With Expert: Gary Lichlyter
Lichlyter founded Lemont Kitchen & Bath in 1988, after receiving his formal training as a custom cabinetmaker. He is also a member of the SEN Design Group.

Q. We pulled up glued down carpet from our hardwood floors. The floors look good but need some TLC around the edges. How do we reburbish them ourselves? And in the hallway, how do we clean up glue and rug fibers still stuck to the floor?

A. First of all, are the floor and hallway on the same level and are there transitional pieces between the two? The hallway floor, where you have glue and the bottom fibers of the carpet stuck to the hardwood, will have to be sanded down. If this floor flows into the other area without a transition you will need to continue the sanding throughout. This will ensure that you have an even floor as well as consistent color throughout.

If the floors are indeed separate, then I would suggest using a product made by Guardsman. The Guardsman Furniture Care Kit is a wax/silicone free blend of oils combined with cleaning agents. This cleaner/polish will safely remove dirt, old wax or polish build-up and even help with stains or discolorations in the wood. I have used this with great success on old banisters and wood stairs. After cleaning use the polishing cloth to restore the woods natural sheen.