Hardwood floors add a touch of elegance and warmth to any home. Not only do they elevate the ambiance of your living space, but they also boost your property’s value, making it an investment worth considering.
But, similar to carpets and upholstery, they are also extremely prone to accumulating some of the most common spills and stains, such as ink, pet stains, etc. Though such mishaps are common, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them.
This blog will guide you on how to effectively remove stubborn stains from your hardwood floors using simple household ingredients, restoring their original beauty.
Five Common Stubborn Stains And How To Banish Them From Your Hardwood
Before cleaning stains from your hardwood floor, there are a number of things to be kept in mind.
âž” First, ensure cleaning up spills as soon as possible, as the sooner you tackle them, the lesser the chances of them severely staining your hardwood.
âž” Second, before applying any cleaning solution to the stain, try it on a hidden spot on the floor with a similar finish, to ensure it doesn’t yield damaging effects.
âž” Third, when scrubbing or wiping the stain, always follow the direction of the wood grain to avoid further scratching the surface.
âž” Fourth, keep harsh chemicals at bay. One of the worst hardwood floor cleaning mistakes you’ll like to forget is using bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the wood’s finish. So stick to natural cleaning solutions whenever possible.
âž” Lastly, make sure not to moisturize the floor, as it can warp the wood planks. Use a damp cloth, not a soaking wet one.
1. Water Stains
Water stains on hardwood floors come in two main types: white or dark. White stains are surface-level and have not deeply penetrated the wood, while dark stains suggest that the water has permeated the wood.
1.1 White Stains:
White stains usually appear as milky or cloud spots. Usually, you just need a simple hairdryer to clean them.
âž” First, set the hairdryer to a low setting. Then, holding it a few inches away from the stain, move it back and forth over the stain to evaporate the moisture trapped in the finish.
âž” Alternatively, you can use iron. Place a clean cloth over the stain. Now, setting the iron to a low heat setting, gently iron it over the cloth for a few seconds. While doing so, check frequently to see if the stain is lifting.
1.2 Dark Stains:
âž” Darker water stains require more effort to clean, so soak a cotton ball or clean cloth in hydrogen peroxide (3%).
âž” Place it onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours, or overnight. Check periodically and reapply if necessary. Once the stain is banished, wipe the clean area with a damp cloth to remove residue.
2. Grease And Oil Stains
Removing grease and oil stains from hardwood floors requires careful attention to avoid damaging the wood. Here’s what you need to do to effectively remove these stains:
2.1 Dish Soap Solution:
âž” Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Then, dampen a cloth in the soapy water solution, wring it out well (ensuring you do not over-wet it), and gently wipe the stained area, working from the outside to prevent spreading.
âž” Now, again dampen a clean cloth with plain water and wipe the area to remove any soap residue. Once done, dry the area with another clean cloth.
2.2 Baking Soda:
In addition to dish soap, you can also utilize baking soda. Baking soda is a mild cleaning solution and can help lift the stain without damaging the wood.
âž” Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the stain. Dampening a cloth with warm water, gently rub the soda into the stain in a circular motion.
âž” As the stain vanishes, wipe away the soda with a clean, damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.
3. Ink Stains
To remove ink stains from your hardwood floors, you can use rubbing alcohol as an effective solution. Rubbing alcohol is a solvent, which means it can dissolve certain substances and particles such as ink from the wood’s surface. Additionally, compared to harsher solvents like acetone, rubbing alcohol is less likely to damage the wood finish itself.
âž” To start, moisten a cotton ball or swab with rubbing alcohol. However, before proceeding, it’s important to test it on an inconspicuous part of the wood to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.
âž” If the test goes well, carefully dab the stain with the alcohol-soaked cotton until the ink disappears. Once the stain is gone, wipe the area with a clean cloth and then dry it.
4. Pet Stains
To remove stubborn stains from your hardwood floors, like pet urine, you can consider using a combination of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Follow these steps to learn how.
4.1 Vinegar:
âž” Combine a cup of vinegar with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture onto the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes for the vinegar to eliminate the odor and loosen the stain.
âž” After a few minutes, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove the solution and lift the stain.
4.2 Hydrogen Peroxide:
âž” Soak a cloth in hydrogen peroxide and place it over the stain. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Hydrogen peroxide is effective for removing tough stains from hardwood floors, but be mindful of its potential to lighten the wood.
âž” Post application, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to eliminate any leftover residue.
5. Dark Or Soot Stains
âž” To address lighter soot or dark stains, mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Moisten a soft or microfiber cloth with the soapy solution and delicately clean the stained spot.
âž” For darker or resistant stains, use a bit of 3% hydrogen peroxide on a soft cloth and gently pat it onto the stain. Leave it for a few minutes, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth. But, prior to use, test it on a small area, as hydrogen peroxide, in some cases, can bleach the wood.
Summing Words!
Spilled ink, food substances, or pet accidents can all cause stains on hardwood floors. However, dealing with these stains doesn’t have to be difficult. By using the right approach and appropriate solutions, you can remove stubborn stains from your hardwood floors and help maintain their shine for years to come.
