Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - How to clean grime off neglected hardwood?

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA
dtc5288
08-17-08, 05:01 PM
On my newly expposed hardwood floors there's anywhere from a 2" to 10" band on along the baseboards of grime. The middle of the floor is great, its just the edges that have this "film". I've tried vinegar and some Minwax Hardwood Floor Cleaner with not much luck. Using either of these products, or just plain water, with a scrubby spondge or steel wool I CAN get the grime to come with some very hard scrubbing. Is there anything out there that will cut through this stuff easier?
I've attached a few pics to show the stuff I'm talking about. FYI-these were taken right after I pulled up the carpet, before I removed all the staples holding down the pad.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2772725956_1e328e587f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2771877997_1a2c337aca_o.jpg

821211
08-18-08, 07:59 AM
Try a little turpentine on a rag and lightly rub. Don't use a lot of force. This should get the grime off and not harm the finish on the floor.
greg.in.maine
08-18-08, 11:43 AM
Turpentine may work, but in my opinion I would use Waterlox Tung Oil Sealer mixed with 2 oz of MInWax Cherry Stain to the quart of Tung oil. Using a "000" grit steel wool, gently rub the affected area. Any finish you take off will be replace with the Waterlox Tung Oil.



Greg

Maine