How to Remove Adhesive From Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a gorgeous addition to any home. More popular in the northeast but gaining in popularity throughout the United States, hardwood floors are a huge selling point in a home, and also a great feature in day-to-day life. Hardwood floors are easy to vacuum and clean, are very kid and pet-friendly, and over the long-term cost considerably less to maintain than carpeting. Aside from needing to be refinished every 10 to 30 years (depending on use and abuse), hardwood floors are easy to maintain. Until someone puts duct tape, or packing tape, or any adhesive on the hardwood floor. Removing adhesive from hardwood floors without ruining the finish can be extremely difficult, but there are a few methods to keep in mind that are relatively simple and effective. Read on to learn how to remove adhesive from hardwood floors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• All-natural peanut butter
• Ice
• Non-metal scrub sponge
• Goo Gone

1. Wash the section of floor where the adhesive is located. Wash carefully and use a terrycloth washrag that will not leave lint on the adhesive. Scrub using elbow grease, water and soap.

2. Dry the area completely, using non-lint producing cloth.

3. Smear all-natural peanut butter (made from only peanuts) over the adhesive section. With your finger, rub the peanut butter in circles over the adhesive. It should begin to "pill" and come up in small balls. Rub as long as possible to get as much of the adhesive off the hardwood floors as you can.

4. Clean the peanut butter from the floor using soap and water. Dry the area. If the adhesive is still there, go on to Step 5.

5. Ice the adhesive. This should harden the adhesive and allow you to use your finger, a scrub sponge, or a fingernail to remove the adhesive. If adhesive remains, go to Step 6.

6. Apply Goo Gone to the adhesive. This is a drastic step, as goo gone can cause mild damage to some hardwood floor finishes. Apply as little as possible, rub with a non-lint producing rag, and remove the adhesive and goo gone as quickly as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use Goo Gone on unfinished hardwood floors.
• Do not use peanut butter on unfinished hardwood floors.