As the EVA foam tiles are designed to adhere securely to the wheel, they can be difficult (and sometimes messy) to remove. Below are five recommended methods for removing old foam tiles and any remaining adhesive residue:

1. Hair Dryer

Wearing protective gloves, use a hair dryer on a high heat setting to warm a small section of the tile at a time. Once the adhesive has softened, carefully lift and scrape away the tile using a plastic spatula or scraper. Repeat this process until all tiles have been removed.

2. Adhesive & Glue Remover

After removing as much of the old tile as possible, apply an adhesive or glue remover directly to the remaining residue, either onto the surface or with a cloth. Allow it to work as directed, then use a plastic spatula, scraper, or non-scratch scrubbing sponge to remove any leftover adhesive. Before applying new EVA foam tiles, thoroughly wash away any remover residue and ensure the wheel is completely clean and dry.

3. Hot Soapy Water

Wearing protective gloves, place the wheel in a bathtub filled with hot, soapy water. The heat should help soften the adhesive, allowing the tiles to slide off more easily. Rotate the wheel and repeat as needed for each section. If the wheel is too large for your bathtub, the white panels can be disassembled into smaller sections and soaked separately in a bathtub, laundry sink, or kitchen sink. Before reassembling the wheel and installing new tiles, ensure all panels are completely dry and free from residue.

4. Pressure Washer

Place the wheel outdoors on a flat, level surface. Cover the wheel base with plastic sheeting, then position the wheel back onto the base. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your pressure washer to remove the foam tiles and adhesive residue. Please note that this method can be quite messy, so be prepared for foam debris to scatter during the process.

5. White Spirit Method (Recommended by Paul Hayes at Cazami)

It is often easier to disassemble the wheel first, as the individual sections are much easier to handle. Using a decorator’s filling knife, carefully remove as much of the foam as possible.

Next, soak the remaining adhesive residue with white spirit and allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes. Once the adhesive has softened, use the filling knife to scrape away as much residue as possible.

Repeat the process with a second application of white spirit to remove any remaining traces of adhesive. When finished, thoroughly clean the panels to remove any residue and allow them to dry completely before reassembling the wheel and fitting new EVA foam tiles.

Important: Always ensure all panels are clean, dry, and free from any adhesive remover or residue before installing new EVA foam tiles. This will help achieve the best possible adhesion and ensure the longevity of your replacement tiles.

Thanks to Ziggydoo, Fit ‘n’ Fun and Paul Hayes for their advice and methods.