ᐅ Stains on hardwood flooring caused by plasticizers

Hello parquet enthusiasts,

Unfortunately, I left my great new mountain bike on the parquet floor. Since bikes are often stolen in the basement, I put mine in the guest room. I didn’t think about the plasticizers in the tires that can cause discoloration, and now I have a problem.

Are there any ways to remove these “stains” (see pictures) to some extent, or is the only option to sand the entire floor and reseal it?

Unfortunately, I don’t know the exact type of parquet flooring.

Maybe someone can help or has had a similar issue before.

According to Google, some recommend “magic erasers, acetone, or Oranex by Spinrad,” but I’m skeptical. I would try it on an inconspicuous spot first. What do you think?

Regards,
Thomas

Hello Thomas,

Are you sure it is hardwood flooring? With laminate, stains can be effectively removed using nail polish remover. However, do not apply the remover directly onto the floor; instead, use a cloth to apply it.

Regards

Hello Holy,

to me, it also looks more like laminate. However, the landlord said it is parquet.

I think I will test it in an inconspicuous spot.

Regards,
Thomas

If it is parquet flooring, I would be interested to know if it worked out, so please share your experience.

Best regards

It’s parquet flooring. My dad has exactly the same issue with his parquet, in the spot where his cat’s scratching post stands. There are small squares all over from the rubber feet.

My guess is that the discoloration is only on or slightly within the sealant. Still, you probably won’t have any other choice but to sand it down and reseal it. Wiping it off didn’t help at all. Or do like my dad—he just put the scratching post back in the same spot. O_o

Hmm, on closer inspection it could actually be laminate. But you'll find out quickly if you check behind or under the baseboard. If it is laminate, replacement is the only option, because sanding will really look bad.