Mineral Spirits slick spot

[Kevin Beach]

I was caulking some baseboard cracks and used mineral spirits to clean up.

Some of the mineral spirits got on my hardwood floor. I immediately wiped it up but it has left a residual slick spot.

Its been months and despite routine mopping with vinegar and water its still there — nothing visible but man that place is slick. I have young children and older parents and they have all slipped there.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks

[Jim Morgan]

Mineral spirits can leave an oily residue. Try VM&P naphtha. It doesn't leave a residue and won't affect most finishes. Check first in an inconspicuous spot. And use ventilation as needed. Or you could try DNA.

[Prashun Patel]

I am surprised mineral spirits did that. I suspect it had some mineral OIL in it, which won't evaporate; but MS should evaporate completely.

First try soap and water or even Windex. These will dissolve the oil.

Alcohol is not a good solvent for oil-based products.

Naphtha is very good. It will dissolve the oil well, and evaporates better than mineral spirits.

However, soap and water is the first thing I'd try.

[John TenEyck]

If you were using MS to clean up you likely were using a silicone caulk, correct? If so, I think some of that is what's on the floor now. That would explain the slick spot. Getting it off is going to be a challenge without damaging the floor finish. You could try a commercial remover, or just a rag soaked in MS, and wipe, wipe, wipe, and wipe some more, changing cloths often. Good luck.

John

[Jamie Buxton]

The mineral spirits now sold in California is weird stuff. About half of what's in the can is an oily clear liquid which never evaporates. I've left a saucer full of it for a month, and that oily stuff is still there. I don't know what would clean it up. I'd start with simple soap and water, and escalate to stronger solvents if required.

[Edwin Santos]

If soap and water doesn't work, how about a relatively safe degreaser like Simple Green?

[Bennett Ostroff]

You could try using a fine scotch brite with whatever cleaner you use. If it’s a durable floor finish it should withstand a little scrubbing and might help to cut whatever’s causing the slickness.