Carpet removal FAQs

To remove your old carpet, start by using pliers to detach the carpet from the tack strip along the wall. Once you've freed a section, continue pulling up the carpet by hand. As you work, cut the carpet into smaller pieces to make it easier to handle and dispose of.

After tearing up your carpet, you might find some leftover glue on your foundation or walls. Here's how to remove it:

1. Use a razor, scraper, putty knife, or a 5-in-1 tool to remove as much glue as possible.
2. To soften stubborn glue, apply heat by pouring boiling water or steaming the area.
3. Scrape away the softened glue with your scraping tool.
4. Repeat these steps as needed until all the glue is removed.

Carpet is secured by small wooden planks with nails called tack strips, which can be reused for new carpet installation. To remove your carpet from tack strips:

1. Locate the tack strip by identifying the nail heads in the carpet.
2. Insert a pry bar between the floor and the tack strip under a nail.
3. Tap the other end of the pry bar with a hammer to lift the nail.
4. Remove the nail.
5. Repeat this process until all the nails in the tack strip are removed.
6. Once the tack strip is free, place it in a trash bag.
7. After all tack strips are removed, sweep the floor to clear any loose nails or splinters.

To remove carpet from stairs, begin by pulling it free from the tack strip. Pull the carpet toward the edge of the stairs and use a utility knife to cut along the nose of the landing. With both hands, pull the carpet away from the vertical riser until it is completely removed. Cut the carpet into small, manageable strips as you go, placing them aside for proper disposal.

You can dispose of carpet with your regular household waste, but local waste pickup services might not accept large quantities. Instead, you may need to take the carpet to a designated waste drop-off facility or wait for a bulk-trash pickup day.

Some municipalities permit carpet disposal in dumpsters, but there may be limits on the amount you can throw away.

To ensure your carpet is accepted, check with your local waste removal service first. Some companies may offer carpet pickup services, while others may require you to transport the carpet to a designated facility.

Yes, nearly all types of carpet can be recycled. Carpet is composed of fibers, plastics, and chemicals that make it difficult to decompose in landfills. Additionally, because old carpet is often disposed of in large quantities, many trash collectors do not accept it.

At a recycling center, carpet is broken down into its raw materials, which are then reused in new products. These products include plastic found in household items, auto interior parts, engines, industrial flooring, and even parking barriers.

Carpets are made of complex fibers, chemicals, and plastics that are difficult to decompose in landfills. Due to the environmental impact of used carpet and the limits on how much trash pickup companies will accept, recycling your old carpet is likely the best option.

Rules and regulations vary by city. Some of our TWO MEN AND JUNK TRUCK locations can accept carpet infested with carpet beetles. To find out if your local TWO MEN AND JUNK TRUCK team accepts carpet with carpet beetles, please inquire in advance.

To get rid of carpet beetles, start by vacuuming all your carpets and upholstered furniture. Next, discard any clothes, towels, or linens that have been damaged to prevent the spread of the infestation.

After disposing of the affected items, wash the remaining linens and clothes in warm, soapy water. Apply insecticide to areas that can't be machine-washed, such as walls, carpet edges, shelving, and cracks and crevices. You can also use boric acid dust in hard-to-reach areas.

Once your interior is clean, remove any outdoor sources or nests. Clean your home frequently and store any unused clothing or fabrics in sealed plastic containers.