Wooden floors make a beautiful atmosphere in every living room and give businesses that certain something.
Hardwood floors are popular because they have a classic, modern look that goes with any floor style. They are also durable, keep noise out, and are easy to clean.
Many people like to use home remedies for cleaning and care. The following guide explains why cleaning hardwood floors with mineral spirits is so effective and what needs to be considered.
What are mineral spirits?
Mineral spirits, also known as “white spirits,” can be used instead of turpentine.
Turpentine comes from the resin of larch and pine trees. On the other hand, this turpentine is made naturally through steam distillation and is mostly used in varnishes and oil paints.
Mineral spirit, on the other hand, is made artificially from petroleum.
Due to their low dissolving power, mineral spirits are not as harsh as turpentine and smell less strong.
Because of this, it also works well as a household cleaner. White spirit can also be used to clean hardwood floors, along with brushes and paint sponges.
Why are mineral spirits suitable for cleaning hardwood floors?
Mineral spirits, also known as “white spirits,” can be used instead of turpentine.
Turpentine comes from the resin of larch and pine trees. On the other hand, this turpentine is made naturally through steam distillation and is mostly used in varnishes and oil paints. Mineral spirit, on the other hand, is made artificially from petroleum.
Due to their low dissolving power, mineral spirits are not as harsh as turpentine and smell less strong.
Because of this, it also works well as a household cleaner. White spirit can also be used to clean hardwood floors, along with brushes and paint sponges.
Advantages of mineral spirits for cleaning hardwood floors:
- Even stubborn dirt is gone.
- Makes sure the shine is beautiful
- Cleanliness is made possible
- A cheap and effective cleaning agent
What should you remember when cleaning hardwood floors with mineral spirits?
Before you wipe mineral spirits on the wooden floor, there are a few things to think about:
The solvent should be used sparingly because it’s terrible for the environment if thrown away incorrectly.
Turpentine is very flammable, so it should never be near an open flame.
Even though mineral spirits are not as dangerous as turpentine, they should still be kept away from the eyes, nose, and skin, and the fumes should not be breathed in.
Hardwood floors can be cleaned with mineral spirits, but the rooms need to have enough airflow before and after.
Children shouldn’t be able to get to the solvent, so it should be kept in a locked cabinet out of their reach.
People with sensitive skin, skin diseases, allergies, or breathing problems shouldn’t use mineral spirits to clean hardwood floors. Instead, they should use a gentler method.
Mineral spirits should not be used to clean if it causes skin reddening or irritation, a dry cough, or problems with breathing.
Cleaning hardwood floors with mineral spirits – this is how it works:
Before wiping mineral spirits on the hardwood floors, you must protect your skin, eyes, nose, and lungs and make sure you have enough fresh air.
- Then, use a broom or electric broom to sweep up any loose dirt from the hardwood floors.
- Then, use lukewarm water and a floor wiper or spray wiper to clean the wooden floor as usual.
- Let the hardwood floor complexly dry before you use mineral spirits to clean it.
- Then, put a few drops of white spirit on a clean, soft cloth. Don’t breathe in the fumes or touch your skin while doing this.
- Use the cloth to carefully wipe the deep stains or dirt off the wood floors.
- To keep the wood floor from getting sticky, wipe it down with clear water and a clean, wooden cloth.
- Last, let the floors dry and give the rooms much air.
What are the alternatives to mineral spirits when cleaning hardwood floors?
Mineral spirits are NOT a good way to clean all wooden floors. When it comes to hardwood floors, whether oiled, varnished, or sealed, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions!
- Acetone is a solvent used to clean or get rid of grease. It works on glass, plastic, and metal.
- Denatured alcohol is best used as a cleaner because it dissolves other things. But you can’t thin paints with it.
- Turpentine can clean brushes and thin paint, just like mineral spirits.
- Charcoal lighter fluid. You can use it similarly since it is made of mineral spirits.
What else is mineral spirit used for?
Mineral spirits are used to clean hardwood floors, but the tried-and-true home remedy can also be used for:
- Cleaning brushes and paint sponges
- Removal of paint splashes on textiles
- Care of dirty and yellowed tiles
If a mineral spirit is used to clean brushes, it is important not to breathe in the fumes and to protect the skin.
Mineral spirits should never dry out because they are hard to eliminate. Mineral spirit and salt can clean dirty things in the bathroom, like yellowed tiles. The same goes for this: After a short time, wipe off the solution with a dry cloth, if possible.
Remove stains with mineral spirits on wood floors
Mineral spirits is a strong chemical solution that can be used to get rid of oil paints and other greasy things. Builders and manufacturers who make things often use it. Always clean floors in the most gentle way possible.
Will mineral spirits remove stains from wood? Mineral spirits are great for restoring wood, getting it ready to be stained, cleaning it, showing the wood grain, removing oil from oily wood, and many other things.
Mineral spirits can remove stains from engineered hardwood floors without harming the finish safely and effectively.
water stains
Mineral spirits can get rid of water stains on wooden boards or floors. To get rid of a water stain with white spirit, soak a piece of extra-fine steel wool in white spirit and rub the stain until the stain is gone.
White stain
Mineral spirit is another great way to get rid of the white stain on hardwood floors, but care should be taken not to remove any wax that has been put on the floor, and only a small amount should be put on the floor.
Pour a small number of mineral spirits into a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Use a cotton pad to rub the area. After you scrub the floor for 5 minutes, get a clean cloth and wipe up any liquid. Let dry.
Oil stains
Mineral spirits can also eliminate grease and oil stains on your hardwood floor. These stains are common in the kitchen, where grease and oil are often dropped without notice.
To prevent stains, rub the oil or grease on the floor like grease. This works especially well on floors with a polyurethane coating.
Remove adhesive
will mineral spirits remove adhesive? Mineral spirits can help you get rid of floor adhesive, but they can also soak into the grain of the wood, which you don’t want if you want to use the wood floor as the existing floor.
You can also use a damp towel to neutralize mineral spirits.
Remove floor wax
Some people cover their wood floors with a thick layer of wax. Wax keeps your floors from getting scratched or stained, but it can turn yellow over time.
When this happens, you must take off the wax and put it back on. To use mineral spirits to remove wax from hardwood floors, soak a cloth in mineral spirits and rub it over the entire floor.
Then, use a piece of extra-fine steel wool to remove the wax, but be careful not to scratch it.
Conclusion
Hardwood floors can be cleaned using mineral spirits. This is an effective method for cleaning wooden floors with common household materials. Following all the advice, you can have a beautiful, durable wood floor.