Removing old carpet is a DIY job many homeowners can tackle themselves, especially if the room is already being cleared by our house clearances team.
Years of foot traffic, an old spill, stubborn carpet stains or general wear can all leave a carpet past its best.
Removing it gives you a clear surface for whatever comes next, whether you plan to install new carpet, laminate flooring or another type of flooring.
What do you need to remove old carpet?
For DIY carpet removal, gather everything you need before you start.
Clear furniture and belongings from the room first so you have enough space to work safely. Our declutter your home checklist can help you declutter room by room so you have easier access to the carpet.
A pair of sturdy gloves, pliers and a sharp utility knife will cover most of the work.
You may also need a screwdriver or similar hand tool for threshold strips and fittings around the edge of the room.
Keep heavy-duty bags nearby for smaller pieces of underlay and debris.
Tape is useful for securing rolled sections of old carpet before you move them.
How to remove the carpet step by step
Clear the room and prepare the area
It is a good idea to declutter the space before carpet removal. If your room is too cluttered and you have no idea how to start clearing it, read our guide on how to declutter your home.
Vacuum the carpet before you begin.
This removes loose dust and grit, along with some of the allergens trapped in the carpet, before you start lifting it.
Check the edges for threshold strips, radiator pipes or other fittings that could get in the way.
If a strip is held down with a screw, remove it carefully before lifting the carpet.
Ensure there is enough clear space to work, particularly in the middle of the room.
Pull up and cut the old carpet
Start at an edge or corner and use pliers to lift the carpet away from the gripper rod, which is the narrow strip with small pins that holds the carpet around the edge of the room.
Once you create a gap, pull it back carefully and unhook it from the edge.
Large sections quickly become heavy and difficult to carry.
Cut the carpet into manageable strips with a sharp utility knife, working from the carpet backing where possible.
Roll each section as you go and secure it with tape.
Take care around walls and skirting boards if they are staying in place.
Remove the underlay
Once the carpet is up, remove the underlay underneath.
Older underlay may lift in large sections, while worn foam can tear into smaller pieces.
Look out for staples, adhesive or residue left on the subfloor as you work.
If adhesive residue remains, check what type of cleaner is suitable for the surface before using anything on it.
Bag loose material and debris as you go rather than allowing it to spread around the room.
Deal with gripper rods and staples
If you are replacing the floor completely, you may need to remove the gripper rods as well.
Gripper rods contain sharp nails, so wear gloves and work carefully.
Lift them away without damaging the surrounding floor.
Pull out any remaining staple and inspect the subfloor.
A loose board, damaged floorboard or stubborn adhesive is easier to deal with now than after new underlay or flooring has been fitted.
How do you remove carpet from stairs?
Stairs can take longer because the carpet is often secured more firmly around each step.
Start at an exposed edge and work the carpet free from the gripper.
Cut it into smaller sections as you move along the staircase rather than trying to handle one large piece.
Carpet backing or glue can sometimes remain behind, particularly with older installations.
If you need to remove stubborn adhesive, take care not to damage the surface underneath.
What should you do with old carpet after removal?
Carpet and underlay take up a surprising amount of space once removed.
Check whether your local recycling centre accepts carpet before loading the car.
Several rolls, underlay and other waste from the room can quickly become difficult to transport yourself.
Some companies can collect the carpet waste after its been removed, so you don’t have to dispose of it yourself.
When should you get professional help?
DIY removal is manageable in many rooms, but glued carpet, awkward stairs or a large area can involve more labour than expected.
A carpet fitter or flooring professional can provide professional advice if you are concerned about damaging the subfloor or preparing it for the next floor covering.
Ask about pricing before booking so you know exactly what the work includes.
Carpet already lifted and ready to go? Talk to the Junk-It team today
Once the carpet and underlay have been removed from the floor or stairs, Junk-It can collect the rolls, bags and other unwanted items left from the clear-out.
Tell us what needs to go and we’ll quote for the job, collect and load the waste, then sweep up before we leave.
Call us on 0131 228 3848 for a free quote with no obligation.
