I recently had stranded bamboo installed. I noticed that there are (shiny, glossy, white) spots all over the house and they seem to look like where the contractor used the rubber mallets. The spots are very noticeable and visible from certain angles (mainly from natural light). There are also spots that look like partial prints of the boots when they stepped on the planks. After they cleaned the glue with the adhesive cleaner and the shine is wiped away, I noticed these spots/marks. I tried using Bruce hardwood cleaner and adhesive remover but have had no luck. Please help! These spots are driving me nuts.

I would call the installers back out there to remedy the problem. First try different products that won't hurt the finish. Hopefully the finish isn't damaged by scuffing/abraision.

I've seen and heard of guys pounding in planks with a rubber mallet. I think that's rediculous, there's no reason for it. And common sense can only tell you that it's gonna take it's toll on the finish. Kicking in planks with boots......don't even have words for that one.

Yea thats crazy, thats what the metal side of the mallet is for.

It shouldnt hurt the finish to whack it with a rubber mallet thats what they are made for. It shouldnt have permanently marred the top. call the guys back and have them remove them. Ive found those magic eraser things to work well.

I think I'll agree to disagree

Thanks! I will try the magic eraser. But I did call them back out to try to remove the spots. The good news is I was able to remove some spots yesterday with the Mapei Ultrabond Urethane Remover however there are still many visible spots that seem pretty permanent. After the install I noticed they used a good amount of Urenthane Remover leaving a good shine. It was left there for a few days and was stepped on leaving shoe prints etc. Could it be that this was drying and combined with shoe prints caused these spots to permanently stick to the floor?

The cleaner shouldnt have that affect on the marks. Might just be a matter of a lot of elbow grease. I would also try Goo Gone, (try it on a scrap first).

may still be some glue residues.....after cleaning they came out...if a glue down install..no one will ever get every little spot..they pop up...if they made a good solid and honest attempt to remove all and did satisfactorily, the rest can be achieved with adhesive remover.

bostik makes a good one..wont hurt the finish....
this will also break down mallot marks..

Many manufacturer's guidelines today specifically advise against using rubber mallets to force boards into position for just this reason. I believe Charles Peterson in his book A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Refinishing available at Amazon states this also. Another tidbit manufacturer's solid 3/4" plank 5" and wider require a serpentine strip of construction adhesive in order to provide the holding power necessary to prevent movement. Closer nailing alone will not do it. Peterson's book on page 87 88 outlines why. Even 40 years in the business does not guarantee success today! Keeping abreast of new requirements does. This forum is very helpful. www.nwfa.org also has forums that are quite instructive.

well I am still holding my ground. there should be a standardized test for the manufactures if the floor's finish cant handle a whack from a soft rubber mallet then it's not worth having imho. that reminds me though, a lot of the cheap mallets I have seen sold with cheap import nailers have a rubber cap thats are like a rock which wreck even some unfinished floors. how can you give your floor a 50 year finish warranty and it not take that kind of impact. its not too much more than a swift kick with a rubber soled shoe. Now you going to tell me you shouldnt slide boards with your feet then your nuts! Im not taking about FORCING the boards into place. if the boards wont fit together well thats a whole different problem in itself.

Depends on the rubber mallet!

I have always use a double headed rubber mallet on gluedowns to get the planks to move as I pull. Gets a tight floor!

I am sure your problem is fixed by now, but if the rubber marks still exist use a rag and spray some car brake cleaner on the rag available everywhere and gently rub the rubber marks and they will come off.