Gummy tar like substance on hardwood floor

After 20 years, we ripped up the carpet on our hardwood living room floor. Basically the floor looks great except for these gummy tar like spots. The room is 18x15 and there is about 200 eraser sized spots. After some research, I learned that these spots were caused by the padding that was under the carpet.

I can 'almost' take off these spots with a wet paper towel. Some come off and some smear and need a little more "umph"

I read the archives and found that someone had used "Goo Gone". She said it worked, but it was a very slow process. In the same thread, someone suggested to use something called "Peel Away 5". I googled "Peel Away 5", and if I read it correctly, this product may take the finish off of my floor. Any info on this product and what it would/can do to my floor would be helpful.

Also, any info or other suggestions on how to go about this? Other than these spots, the finish on the floor is good. I don't plan on stripping or sanding it.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Patricia

 

Mineral spirits!!!!! Found next to the paint thinner. Mineral spirits is the cats meow.

 

I agree with the first reply that you received about the mineral spirits but just to be on the safe side do it in a spot where it would not be noticed. Yes it is going to take a while to get it cleaned up so do not expect any quick way of getting it done but when you are finished you should be very pleased with yourself that you did it.

 

Vote #3 here for mineral spirits, just make sure you have good ventilation when you do this.

 

I'm glad I found this site, you have all been helpful.

I would like to thank Perry for the mineral spirits suggestion. It was even better than the cat's meow, it was "The bee's knees" as far as removal.

I did test it first in a non conspicuous area. I did the whole floor yesterday in about 5 hours, a lot less time than I had anticipated. Had I used anything else, it might have taken me days.

After we do the same project in another room, I plan on polishing or waxing the wood floors. Any suggestions on product and method?

The room that I just finished has been ventilated. Should I do anything else to it while waiting to finish the other room? In other words, I smoke, and I'm afraid I'm gonna set the house on fire now if I light a match in this room.


Thanks in advance for any input.

Patricia.

 

You're probably ok now. I don't want to be a nag about smoking, but I think you'll find your house will look better longer if you quit smoking inside - the smoke damages darn near everything inside, from walls and ceilings to furniture and window coverings.

 

Waxing surface finish tends to contaminate flooring and will likely create adhesion problems when it comes time to refinish with new surface finish.