able to peel up the rug, but quite a bit of the rubber backing was left stuck hard to the floor-about a 2x2 square area now. What a disaster.
I am having trouble scrubbing it up. I am trying to soak it with water and pull at it with a sponge, or my fingers- I don't want to scrape it with a hard tool because I don't want to damage the tile.
Any ideas, anyone? Please help! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3538
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 2:20 pm: |
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That's interesting. Any idea what caused this? Could the rubber have melted to the tile? OR do you think there is another substance gluing it down?
If it's just rubber, try taking a blow dryer & blowing the rubber up close until it gets a little soft & melty. Scrape up with a plastic kitchen scraper or spatula as you go.
Somone probably has a better, less tedious idea, but this is probably what I would try first in the same situation. |
6yearrez
Citizen
Username: 6yearrez
Post Number: 47
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 2:46 pm: |
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I have no idea what caused it! The kids splash out of the tub a lot, maybe the floor got soaked and the rug got soaked and dried that way? I don't recall any specific spill on the floor. I've washed the rug in the machine, possibly that degraded the backing (it's about 3 years old). No more rubber backing in my house, I tell you. The stuck part is really hard, like cement, on the floor, and it's all peeled off the back of the rug.
I like the hair dryer idea. I'm going to check the status of it right now!!
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Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1444
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 2:50 pm: |
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I kind of think the dryer would just make it tackier and more of a hassle. I would think a solvent, like acetone, to dissolve the sticky stuff would work better.
Good luck! |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 871
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 3:01 pm: |
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..had that happen with rugs -- i think that after being exposed to water, heat, etc the rubber backing deteriorates.
just used a plastic tape knife -- to scrape of the stuff.
/p |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3540
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 5:06 pm: |
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Debby - I was thinking I wouldn't use any chemicals or solvent unless I was sure it wouldn't damage the floor or grout seal. Maybe Pete's way first & then try melting it? |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1446
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 5:12 pm: |
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good point, greenie. I would think nail polish remover would be pretty safe on porcelain tile, but I'd probably find out the expensive way that I was wrong
 |
millie amoresano
Citizen
Username: Millieamoresano
Post Number: 155
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 7:34 pm: |
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Personally I would call a a tile store .Try Standard tile in East hanover they may have some type of cleaner. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 1953
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 8:02 pm: |
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I would try an all-purpose cleaner and really hot water with a scotch brite sponge. I remember this happening to me too, though it was only a few areas. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7055
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 4:31 am: |
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Paint thinner, although highly flamable, and acetone are available for a couple of bucks at any paint store or the paint department of any home center.
Test an inconspicous are first to make sure it doesn't damage or discolor the grout. |
Amie Brockway-Metcalf
Citizen
Username: Amie
Post Number: 121
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 11:10 am: |
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Try some orange goo-gone. |
6yearrez
Citizen
Username: 6yearrez
Post Number: 48
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 1:49 pm: |
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Thanks everyone-
The hair dryer and plastic spatula from the kitchen worked fine, the tile is good as new, no damage. The hair dryer really did work well- I set it on low and blew small areas at a time, which made the rubber bend just enough to peel it up. The only real issue was "rubber dust" from the scraping, which blew around from the dryer a little- I was able to keep that to a minimum. In all, I am so glad I posted! As usual, you guys are great! |
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