We’ve had many calls recently about the oil spills on the wood floors, and everyone has wanted to know, “How do you clean oil off of your wood floor?” So, this is the topic we’re diving into today. If you would prefer to watch a YouTube video interview that all this information came from, here it is:
For those who like to read… happy reading!!
Ahh, the beauty of a wood floor! It’s timeless, classic and adds warmth to any room. But panic can quickly set in when the unthinkable happens – an oil spill. Yes, it happens more often than we’d like to admit, especially if you have wood flooring in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. So, let’s begin!
A Slippery Situation
Imagine You’re bustling around in your kitchen, trying to prepare a delicious meal. Your phone rings, you lose your focus for just a second, and suddenly – splash! Olive oil is now generously decorating your wood floor. Or perhaps the oil bottle wasn’t closed properly, and while you’re reaching out for the vinegar, it tips over and leaves a messy oil stain.
Most households can recount similar tales. Why? Because as foreign as it may sound, spills do happen, and they often involve oil.
Why the Panic Over Oil Spills?
Oil, by its nature, seeps quickly into wooden surfaces and, if not addressed in a timely manner, can cause lasting damage. But don’t worry – if you act fast, there’s a good chance you can reverse the effects and protect your wood floor from permanent stains.
Immediate Action
The type of oil spill makes a difference. Like the olive oil in our example, cold oil is thicker and won’t penetrate as deeply as hot oil. Here’s what you can do:
- Cold Oil: Using a dry cloth or kitchen towel, absorb as much oil as possible. Be gentle and ensure you’re blotting rather than wiping. Wiping could spread the oil further. After blotting up most of the oil, use a mild detergent specifically designed for wood floors to clean the affected area.
- Hot Oil: Now, this is trickier. If your deep fryer decides to make a mess, the hot oil will penetrate the wood quickly. Safety first – avoid immediate contact to prevent burns if it’s scalding. Once it’s safer to address, repeat the blotting process described for cold oil. Absorb as much oil as you can, and then use your wood floor cleaner.
Two Common Wood Floor Finishes and How to Treat Them
Wood floors come in various finishes, but we’ll focus on the two main types – oil finishes and lacquer finishes:
- Oil Finish: These floors have an oil finish penetrating the wood. You might still notice a mark even if you immediately address the spill. After multiple cleanings, if the stain persists, it might require a top-up coat of oil.
- Lacquer Finish: This polyurethane coating sits on the surface of the wood. If the oil hasn’t damaged the surface, you should be able to clean up the spill without any lasting effects.
Are there any other solutions?
While having a wooden floor in your kitchen may be a tad high maintenance, it doesn’t mean it’s a complete no-no. Wise decisions can be a game-changer. Like using a different type of flooring for high-traffic areas or near cooking spaces. Some even opt for blended tiles or LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) that offer both functionality and aesthetics.
For those unsure, it’s always advisable to consult with professionals like Art Flooring Sam, Phil, and Sally, who can offer insights and solutions tailored to your floor’s needs.
Final Thoughts
If there’s a lesson here, it’s to act fast. Speedy intervention can save your wood floor from lasting damage, whether it’s the naughty olive oil bottle or the sesame or cooking oil. And remember, seeking advice from professionals or the store where you got your wood flooring can be immensely helpful for those challenging stains.
Till next time, keep your wood floors shining and spill-free! And remember, as with everything in life, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way. Safe cooking, everyone!
If you’re looking for a floor sanding company in Cambridgeshire, check out this blog:
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Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please don’t hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901549 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry Cleaning service.
