You can remove tile adhesive with different techniques and tools, such as hot water, a steamer, a scraper, an adhesive-removing solution, and others. 

The removal steps are also dependent on where you need to remove the tile glue from:

• The walls 
• The floor
• The tile 

We will tackle each of these to show you step-by-step how to remove tile adhesive from different surfaces. 

Tile adhesive is very strong and stubborn, so it may take some time and be messy, but it can be done. 

So let’s dive into it. 

How To Remove Tile Adhesive From The Wall 

To remove tile adhesive from the walls, you can use hot water or a steamer. 

Either of these methods works best in removing mastic adhesive. 

Removing Tile Adhesive From The Wall With Hot Water

Make the water as hot as possible without hurting or burning your skin. 

When you have the hot water ready, grab a clean cloth and follow these steps:

1. Dab a cloth in hot water and place it over the tile adhesive 
2. Let it soak through to soften the glue
3. You may need to repeat these steps a few times if the glue isn’t softening 
4. Grab a chisel or scraper to remove the glue from the wall
5. Once all tile adhesive has been removed, wipe down the surface with warm soapy water

Since you are working with water, be cautious if there are any outlets or electrical wires close by. If these are right within the working area, switch to an adhesive remover instead of water. 

Safety always comes first. 

Removing Tile Adhesive From The Wall With A Steamer

If the hot water didn’t do the trick or you don’t feel safe enough working with hot water, then you can try the steamer method.

For this method, you will need a steamer and a scraper. 

Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the steamer on the setting with the highest temperature option 
2. Direct it at the tile adhesive and hold it close to it 
3. Use the steamer for a few minutes or until the adhesive softens 
4. Use a scraper to scrape off the tile adhesive 
5. Clean the surface 

How To Remove Tile Adhesive From The Floor

You can use different techniques to remove tile adhesive from the floor. 

If your tiles were attached with a mastic adhesive, then one of the two following methods will do the job: 

• Hair dryer 
• Hot water 
• Chiseling or scraping 

If the adhesive is very difficult and stubborn, then the easiest way to remove it will be with a commercial adhesive remover. 

So let’s check these out. 

Removing Tile Adhesive From The Floor With A Hairdryer 

For this adhesive removal technique, besides the hairdryer, you will also need a chisel or scraper you can hold in your hand. 

This method will work great if you need to remove tile adhesive from a smaller area or organic-type tile adhesive. 

Follow these steps:

1. Start your dryer on a high-temperature setting
2. Aim it closely at the adhesive to slowly dissolve it with the heat 
3. As the glue is starting to soften, turn off the hairdryer and set it aside
4. Grab a scraper to scrape off the tile adhesive 

Removing Tile Adhesive From The Floor With Hot Water

Boil enough water in a pot to cover one smaller surface of the tile adhesive. Even if you need to remove tile adhesive from a larger surface, working in smaller sections is easier. 

Only use this method if it is safe to do so. Do not do so if there are outlets or electrical wires involved in the area.

For this technique, you will need the following:

• Hot water 
• A scraper or chisel 

Follow these steps:

1. Cover a section of tile adhesive with hot boiled water 
2. This should soften the tile adhesive enough for you to be able to scrape it off with a scraper 

How To Remove Tile Adhesive From The Tiles

For this method, you will need a bucket that can fit a couple of your tiles in, or one tile at a time, and how water. 

Follow these steps:

• Fill the bucket with boiled hot water 
• Add the tile (or tiles) in, and make sure that the whole surface that has adhesive on it as underwater 
• Let the tiles soak in hot water for a minimum of 2 hours
• If the adhesive hasn’t softened yet, go another round 
• Repeat these steps until the tile adhesive is soft enough that you can remove it with a metal scraper 
• Clean the tile with warm soapy water 
• Rinse it with clean water
• Let it air dry 

Removing Tile Adhesive With An Adhesive Remover

If you are dealing with a tile adhesive that is not water-soluble, the techniques mentioned above will not be effective. 

For this type of tile adhesive, you need a proper adhesive remover. 

Before you start working with an adhesive remover, ventilate the area well and ensure good airflow as you continue to work. 

Goo Gone Adhesive Remover Spray Gel

This adhesive remover comes in a clinging spray gel formula, making it a great option for removing adhesive from vertical surfaces. 

Once you spray it onto the tile adhesive, it will cling to it and begging to break down the glue. 

The surface-safe formula protects the surface underneath the adhesive. So it removed the adhesive without damaging the surface. 

This adhesive remover is also drip-free, allowing you to do the job without mess. 

Follow these steps to remove the tile adhesive with this glue remover:

• Pre-test the product in a small area 
• Apply this adhesive remover to cover the tile glue 
• Let it sit on the glue for a minimum of 15 minutes or longer 
• Check if the glue has softened enough
• If not, allow the adhesive remover more time to work the tile adhesive
• If yes, grab a clean, dry cloth and simply wipe down the adhesive remover and the tile glue 
• If there is still stubborn tile glue left behind, apply another coat of this tile adhesive remover and let it sit on the glue for a minimum of 15 minutes or more 
• Wipe it down with a clean cloth
• Repeat these steps until all the tile adhesive has been removed 
• Clean the surface with warm soapy water 
• Wipe it down with a clean water
• Let it dry 

You can find various adhesive removing solutions. Just make sure you choose one that can handle even the most stubborn types of glue and remove it from the surface. 

Conclusion

If the tile adhesive you need to remove is the mastic type, then you should be able to remove it with easy at-home tools and methods, such as hot water, a hair dryer, or a steamer. 

But if you are facing a very strong, durable, and stubborn tile adhesive, you need to use an adhesive remover specifically made to get this job done easily and effectively.