How to Remove Build Up on a Wood Floor
If you have wood floors in your home, you may notice that after time, the finish may appear dull or "milky," even though you maintain a regular and frequent cleaning routine. This appearance is likely due to a build up of dust, grime, grease, oils, wax and even some commercially available floor cleaning products. If left untreated, or if the routines that caused the build up are continued, the build up may significantly shorten the life of your wood floor. Fortunately, build up can be removed and wood floors restored to gleaming perfection with little effort. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Bucket
- Warm water
- Clean, soft cloths
- Clean, soft mop
- Vacuum cleaner
- Broom
- Dust mop
- Polyurethane cleaning product or vinegar (if polyurethane finished floor)
- Floor wax (if wax finished floor)
Instructions
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Polyurethane Finished Floors
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1
Sweep the floor with a broom to remove large bits of debris and then vacuum the floor thoroughly using the wood floor attachment and finish with a dust mop to pick up the smallest bits of dirt.
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2
Clean the floor completely with a product that has been designed for polyurethane cleaning and a damp mop, or a soft, damp cloth. A solution of vinegar (3 oounces) and water (1 gallon) will also work. Note that excessive water on your floor may damage it further and should be avoided. Polyurethane-cleaning agents may be purchased at hardware stores or wood-flooring stores.
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3
Repair the areas that are still dull after the floor dries using a commercial polyurethane touch-up kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Such kits are available where wood flooring is sold.
Wax Finished Floors
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4
Sweep the floor with a broom to remove large bits of debris and then vacuum the floor thoroughly using the wood floor attachment and finish with a dust mop to pick up the smallest bits of dirt.
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5
Strip the residue with a product that is designed to strip wax from wood floors, or with unscented mineral spirits, using a damp cloth and fine (#000) steel wool. These products may be purchased at a hardware store or where wood is sold.
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6
Re-wax and buff the floor. Either hand-buff or use a rotary buffer to achieve the wax finish you desire. Use only wood waxes recommended by the flooring's manufacturer.
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Tips & Warnings
As a last resort, sand and refinish the floor to remove the build up.
Never wet-mop a wood floor. Excessive water can cause swelling, splintering and cracking of the wood.
Do not use ammonia-based cleaners or oil soaps, because they will dull the wood finish.
