Hi redroze,
These are indeed our original floors and, yes, the whole apartment was painted!

They didn't go a great job covering the floors (except when we were around) so although the problem isn't everywhere, it is in many areas throughout the apartment. And since the floors are dark (a matte ebony stain), it is sooooo noticeable and aggravating...

I don't even know what a dull wooden scraper is but am keen to find one now! :) Will also try the rubbing alcohol - thank you so much!

I'll post back tomorrow :)

Amina

Yes, we had the same problem. They had drop sheets but they sort of dragged them around and I guess missed some spots. Argh.

I asked hubby where he got it, we got it from a Home Depot type of store in Canada. We're not sure what it's used for...basically it's all wood with a dull edge. If I could find it I'd take a photo of it for you!

Try the rubbing alcohol. I really really hope it works for you as I know how awful the WHITE PRIMER looks on the DARK FLOORS...not exactly the type of contrast one would hope for! Ours are a matte ebony-ish stain as well.

Hi,

This is redroze's husband.

For the stuff between the boards I used a small tack pin and carefully dug them out. You can loosen the paint/primer by applying rubbing alcohol with a q-tip to the crack and also on the pin itself. BUT be careful not to leave the alcohol on too long.

Rubbing alcohol in a way dissolves the paint but given time will also dissolve the polyurethane protecting the wood.

Make sure to clean up afterwards with a damp paper towel.

Good luck, it was not fun cleaning it off.

Hi again redroze and tin-man :)

I don't have rubbing alcohol at home but will try and pick some up tomorrow. Tin-man, thank you for explaining how you did it (it sounds time-consuming and not a lot of fun!) - I have a better idea now of what to do and will try it tomorrow. Can't wait to see if it'll work for us.

Redroze, I totally agree that white spots or white lines between boards is not the most attractive look/contrast!

Thank you, both. Appreciate it. :)
Amina

OK...this is not a good fix but it might work. If you have white gunk trapped that you absolutely cannot get to, what about getting some stain on a Q-tip and stain the white gunk brown? It will still be there, but at least you won't be able to see it. Like I said...I'd rather see it gone, but if that's not possible, camouflage might be a good option.

Hi Amina,
Is it drywall dust or glue that's stuck between the boards?

We underwent a major renovation of our new old house this past year...and I remember panicking when I saw the filth on my dark hardwood floors.

A dry vac picked up all of the white dust that had settled between the boards. It was labour intensive work...I was on my hands and knees vacuuming every single hardwood edge.

And then I swept again and once again was on my hands and knees with damp towels..

On the stairwell and second floor, our contractors had put protective covering on the floors to protect them. The glue from the covering was stuck on many areas, and, as Redroze suggested, we used rubbing alcohol to spot clean. It worked.
Good luck,

When our wood floors were installed, there were various little marks on them that the installer got off with Goof Off. I thought it would harm the wood/coating/whatever, but it didn't and took care of the problem spots.

Hey Amina, how did it go? Perhaps I'm asking too early, and you're scrubbing those darn stains out at this very moment. We really feel for you, especially those who have gone through it. Just keep at it, it will make a great difference when it's all done!

I hesitate to ask but here goes - my contractor hasn't covered our floors at all. He says not to worry about what happens to the floor now because they are going to be sanded down and refinished with a new stain color. Should my floors be covered? Am I going to regret listening to him?
Thanks!

Katmandu, it depends on the kind of work that's being done. In terms of drips and spills, he's correct, that stuff will easily be sanded off during refinishing. In terms of making big gashes or dents, that's a bigger danger when there's heavy renovation or carpentry going on. In that case you might want to consider laying down some thin masonite board in those areas to prevent any dings.

Redroze and Tin-man, thank you so very much for your advice and help!

It took me quite a while last night to do a small area in the living room and I was exhausted doing just that (and overwhelmed thinking about how much more I have to do!) but your advice worked and I am so grateful. Thank you!

The guy at the hardware store also suggested "Goo Gone" which I didn't have and as an fyi, i should say that while it worked it didn't get results as quickly as the rubbing alcohol. I think it will help for touch-ups or areas I missed.

Thank you again!
Amina

Also, just a tip so nobody makes the mistake I did once: if you're getting a goo remover for cleaning floors (or any finished surface), get the Goo Gone citrus-based stuff, NOT the Goof Off in the small yellow can, which is lacquer remover and will take off the floor finish itself. :)

{{!gwi}}

When I go to the dentist, I ask if they have any old dental picks that they no longer use. That tool works great for getting gunk between floor boards. It also works wonderfully if you are stripping the finish off carved wood with loads of grooves.

Also, try a can of compressed air from one of the office supply stores. That hard blast of air dislodges stuff, too.

That's great Amina, I'm so glad for you! Keep at it, it makes a difference in the long run for a couple hours of work.