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If you’ve got a beautiful unfinished wood floor in your home, you probably want to know how to protect it. Fortunately, there are a variety of products available that will protect your floor from damage. These products can include mineral spirits, vinegar, trisodium phosphate, and Aluminum oxide. In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of each one and how to use them. Once you’ve chosen a product, you can clean and protect your unfinished wood floors.
Mineral spirits
A simple way to protect unfinished wood floors is with mineral spirits. It can remove surface stains, sticky substances, and dirt. This solution will also help lighten stain color. Mineral spirits is widely available and inexpensive. To apply mineral spirits to your floors, wipe them down with a clean rag and allow it to dry for a few minutes. For larger areas, you can use an odorless version of mineral spirits. You can also use a microfiber mop to apply the solution.
To use mineral spirits to clean your unfinished hardwood floor, first test it on an inconspicuous spot. Do not use mineral spirits on engineered wood floors. It may remove the finish from them. For engineered hardwood floors, it is best to consult a professional or manufacturer. However, it is still worth testing on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure that mineral spirits will not damage the finish.
Although mineral spirits is a popular product, you should always remember to use it properly. Mineral spirits can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested. Make sure to follow the directions carefully to prevent any accidental exposure to the solvent. To avoid potential burns, use gloves and eyewear while applying mineral spirits. If you have pets, make sure they are not around while you are using mineral spirits. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and keep the entire area clean.
Vinegar
Whether you’re scrubbing your floors with a mild detergent, or soaking them in a solution made from a vinegar and water mixture, you can protect your unfinished wood floors with vinegar. Although vinegar can be a very strong cleaner, you shouldn’t mix it with bleach or ammonia because these products can damage your floors over time. Furthermore, using vinegar as a cleaning agent is completely safe for kids, pets, and people with allergies.
To clean your unfinished wood floors, simply mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to any dirty areas of the floor, and wipe away the residue with a soft sponge. For larger areas, a damp mop will help remove any cleaning solution. Afterward, dry mop with a clean towel. If the area is still soiled, use a second vinegar solution to scrub away any remaining dirt.
Another way to maintain your wood floors is to clean them once a month. Simply mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one cup of water and a few drops of dish soap. Then, use a scrubber brush or a broom with the solution to scrub away the dirt. When you’re done, wipe away any excess water. Avoid leaving any puddles on your floors as this can cause permanent damage to your wood floor.
Trisodium phosphate
Among the most effective floor stain removers is Trisodium phosphate. Apply the crystallized powder with a soft bristled brush to the floor stain, and then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth or warm water. Unlike finished floors, unfinished wooden floors are highly absorbent. After scrubbing the floor with Trisodium phosphate, you can simply wipe the stain away with warm water and a dry cloth.
Mineral spirits are another option for cleaning unfinished wood floors. These are petroleum-based cleaners that are effective in cleaning stubborn spots. After cleaning with mineral spirits, you can remove it with a microfiber cloth. But mineral spirits can be very hazardous to humans, so use caution when cleaning with them. To avoid the risk of chemical exposure, make sure to keep windows open while cleaning. For an even safer alternative, try a homemade vinegar solution.
To clean an unfinished wood floor with TSP, you can dip the mop into a bucket containing the chemical solution. Then, place a strainer underneath the bucket to catch any excess liquid. Afterwards, scrub the floor with a dry cloth to avoid moisture penetration. The chemical compound has been in use for years, but the use of this product is phasing out.
Aluminum oxide
An aluminum oxide finish is an excellent option for wood floors. It is a protective coating applied to a hardwood board’s top surface that protects it from oxidization. The finish is not permanent and needs regular maintenance. In addition, aluminum oxide protects unfinished wood floors from scratches. The finish has a life span of twenty to 25 years, which is longer than that of polyurethane finishes. New floors tend to fade over time, but wood that is protected with aluminum oxide will age much slower.
Aluminum oxide protects unfinished wood floors from scratches and stains. However, a floor covered with aluminum oxide may not be as durable as a floor coated with polyurethane. If this is the case, you should consider refinishing the floor with polyurethane. However, the benefits of aluminum oxide flooring outweigh the drawbacks of a coating made of this material. Besides, an aluminum oxide finish is a good choice for floors, as it will last for many years.
One of the benefits of aluminum oxide is its hardness. Typically, it is UV-cured in the factory. This type of finish can withstand many kinds of foot traffic. Because of its durability, aluminum oxide is a great choice for high traffic areas. Aluminum oxide is only toxic in extremely high concentrations. Although it should be avoided, inhalation is not thought to cause significant harm. It is safe for use on wood floors.
Oil-based polyurethane
Applying an oil-based polyurethane finish to unfinished wood floors can last for years. This durable finish should be applied in the direction of the grain using a brush or an applicator. Apply a thin layer of polyurethane, ensuring an even coat by working in long, overlapping strokes. If there are imperfections, sand the area before applying a second coat.
Depending on where you plan to use the floor, you might choose a water-based or oil-based polyurethane. Oil-based finishes are better for areas with high traffic, such as a living room, while water-based finishes are better for less-ventilated rooms. Both types will protect your floor, but choose the type based on the level of exposure. Water-based finishes are safer for bathrooms and guest rooms.
There are two main types of oil-based and water-based polyurethane solutions. Water-based polyurethane dries faster, but it doesn’t have the same glossy finish. Both types are very durable, but the latter requires a much longer drying time. You should walk on the floor at least 24 hours after the last coat. It is best to have a professional apply the finish. Water-based polyurethane can be re-coated in 4-6 hours. If you need a new coat sooner, you can open a window and let fresh air in.
Water-based polyurethane is clear and low-odor. It dries faster, but may require more coats. Oil-based polyurethanes have a high build and can withstand heat better than water-based products. You can choose between satin or flat polyurethane. Satin polyurethanes are low to medium sheen and conceal dirt. This type of finish is most often used in flooring.
Murphy’s oil soap
If you have unfinished wood floors, you should use a product called Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean them. This product is made from 98% natural ingredients and is safe to use on household surfaces and finished wood. It doesn’t leave a dull or sticky residue behind. The product is also effective at removing wax buildup on floors. To use it on your floors, mix one tablespoon of Murphy’s Oil Soap with one gallon of water. Apply the solution to the floor using a mop and sweep it in large motions. Then, change the soap and water out and repeat the cleaning process.
Murphy’s Oil Soap is made with 98% natural ingredients and is a non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner. While wood carpeting can be inexpensive, it can stain or become stained after just six months. Luckily, Murphy Oil Soap can help you get rid of spills and spots, even those from toddlers. But there are other methods to clean unfinished wood floors that are both effective and safe.
It’s possible to use Murphy Oil Soap on laminate flooring as well. If your laminate floors are polyurethane-coated, you can use it on them. It works well with hot water, so you need to rinse them thoroughly after applying Murphy Oil Soap. When cleaning laminate flooring, you need to remove any dust and debris to ensure that there are no scratches. You should also remove any small rocks or debris that can scratch the laminate floor.
