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Sherry asked: How do I remove soot from finished hardwood flooring? I moved into a house that has soot on the finished hardwood floor. How and what can I use to get rid of it without paying an arm and a leg for it?
Soot is a nasty, difficult stain, but with the right materials, you can clean it up without much trouble at all. With just a few inexpensive supplies, you can do this job the way the pros would.
You Will Need:
- Dry Chemical Soot Removal Sponge
- Single edge razor blade
- Citrus Cleaner and Degreaser
- Regular sponge
- Water
- Bucket or bowl
- Clean rag or old towel
Steps to Remove the Soot Stain:
- Wipe the affected area with the dry chemical sponge. Do NOT wet the chemical sponge – it is always used dry.
- When the sponge gets dirty, carefully use the razor blade to shave the outer surface away. Continue cleaning with the sponge until you’ve removed as much of the soot as you can.
- Next, clean the area with a solution of citrus degreaser and water. Rather than pour the solution on the floor, which can damage hardwood, mix equal parts of water and degreaser in a bucket or bowl. Then, use the sponge to apply the mixture to the floor. Make sure the sponge is damp, not dripping wet, to protect your floor.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean rag or towel.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Plan on using one dry chemical sponge for each 12′ x 20′ area you need to clean.
- If the soot sponge releases a lot of loose dirt, sweep or vacuum before cleaning with the degreaser. If you don’t remove the loose material, you’re likely to spread the soot back onto the floor.
Can I use vinegar to clean soot off of hardwood floors after the sponge?
Hi Pamela,
Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid mixing cleaners, so wipe the floor with a damp cloth or damp mop first to remove any residue from the dry cleaning sponge. This may be unnecessary, however, better to be safe than sorry as the saying goes. Good luck!