How do I remove bitumen (tar) from my wood flooring?

My inbox has been stuffed with queries about removing bitumen (tar), particularly from wood floors, recently, so I thought my post dealing with that problem could well be repeated. Bitumen (or tar as it is sometimes known) is used as an adhesive to stick wood flooring, particularly parquet and similar types of wood flooring.

Over time the bitumen seeps up between the joints leaving black marks on the floor.I had this problem on my own floors.My wife and I decided to replace the carpet from the hall and stairs To make the job easier and cheaper I took up the existing carpet myself only to find a parquet floor underneath. I could also see the floor continued into the lounge. After much persuasion my wife agreed to not replacing the carpet on the understanding that I cleaned the floor and did all the maintenance!

The floor that was revealed was very dirty and appeared to have a lot of black marks, (which I subsequently found to be bitumen) between the wood tiles. After several attempts at sweeping the floor I managed to pick up all the dust. I then got down on my hands and knees (I could in those days!) and used Scotchbrite (a non scratch scourer) soaked in Heritage Woodcare and "scrubbed" the whole floor. I finished up with a floor that looked really clean and had a slight sheen, I was also pleased to note that all the bitumen that had seeped up between the joints had been removed Now every time I sweep the floor it also restores the sheen and wiping over with my Heritage Woodcare once per month is all that is required to keep my floor looking really good

Heritage woodcare can be bought online, visit http://www.heritagewoodcare.co.uk/

How do I clean and polish my outdoor wooden furniture?

Now we are approaching the outdoor season, it has prompted some enquiries about looking after outdoor wooden furniture. This furniture is usually made from teak or mahagony, more often teak. Both woods respond well to Heritage Woodcare. Teak does however have a tendecy to weather i.e. it goes a pleasant silvery colour. Where this has happened, do NOT apply anything to your furniture without sanding it first, otherwise the finish will go black.

To use Heritage Woodcare there is no need to clean your furniture as your Heritage will do that. You will first need to thoroughly shake your bottle, Pour some into a container, take any soft, clean and dry cloth, soak it in your polish and then squeeze and wring your cloth out till it is damp dry. Pour any surplus polish back into your bottle. You are now ready!

All you need to do now is to wipe your furniture following the direction of the grain. Heritage Woodcare will clean and polish in one go, and you will find that there is no need to buff up so your Heritage saves you time and effort whilst leaving a great finish.

Heritage Woodcare can be obtained online, visit http://www.heritagewoodcare.co.uk/