Hardwood floors from 50's (shellaced?) need cleaned; how to do it? Took wall to wall up, floor needs cleaned.

Question

I took the carpet and pad up in the bedrooms, the floor isn't in bad shape, but it needs cleaning. This oak floor dates from the 50's. I don't know if it's been refinished or not. Carpeting has been down for at least 20 years. I was going to use Murphy's Oil Soap, but online experts say NO, that it leaves residue which will cause trouble if we do want to refinish it later. I don't want to have to buff the floor, I just want it cleaner so I can start using it now. I don't want to do a lot of work altho I am willing to get down on my hands and knees with a damp rag. I don't want to use harsh chemicals. A lot of the cleaners on the market now specify that they are for polyurethane finished hardwood floors....I don't think this is. I was going to use Orange Glo, but it's for poly. HELP is very much appreciated. I want to get this room back in use. Thanks.

Answer 1

Go to lowes a representative will guide you in the right direction... they did me.... i just cant remember the name of the stuff but it cleans and replenishes...and its specifically for older wood floors.. good luck

Answer 2

You need to find out what kind of finish you have first of all. There may be a combination of finishes that you are working with, that is, a wax finish, shellac or varnish finish or a surface finish.

If the floor dates from the mid-50's as you say, then finish likely used was varnish or shellac. To determine if this is the case, scratch the surface with a coin or sharp object in an inconspicuous space. If the finish flakes, it is probably shellac or varnish. Shellac and varnish are rarely used anymore and require full sanding to remove before application of a surface finish or wax finish.

After this first step, you should check to see if wax was applied over the shellac or varnish. In an inconspicuous area, apply two drops of water. If white spots appear under the drops of water within ten minutes, then the floor has a wax finish. To remove the white spots, gently rub the spots with steel wool that has been dampened with wax.

If the finish does not flake from scratching with a coin and white spots do not appear from the drops of water, the floor has a surface finish and should be maintained accordingly.

Answer 3

Shellaced

Answer 4

Bowling Alley Wax!! My mom went down on hands and knees for years doing this, but it can be done with a machine as well. This stuff is great.

"Designed to provide heavy-duty protection and a high gloss finish for all wood and some composition and stone surfaces, this smooth paste-type finish is formulated from select #1 carnauba and synthetic waxes suspended in a hydrocarbon solvent-based system. Easily applied with a low-speed buffing machine and steel wool or buffing pad, this one-step application dissolves and suspends black heel marks, oily deposits, and soil, leaving behind a wax finish which can be buffed to a lustrous shine. Used in a routine maintenance program Bowling Alley Wax forms a tough film which will prevent damage to expensive wood surfaces from scratching, dirt penetration, and soil or water stains. Bowling Alley Wax also effectively protects cork, linoleum, terrazzo, marble and ceramic tile surfaces. Bowling Alley Wax is available in three colors; clear, light oak, or dark brown, to allow varying degrees of grain enhancement when used on wood surfaces. Bowling Alley Wax is also effective in coating and protecting metal and fiberglass surfaces, and can be used as a release agent in molding or casting applications." (this is just one brand -- no endorsement of this particular intended).

Check the link below or google (or yahoo or whatever) bowling alley wax -- or check your local store for it. It will work for you, too. Promise. Good luck!

Answer 5

c'mon, don't be so dam lazy. go down to the rent center and get a floor sander. but wait! don't get sandpaper. they should have something like green scratchy pads you can use with the machine. use these. this won't take long at all.

work with the grain, of course.