5 Tips for Removing Tar from Hardwood Floors

There are many way in removing tar on a hardwood floor. Tar is a substance that is sticky in nature coming from roots and woods. It is primary used on sealing roofing shingles as well as seal wooden hulls of ships to prevent it from rotting. In diluted form, tar is also used as spice for meat, candy flavoring, anti-dandruff agent and as a component to some cosmetics. It is quite a daunting task to remove tar because of its sticky nature. In removing tar from a hardwood floor, it is important to be very careful so as not to damage the hardwood floor especially if you are removing tar from an authentic hardwood floor. Below are tips in removing tar from hardwood floors.

1. Use a Dull Pointed Object

The first thing that you should do to remove tar from hardwood floor is to scrape off as much tar as possible using a dull pointed object such as a popsicle stick. You can even use your fingernails in removing the tar. Any dull pointed object will do and never use a pointed object to avoid damaging the hardwood floor in the process of removing the tar. A plastic spatula is also perfect for this task.

2. Use Ice Cubes

You can also use ice cubes to freeze the tar. Place a couple of ice cubes on top of the tar and wait for the tar to freeze and brittle. It will be easy to remove the tar after this process is done.

3. Use Dry Cleaning Solvent

You can use dry cleaning solvent to remove tar on hardwood floors. Dab adequate amounts of dry cleaning solvent in a clean cloth and rub the tar off the hardwood floor thoroughly. Wipe away the remaining residue with a fresh cloth.

4. Use a Scouring Pad

For stubborn tar stains, you can use a scouring pad. Select a scouring pad that has a fine grade to decrease your chances of damaging your hardwood in the process. Wipe the tar-stained area with the scouring pad in a small circular motion. Do not put too much pressure on the scouring pad to avoid damaging your hardwood.

5. Use Acetone

You can also use acetone to remove tar from laminated wood flooring. Dab a small amount of acetone on a clean cloth and wipe starting from the edges of the tar stain into the center of the tar stain to avoid spreading the tar on your hardwood floor even more.

When removing tar from authentic hardwood floor the key thing is to be gentle yet thorough. Authentic hardwood floors are expensive and hard to replace so care must be taken during the tar removal process. Refinishing your hardwood floor is necessary in the case that there is damage on your hardwood floor during the tar removal. You can also use rubbing alcohol instead of using acetone to remove the tar from your hardwood floor.