How to Remove Carpet in 5 Easy Steps

Prepping to Remove Carpet

There’s no doubt that learning how to make your carpet last longer is important. But, even if you take excellent care of your carpet, you may still have to replace it at some point. When that day arrives, you’ll want to clean and prepare your space to make room for your sparkling new flooring.

“Removing old carpet is a labor-intensive job, but it is also very satisfying,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “Once the carpet and padding is removed, and the tack strips and staples are pulled up, you have an open palette for the new floor covering.”

Take out all the furniture and thoroughly vacuum your carpet one last time, to prevent extra dust from stirring up once you start the removal process. Get rid of any obstructions: If your carpet was installed under shoe molding, use your utility knife and pry bar to remove it. Do the same for baseboards and any other wall trim. If the carpet runs beneath any doors, remove the doors from their mounted positions.

Cut, Pull, Repeat

Since carpet is rather heavy and unwieldy to handle, you’ll want to start by cutting it into strips to make it easier to dispose of. Don’t forget to don your work gloves and eye protection before you begin cutting. Pull back a few feet of carpet, fold it over, and use your knife to cut the carpet along the fold—being extra careful not to slice into the subfloor. Continue this process until you’ve ripped up and removed all of the fabric.

“We found that using carpet cutting razor blades on a regular utility knife is an easy way to cut the carpet,” Tschudi says. “The blades do wear out quickly, so be sure to buy at least ten blades for a 200-square-foot room.”

Remove the Padding

Photo: Saturated / E+ / Getty Images

Removing stubborn carpet padding from the floor can be tricky, but it’s doable. The process is a little different depending on whether you’re installing new carpet or not. If you’re planning to install new carpet, use soap and warm water to soften any adhesive, then remove stuck pieces using your paint scraper. Use pliers to pull up any staples you see.  

On the other hand, if you’re planning to install new flooring, make sure that you don’t damage the wood subfloor while removing the padding. Remove the padding in sections (just like you did with the carpet), starting with a corner away from the entryway. Pull from the corner towards yourself. Remove any pieces that pull up easily, continuing this process until you’ve removed all the biggest chunks of padding. 

Finish by using pliers to remove any staples. If there’s adhesive holding the padding in place, use warm water and soap to loosen it up.

Pry Up the Tack Strips

If you’re installing new carpeting, you can skip this step. But if you’re going with another flooring option, you’ll need to remove the tack strips. Be sure to wear gloves, as the tack strips are very sharp. Use a hammer and a paint scraper or mini pry bar to pop up the strip, then pull it loose using a pry bar. Repeat as needed. 

To finish the job, dispose of your carpet using trash bags sealed with duct tape. Then, vacuum up any leftover padding, dust, and other debris.

How to Dispose of Carpet

Following appropriate waste management practices minimizes the old carpet's environmental impact, so take the time for proper carpet disposal. 

First, explore the possibility of reuse or donation if the carpet is in good condition. It is a win-win for the environment and those in need. 

If reuse isn't feasible, consider recycling. Research local recycling centers or check if the manufacturer has a take-back program. Cutting the carpet into smaller sections can aid in recycling and disposal.

Sometimes, the only thing you can do with old carpet is to trash it. First, ensure you're familiar with local regulations before proceeding. There may be guidelines for properly bagging or wrapping your carpet for regular trash collection. For instance, you may have to separate different carpet components, such as fibers, backing, and padding.

If you need to dispose of a lot of carpet—think multiple rooms—you may want to consider working with a carting service that offers dumpster rental or a local junk hauler. Professionals like these are typically experienced in responsible disposal.

Here's a tip for replacing your old carpet: Most carpets are made of synthetic fibers and chemical treatments, making recycling difficult, expensive, or impossible. So consider a new carpet made of bamboo or recycled materials—both are eco-friendly and will have a much smaller environmental impact.