How to Get Sap Off Flooring

While fresh-cut trees can be used in homes for firewood or decoration during the holidays, they make hardwood floors susceptible to sap stains. Warm conditions in homes cause pressure to increase in a tree, which forces sap out of wounds in the tree’s outer trunk. Aside from appearing unattractive on hardwood, sap is very sticky and adheres to the flooring over time. To avoid stubborn buildup, remove sap before it dries on the hardwood. Two solutions help remove the residue easily, but they could dull waxed floors.

Broom
Chemical-resistant gloves
2 cotton cloths
Mineral spirits
Plastic sponge pad
Turpentine
Dry towel

Instructions

- 1
  Sweep the sap-stained hardwood to clear away loose dirt particles, which can scratch the floor's finish during sap removal.
- 2
  Prepare to use a solvent on the sap stain. Begin by opening nearby windows and switching on fans to provide abundant air circulation. Slip on a pair of chemical-resistant gloves, as well.
- 3
  Moisten a cotton cloth with mineral spirits. Rub the sap with the mineral spirits, dissolving as much gummy residue as possible.
- 4
  Examine the hardwood for stubborn sap. If any dried-on sap or stubborn sap residue remain, dampen a plastic sponge pad with turpentine.
- 5
  Scrub the remaining sap off the hardwood using the turpentine-dampened sponge pad.
- 6
  Moisten another cloth with water. Wring the cloth well, and then wipe the hardwood to rinse away the mineral spirits and turpentine.
- 7
  Buff the moist hardwood with a dry towel.

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