No matter how much care you take for your favourite wooden floor and how careful you are at preventing accidents, once a home improvement project starts, there is a high risk for the floor to get damaged, even if covered by thousands of layers of plastic sheets. Unfortunately, some accidents happen and there is not much you can do to prevent them. One of the more popular ones is when glue drops fall onto the surface of the floor and remain there permanently just to affect the appearance of your expensive hardwood floor. Worry not, because nothing permanent is permanent and there are effective ways to remove glue stains from the surface of the floor. In this short guide, we will find out more about this topic.
Understanding the Risks and Challenges
We often get questions concerning the removal of glue stains from the surface of the wooden floorboards. People are really worried that these glue stains will remain forever and they should cover them with a rug or furniture piece. People are worried that they will damage the floor when trying to remove the glue stains. Fortunately, there are effective methods for removing the glue stains without damaging the floor.
Protecting the Floor's Finish
When it comes to removing glue stains from the wooden floor, your main concern should be not the wood itself but not damaging the finish. Thankfully, real wood floors are protected by strong and long-lasting finishes that prevent accidents affecting the bare wood and preserve the natural colour, texture, and beauty of real wood. The main job of the finish is hard-wearing protection, therefore you should always make sure the floor finish is intact and strong enough and refinish the floor regularly. In the case of glue stains, the floor’s finish is once again your helping hand and you can rest assured the glue will not affect the appearance and condition of bare wood itself. However, you should do everything you can to keep the finish in good condition too when removing the glue.
Identifying the Type of Glue
First, start by determining the type of glue stain you are dealing with. There are many different types of glue and all of them can be used for different home improvement and DIY projects. Therefore, be sure you know the type of glue because most of the glues can be easily removed with one simple method. However, if you are not sure about the type of glue that has stained the floor, you better contact your local wood flooring specialist and let them inspect the floor and the stain.
Removing Wet Glue Stains
If the glue stain is still wet, here is some good news for you – it won’t be difficult to quickly remove it with a damp and clean cloth. Therefore, try to remove the glue stain as soon as you notice it on the surface of the floor because you have a good chance of the stain being still wet and you will handle the issues before it turns into an actual issue. However, sometimes the stain won’t be wet and in such cases, the task of removing it will be slightly more difficult but certainly not impossible.
Handling Dry Glue Stains
In case the glue stain is already dry, here is what you can do. One of the most widely recommended methods, in this case, is using a wood floor cleaning product to remove the glue stain. While such products are very gentle to the finish and the wood itself, they are still highly effective in removing all sorts of stains and dirt build-ups, even stubborn ones. Just make sure you are using a cleaning product that is specially designed for hardwood flooring because it will have a neutral pH, which is very important for the finish. If you are not sure if your cleaning product is suitable for the floor and the type of glue stain you are dealing with, do not hesitate to consult with your local wood flooring professional.
Using Wood Floor Cleaning Products
Once you are sure you have the proper wood floor cleaning product in your hands, make sure to apply just a small amount of the product onto a soft and clean dry cotton cloth and then gently rub the glue stain with the cloth. Don’t soak the cloth into the cleaning product solution or water, because excessive moisture can affect the condition of the finish and the floorboards. After you rub the glue stain gently, make sure to allow at least 5 minutes for the cleaning product to be absorbed by the wood and dissolve the stain. After a few minutes, the glue should be sufficiently softened and you can remove it. If it is not easy to remove the glue with just a cloth, you can also use a plastic scraper and gently scrub away the glue. Be very careful, because you don’t want to damage your floor and never use metal scrapers to do that job, as you will scratch the finish.
Final Steps for Glue Removal
Make sure to always handle glue stains with care, using the right tools and products to maintain the beauty and durability of your wooden floors. Once the glue is removed, you can buff the area lightly with a clean, dry cloth to restore the shine and even appearance of the finish. Regular maintenance and quick response to any spills or stains will ensure your floor remains in excellent condition.
By following these tips and techniques, you can effectively manage and remove glue stains from your wooden flooring, preserving its natural beauty and extending its lifespan. If you encounter persistent stains or challenges, don't hesitate to seek professional advice and assistance to ensure the best care for your floors.
