What is the best way to remove adhesive from a floor with a polyurethane finish?

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Q: What is the best way to remove adhesive from a floor with a polyurethane finish? I have felt pads on the legs of my chairs and tables. Once in a while a pad comes loose and transfers adhesive onto the floor.

What is the best way to remove this adhesive without damaging the polyurethane finish?

A: I would try some mineral spirits first, or perhaps some denatured alcohol. There is a product I’ve seen at Home Depot. don’t remember exactly the name: Goobegone or something like that. Read the label first.

Follow-up: Mineral spirits sparingly applied to rag did the trick!

Related Q: Our installer, of a new prefinished wood floor, stepped in some polyurethane adhesive and tracked it onto the floor. Even after removal with mineral spirits and lacquer, a day later, the floor finish has been dulled in the areas contacted by the adhesive. Other than replacing the affected boards, is there any way to restore the floor finish?

A: You will probably have to change the boards. Likely the lacquer thinner is the culprit. Bostik does make an adhesive remover which works really well even on dried adhesive.

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