[BethM]

Hi,
We're working on our condo to begin renting it out and while trying to figure out a way to update a upstairs bathroom, looked underneath the ugly vinyl tiles. Underneath the ones closest to the shower is a dark brown, sticky residue that we're not sure what to do with. It doesn't seem moldy underneath, but does seem damp. Would we pick up all the old tiles and try to get up the sticky residue with mineral spirits and then redo the vinyl tiles? It is a very small bathroom in a small upstairs condo with the only shower/tub. Help!

 

[joecaption]

If it's wet then most likly the wax ring has been leaking under the toilet and needs to be replaced.
It's simple enough to to remove all that old tile.
I'd go back with sheet linoulium not tiles.
Do not go buy some cheap remnet in a prepacked roll!

 

[BethM]

I should have mentioned that the dampness could also probably be because there is space between the tiles- they apparently weren't tinstalled well or have moved. So hoping the moisture isn't from toilet ring!

 

[joecaption]

Those cheap tiles shrink over time.
Why are you so worryed about having to replace the wax ring, to fix the floor the toilets going to have to come out anyway and the wax ring replaced, It a DIY 101 job and only cost about $3.00. Very common to have them leak.
Never ever tile or install any flooring in a bathroom around a toilet, it goes under it.
Just use a heat gun and a puddy knife to remove the old tiles. Wear gloves the tiles will be hot and your going to need to keep picking them up to trash them.

 

[BethM]

Ok, thank you!