Removing carpet shouldn’t be complicated—or exhausting. Whether you’re prepping a renovation, flipping a unit, or refreshing a commercial space, choosing the right method will save time, labour, and frustration. Here’s a simple breakdown of the most effective ways to remove carpet, along with when each method makes the most sense.
At Eddy Floor Tools, we believe in one thing: work smarter, not harder. That’s why we deliver the right flooring tools that are multi-purpose and can deliver the power you need with the versatility and compact portability that is required for easy transportation and successful maneuvering into tight or awkward spaces.
Method 1: Manual Removal (Traditional Hand Tools)
Manual removal is the go-to for small rooms or light-duty projects where the carpet isn’t heavily glued down.
Step-by-Step
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Cut the carpet into strips
Use a utility knife to slice the carpet into manageable widths for rolling and disposal. -
Pull from a corner
Lift a corner and pull the carpet back from the tack strips, rolling as you go. -
Remove the padding
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Stapled pad: pull staples using pliers.
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Glued pad: scrape it up with a putty knife or manual scraper.
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Lift the tack strips
Use a pry bar and hammer. Be cautious—tack strips are sharp.
Tools Required
Utility knife • Pry bar • Hammer • Pliers • Putty knife/manual scraper
Ideal For
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Bedrooms, closets, hallways
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Light adhesive
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Budget-conscious DIY
Pros
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Low cost
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Basic tools only
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Easy setup
Cons
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Time-consuming
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Physically demanding
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Struggles with glued-down flooring
Method 2: Power Removal (The Eddy Floor Scraper)
The professional choice for fast, clean, efficient carpet removal.
When you’re dealing with glued-down carpet, large square footage, or tight turnaround timelines, a powered scraper is the only real solution. The Eddy Floor Scraper is engineered to cut beneath carpet and padding, break through adhesive, and lift it all in smooth, consistent passes. It is compact, powerful, and built for the complex parts of every job and every space - a multi-purpose tool that gets into tight spaces while delivering commercial-grade performance.
Step-by-Step
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Prep the room
Clear furniture and ensure there’s space to maneuver. -
Position the blade
Slide the blade under the carpet edge and adjust your angle. -
Power on and glide
Guide the Eddy forward—the machine does the lifting, separating carpet, pad, and adhesive in wide sections. -
Roll and remove
Collect the lifted material, dispose, and vacuum any remaining debris.
Ideal For
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Commercial properties (gyms, offices, retail)
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Rental turnovers
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Renovations and restorations
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Carpet with tough adhesives or glued foam underlay
Pros
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Removes carpet fast
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Reduces physical strain
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Delivers consistent, professional results
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Leaves a smoother subfloor
Cons
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Requires an electrical source
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Higher upfront cost, but pays off quickly for medium-to-large jobs
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I remove the carpet myself?
Yes. Smaller rooms can be handled manually. However, for any carpeted area and glued-down installs, a powered scraper like the Eddy is dramatically faster and easier.
How do I clean the subfloor after?
Sweep, vacuum, and remove remaining adhesive or staples. Use a scraper for stubborn spots. Ensure the subfloor is dry and smooth before installing new flooring.
What should I do before starting?
Remove furniture, wear protective gear, gather your tools, and ensure you have power access if using the Eddy Floor Scraper.
What’s the best method overall?
For efficiency, safety, and clean results, the Eddy Floor Scraper outperforms hand tools every time.
Why Professionals Choose Eddy Floor Tools
Multi-purpose Tool Built for Tough Jobs
Designed to break through carpet, padding, and adhesive in one pass.
Fast, Clean, Professional Results
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Cuts through glued flooring
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Removes carpet in a fraction of the time
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Delivers a smoother, more even subfloor
Lightweight + Easy to Use
Contractor-grade performance without the bulk. Anyone can operate it—homeowners included.
How to Remove Carpet with the Eddy (Quick Guide)
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Prep the Room – Clear obstacles and create a clean path.
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Start at a Corner – Slide the blade under the carpet.
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Power & Glide – Let the Eddy lift the flooring with minimal effort.
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Clean Up – Roll removed carpet, dispose of padding, and vacuum remaining debris.
Eddy Floor Scraper: Quick FAQ
Who uses the Eddy Floor Scraper?
Demolition contractors, general contractors, restoration crews, renovation teams, flooring installers, property managers, and DIY homeowners.
What makes it different?
Eddy Floor Scraper is a problem-solver. Engineered for commercial power but with the ability to get into tight spaces and offer portability through it’s lightweight, foldable design, it is a multi-purpose compact tool that delivers stronger performance, faster removal, and dramatically less labour compared to manual tools. Even if you already have the bigger floor removal tools, Eddy Floor Scraper is a must-have to reach into the tight spaces and provide multi-purpose scraping and removal.
Is it good for big jobs?
Yes, the Eddy Floor Scraper is built for commercial and residential spaces where efficiency matters.
Is it DIY-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s lightweight, intuitive, and powerful enough for professional outcomes.
Ready to Make Carpet Removal Faster and Easier?
Hand tools get the job done, but if you want speed, efficiency, and professional results, the Eddy Floor Scraper is the smarter choice. Built for pros, easy enough for anyone to use.