Mix the hot water with vinegar or citrus degreaser for extra strength. Old, black mastic may contain asbestos. Keep it wet at all times during removal, to prevent dangerous dust.
Use a long-handled edge scraper on floors to save bending over.
If you are removing mastic from wood sub-floor, look for a product that is designed for use on wood. Overuse of removal chemicals can make it difficult to bond future flooring.
Check the label of your chemical for more safety instructions. Some products may recommend a face mask.
Start at the far end of the room and work back to the door. Clean your footwear whenever you leave the area.
You can instead use a floor machine equipped with a 3M black scrubbing pad, with a speed no higher than 175 rpm. Using a different setup or letting the floor dry may expose you to asbestos.
For large areas, rent a wet vacuum instead.
If asbestos is present, this method is not recommended, and may violate workplace safety regulations. Consider hiring a professional, or use the chemical method above.
If asbestos is present, this method is not recommended. If you continue anyway, use a tight-fitting respirator mask, safety goggles, and disposable rubber gloves. Wear old clothing, and throw it away at the end of the project. Turn off all air circulation to the rest of the building.
A floor grinder will work instead, with no mastic removal block required. Ask the rental service about its effect on wooden surfaces if necessary.
This is typically safe for hardwood floors, but check with the tool rental service. [6] X Research source You can also use a base intended to remove thinset from concrete. Avoid titanium blocks, which may melt the mastic and make removal messy.
Avoid electrical hazards with a ground fault circuit interrupter. This will cut off the circuit rapidly if water causes an electrical short.
Stop periodically and sweep up the broken mastic. This will make it easier to see where mastic remains.
If you are cleaning a hardwood floor, check the degreaser label before buying. Some products may damage wood.
Alternatively, scrape it up using a putty knife.
