Weâ€â„¢ve got nicely finished wood floors all throughout our new home. Last weekend my wife mopped them with âہ“Magic Eraserâ€Â cleaner which was far too strong for the finish and now they all look lifeless and grayish. Two questions:
1. What can I do to restore the look of the floor and protect them
2. Is there anything I should do in the immediate term to protect them until I get around to the longer term solutions you recommend in #1
Thanks, Mischa
Replies
What finish was on them? Varnish? Shellac? (If you aren't sure, and there is any left, you can touch a cotton ball with alcohol to it and if it sticks or disolves the finish, it is shellac, otherwise it is probably varnish (though, it could be just oil).
I can't really offer any advice, but others may be able to once they know what was on there to begin with. I think rather than jumping in with something "temporary" that may cause problems if you have to re-finish, just hold off doing anything until you do a final solution. If the Magic Eraser was at all alkaline and the finish was shellac, you will probably have to refinish. What is the active ingredient in Magic Eraser?--should list it right on the can or bottle.
The usual recommendation for cleaning wood floors is to use plain water and dry immediately. The finishers should have left you instructions on the care of the floor. Some people also use wax, but that is somewhat controversial.
One product does contain some ethyl alcohol, but not much: Ethanol <1%: Mr Clean Magic Eraser (with Foaming Cleanser, Foaming Cleanser and Meadow Fragrance)
http://www.pg.com/content/pdf/01_about_pg/msds/fabric_and_homecare/hard_surface_cleaners/Mr_Clean_Magic_Eraser_plus_Foaming_Cleaner_(Unscented_&_Febreze_Meadows_&_Rain).pdf
Other product material safety data sheets can be found here:
http://www.pg.com/company/our_commitment/msds/fabric_home.shtmll
In general, they contain the usual cleaning agents which tend to have an (mildly) alkaline solution. And, as you might remember, alkaline solutions are often used (although in MUCH stronger form) as paint strippers. So, it is possible that the cleaning agent might have interacted with the floor finish.