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WOODEN FLOORS: REJUVENATE AND REPAIR STAINS
By Katie and Gene Hamilton
Most floors finished with a penetrating sealer can be brought back to life or "renovated" without sanding. Rent an industrial size floor buffer and purchase five or six steel wool pads that fit the machine. Pour a small amount of mineral spirits on the floor (caution: it is flammable) and buff.
Make sure to change the pad when it becomes clogged with wax. Removing the old wax alone will lighten the floor and show its potential. If the floor is spotted or stained try the repairs below in the 'home brews' section. Don't get carried away, a few blemishes in an old floor gives it character and interest.
If you like the color but it is worn looking you can apply a penetrating sealer close to its original color. You can also apply a darker shade. Follow the application instruction for sealing a sanded floor.
Waxing is the best choice to protect sealed floor. Use a solvent-based floor wax and you will be able to rejuvenate it again in 20 years without sanding.
Five Home Brew Repairs Remedies
- Dark spots: Clean spot and surrounding area with medium steel wool and mineral spirits. Apply household vinegar with rag and allow to sit for a few minutes. If the spot lightens, repeat the treatment. If not, then apply a 50% mixture of household bleach and water. If this does not lighten the spot, try wood bleach (oxalic acid). Apply the bleach to the center of the spot; try not to get bleach on the surrounding wood. Several applications may be necessary. When the spot is gone, apply some vinegar to neutralize the bleach. When dry, sand area, stain and refinish to match the original color.
- White marks from standing water: These marks are in the finish not in the wood. If you remove the finish they will disappear. To remove the marks and leave the finish, rub the mark with very fine steel wool and apply paste wax.
- Grease and oil: Remove excess with paper towels or newspaper. Then saturate a cloth with dry cleaning fluid and saturate the stain checking every few minutes.
- Mold or mildew: Dampen a rag with household bleach and wipe up the stain. Prevent it from happening again by providing proper ventilation that eliminates damp, stagnant air.
- Wax or chewing gum: Harden the wax or gum by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag on top of the spill. Wait a couple of minutes then scrape away the material with a plastic spatula and re-coat the floor with floor polish.