Removing glued-down vinyl flooring—whether VCT (Vinyl Composite Tile), LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), or LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)—can be a serious challenge. These materials are flexible and durable, but the real battle is the adhesive underneath. Heavy-duty glue bonds tightly to the subfloor, turning even small areas into slow, strenuous jobs when using hand tools.
For tiny spaces, manual scraping works. But for kitchens, hallways, basements, and commercial projects, a powered scraper like the Eddy Floor Scraper is the most efficient choice for clean, consistent results.
At Eddy Floor Tools, we help you remove adhesive-backed flooring with speed, control, and far less effort. We provide multi-purpose, versatile tools that are lightweight and easy to maneuver. It’s a problem-solver for many professionals, including professional contractors, demolition teams, renovation experts, flooring installers and DIYers alike.
Method 1: Manual Removal (Traditional Hand Tools)
Manual removal is budget-friendly and suitable for smaller areas. But because glue is the main obstacle, expect a lot of scraping and physical effort.
Step-By-Step
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Remove baseboards or trim
Expose the edges of the vinyl so you can access the first strip or plank. -
Score the flooring
Use a utility knife to cut vinyl into narrow sections that are easier to lift. -
Lift and scrape
Slide a heavy-duty floor scraper blade under an edge and push forward to release the flooring from the adhesive. -
Loosen stubborn glue
Apply adhesive remover—or for small sections, a heat gun—to soften the bond. -
Scrape clean
Manually scrape remaining glue residue until the subfloor is exposed.
Tools Required
Utility knife • Heavy-duty floor scraper • Adhesive remover • Hand scraper
Ideal For
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Bathrooms, closets, laundry rooms
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Thin vinyl layers
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Low-budget DIY projects
Pros
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Low cost
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Good for small spaces
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Greater control over delicate subfloors
Cons
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Very time-consuming
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Hard on your back, arms, and knees
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Adhesive is extremely challenging to remove by hand
Method 2: Power Removal (The Eddy Floor Scraper)
The fastest way to remove VCT, LVT, and LVP—along with the adhesive.
For medium or large rooms, stubborn glue, or commercial installations, powered tools deliver a level of speed and efficiency hand scraping cannot match.
The Eddy Floor Scraper slides its precision blade beneath vinyl flooring and adhesive, lifting everything in wide, clean passes. The result: a smoother subfloor and dramatically reduced labour.
Step-By-Step
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Prep the area
Clear furniture, cover vents, and wear proper safety gear. -
Score vinyl if needed
Some thicker materials may require cutting into sections before lifting. -
Start at an edge
Place the Eddy blade under the first strip, plank, or tile. -
Power on & glide
Guide the machine across the room while it slices through adhesive and flooring at the same time. -
Finish corners manually
Tight areas may require a small scraper for a clean finish.
Best For
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Kitchens, hallways, basements
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Offices, schools, retail stores
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Glue-heavy installations
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Pros and homeowners needing fast, consistent results
Pros
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Removes flooring and adhesive far faster than manual scraping
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Major reduction in physical strain
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Produces smoother subfloors
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Efficient for medium and large spaces
Cons
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Requires power and maneuvering room
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Higher cost than hand tools (but quickly pays for itself)
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Some adhesive residue may still need final touch-up
Google-Style FAQs
What is the easiest way to remove VCT, LVT, or LVP?
Using a powered scraper like the Eddy Floor Scraper, which lifts vinyl and adhesive in one motion.
What tool is best for removing vinyl flooring?
For large or stubborn areas: the Eddy Floor Scraper. For small areas: a hand scraper may be enough.
How do you demo VCT tile?
Heat the center of the tile with a heat gun, soften the adhesive, then scrape toward the edges.
For full rooms, a powered scraper is much faster.
Is VCT glued down?
Yes—most VCT is adhesive-bonded to the subfloor.
How do I tell if VCT contains asbestos?
Only a lab test can confirm it. Older VCT (especially 9"×9") may contain asbestos.
How long does VCT flooring last?
With proper maintenance, VCT can last 20–30 years.
Why Professionals Choose Eddy Floor Tools for Vinyl Removal
Multi-purpose Tool
Made for both adhesive backings and designed to lift VCT, LVT, and LVP along with stubborn glue.
Fast, Professional Results
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Removes flooring in a fraction of the time
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Handles tough adhesives effortlessly
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Leaves the subfloor smoother and easier to refinish
Ergonomic & Easy to Use
Lighter and more comfortable to operate than bulky commercial machines. Easy to transport with its lightweight and foldable design.
How to Remove Vinyl Flooring with the Eddy Floor Scraper (Quick Guide)
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Prep the Area – Clear furniture and use proper PPE.
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Score the Floor – Cut vinyl into strips if needed.
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Start at the Edge – Position the Eddy blade underneath.
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Power & Glide – Remove flooring and adhesive in clean passes.
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Finish Edges – Scrape tight corners manually and clean up debris.
Eddy Floor Scraper: Quick Product FAQ
Who uses it?
Homeowners, professional contractors, flooring installers, property managers, demolition teams and renovation crews.
What makes it different?
The Eddy Floor Scraper is multi-purpose and removes both flooring and adhesive in wide, efficient passes—much faster than handheld tools. It is lightweight, portable and fits into smaller and awkward spaces while providing the power of a commercial-grade power tools.
Is it suitable for commercial projects?
Yes—perfect for schools, offices, retail spaces, and high-traffic areas.
Can homeowners use it?
Absolutely. Professional-grade, yet simple and safe for DIY use.
Ready to Remove VCT, LVT, or LVP the Fast, Clean, Professional Way?
Hand scrapers can handle tiny rooms—but for real projects, the Eddy Floor Scraper delivers the speed, power, lightweight, portable design and multi-purpose versatility that professionals rely on.
Whether you're a contractor, property manager, or homeowner, Eddy gives you total control over the flooring removal process with far less effort