If you are reading this you have obviously attempted removing the frustrating legacy that all too often remains on wooden flooring after building works. Even after the builders may have arranged a clean, that stubborn ingrained dust refuses to relinquish its grip.
Even more distressing, but more common than you may imagine. The scenario, builders actually installed the new wooden floor and protected it, but it still got contaminated.
A solution to these issues can usually be achieved without the extreme measures of sanding the floor and starting again.
Let’s be fair, after extensive building and finishing works, it’s the last thing you need.
The photos below shows in detail the problem which simple surface cleaning fails to eradicate.
Wood floor soiled by building mess
Ingrained building dusts and paint
Fine dust from plaster or preparation works for decorations become ingrained in the wood surface. This issue is more prevalent with oil finished flooring, but some finely lacquered wood floors suffer too. Another problem that goes hand in hand with the dust is minute paint splatter which often goes undiscovered until the dust is removed.
In the examples here, which in our experience are the most common? The floors are factory finished oils and an intense clean is required to remove dust from the grain. On oiled flooring this will almost certainly mean the cleaning process reduces the level of protection. In the majority of cases re-oiling is necessary to restore the protection and a uniformed appearance.
It may sound like a contradiction but intense cleaning on wooden flooring needs to be handled with great care. The last thing anyone wants is the flooring damaged by the clean. We have many years of experience in this work and are happy to share our methods but if you undertake this task, proceed with extreme caution.
If the area is substantial, a rotary floor cleaning machine will be a big asset. You may be able to hire one? If not a doodlebug cleaning tool will be useful. Work in small sections, it’s easier to control an area of a couple of square meters.
Mechanical cleaning an oak floor
Oak flooring before and after
follow Instructions for removing building materials
Mix a cleaning solution that will assist the breakdown of gypsum dust in clean warm water.
Apply the solution sparingly ensuring you do not soak the floor heavily.
Working with a medium to coarse black nylon pad work along the grain to agitate and loosen the dust.
Do not allow the solution to sit on the wood for a long period. The best method to remove it is by a wet vacuum. The vacuum will extract the solution and is the best method to ensure the moisture is removed quickly from the wood. If you are working manually, thoroughly wring out the mop or cloth and go over the floor ensuring removal of moisture from the grain and joints.
To remove paint splatter which the agitation didn’t loosen, cautiously use a Stanley blade. Its intense work but resist the urge to rush or you may easily damage the floor.
When the cleaning is complete the flooring needs to be neutralized to remove any traces of chemical residue. Working in a small section clean the floor sparingly with fresh water. If the water starts to appear cloudy change it for fresh.
Mechanical drying of the flooring is the best method to ensure it’s dry. If you do not have a room floor drier, try to ensure there is adequate airflow through the area and wait until the floor is completely dry.
The application of the oil is best performed using a specialist floor oil brush. Pour a small amount of oil (if you know the original product, use that) into a paint tray and apply sparingly with the brush. Work with the grain where possible. To avoid contamination of the skirting board it’s useful to apply the edges with a J-cloth. Spread the oil and work into the flooring avoiding leaving excess surface oil. Allow a minimum of eight hours for drying, or if the product recommends a different period, observe that.
Restoring the appearance of the floor is a job well worth undertaking, as living with dusts and paint specs on a beautiful floor is a crime.
If you require help or advice please call us 0800 1013105 or should you prefer a quote simply upload some photos and the floor measurements into the form below and we’ll do the rest.
