What flooring is it? How thick is the wear layer? May be possible to sand and refinish (is possible you only usually get one try on engineered) the floor but sounds like your "handyman" owes you a new floor, Hope he is licensed and insured........

Goo Gone is a SOLVENT based cleaner. Solvents EAT floor finishes (it's how we chemically strip furniture...SOLVENTS = DISsolve things). I have a sneaking suspicion that your finish has been compromised. There MIGHT be a away to refresh or refinish this floor...but the damage has been done.

Talk to the handyman and explain what has happened. Ask about how he can come up with a solution that benefits BOTH of you. I hope he will do the right thing and step forward with some sort of solution.

While you are waiting for the handyman to come back with a response, go ahead and contact a local NWFA Certified Sand and Refinisher. If anyone can fix this floor, it is someone with the NWFA certification: www.nwfa.org

And the traditional cost for a "buff and coat" (that's when they add a new coat of finish over the old coat) = $3/sf. A full sand and refinish = $5/sf.

Have a look at the cost of your hardwood and ask yourself which would be a more economical: refinish or remove and replace?

Thank you both for your professional advice! We did go ahead with a soft cloth buffing machine and it worked - if any of the finish was dissolved it's hard to tell now - I really appreciate the time you gave us and your experienced advice. Thank you!

I was really feeling sad and disappointed for you. You must have been sick over this. I just want to say, that I am really happy that in the end, it all worked out fine for you. Happy Decorating!

Thank you Diane - it's so hard to do so much work and then have it almost ruined, truly! I appreciate your sympathy!

I'm glad it worked out! I have used Goo Gone in the can and my goodness that stuff stinks! I can't imagine putting it on my floors.

Glad it got fixed. They probably used the newer Goo Gone that contains no finish dissolving solvents.

@glennsfc, can you kindly explain the difference between new and old? Occasionally we have to use Goo Gone to clean some tough spots on our floor. It seems to work just fine. Thank you!

The old Goo Gone will claim it's the original formula. The newer products will claim they contain no harsh solvents. As long as whatever you're using does the job, you're good. Many wood flooring and adhesive manufacturers will state in accompanying literature what is safe to use to remove stubborn substances.