Do you have unsightly water stains on your hardwood flooring? This can be a frustrating situation, given how much of an investment hardwood can be and how valuable it is. Fortunately, there are ways you can remove those stains without damaging the wood itself. In fact, in the process, you can make your floors look better than they ever have!
Before you begin, always clean your floor and dust it to avoid scratches and wear.
Dark Stains
If water has gotten through the finish of your hardwood floors, this will darken the actual wood, which means you must get through the finish layer.
Steel wool: Only use this if you have a good eye and can use your hands well. Gently rub the stained area to remove the stain, but do it lightly. Apply a small amount of pressure in areas that surround the stain to blend it in and avoid a bump.
Sandpaper: If the steel wool didn’t do the trick, it’s unlikely that using sandpaper to file the stain down will work either. But try anyway, again being very gentle.
Vinegar: A common ingredient common in any household, vinegar may remove the stain’s layers. Soak a rag and place it on the stained area, leaving it on top for up to 10 minutes. You may have to apply it more than one time in order to completely remove the stain, or if you have a particularly large stain.
Chlorine bleach: This can be very strong, so use a solution of four parts water and one part bleach. Apply this mixture with a white cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes. Once dry, check to see if the stain is gone. If not, try again, strengthening the solution slightly each time.
Hydrogen peroxide: If you prefer not to handle chlorine bleach, go with hydrogen peroxide which is not as strong. Rather than beginning with a 4:1 ratio, try two parts water to two parts hydrogen peroxide.
Apply finish: Lastly, apply finish that matches your floor. Of course, we highly recommend leaving this and all stain removal jobs up to a professional.
Light Stains
If you have superficial stains, such as the ones left behind by moist glasses, try these remedies.
Pastes: Make a baking soda paste (one part water/one part baking soda), a salt paste (salt with a few drops of water), or you could even use toothpaste. Be gentle, whichever paste you use.
Petroleum jelly: If the above quick tricks don’t work, you can try applying petroleum jelly and letting it sit overnight. Don’t forget to wipe it away the following day.
With some patience, a gentle touch and the right solution, you can remove water stains in no time. For more stubborn stains, call a professional.
Contact Designer Wood Flooring
For more tips on removing stains from your hardwood floors, contact us today. We are local leaders in hardwood installation, maintenance and repair.
