Stains, spots, and spills are inevitable in life. Everyone encounters them at some point, and most of us dread them. Hardwood floor stains are no different.
Stain removals on hardwood floors can be tough, especially if you don’t have the right advice. Every stain is different, and if you’re in a hurry to remove them–things can get messy!
If you’re looking to remove stains from your hardwood floors safely, here’s a list of dos and don’ts for stain removal:
Don’ts Of Hardwood Floor Stain Removal
1. Do not use hot water
If you want to remove any stain from your hardwood floor, avoid using hot water as it can damage the texture of the wood. Instead, use lukewarm water and a cleaning solution made for absorbing stains.
2. Do not let your cleaning solution sit for too long
When applying the cleaning solution, make sure that you use it directly on the stain and then wipe it off immediately afterward with a clean rag or cloth. Avoid letting it sit on your hardwood floors for too long because this could cause wood discoloration.
3. Do not pour acid or acid-based products directly on your floor
Vinegar, coke, and acids like sulfuric and phosphoric acid have been long known for effectively removing stains from wood. However, they can bleach wood if poured directly. Make sure you take the product on a cotton ball or pad first and blot up as much of the stain as possible without spreading it around. Keep dabbing until it disappears completely.
Dos Of Hardwood Floor Stain Removal
1. Do consider cleaning supplies
- When searching for a cleaning product that removes stains from hardwood floors, opt for those containing oils or soap as they are milder than other chemicals used for this purpose.
- The American Cleaning Institutesuggests using a cleaning solution or detergent with a neutral pH or mixing white vinegar and water in equal parts. This will help prevent the stain from being absorbed by the wood, which will keep it from reappearing later.
2. Do dampen the area
If you want to reduce the amount of time needed in removing stain from your hardwood flooring, dampen the area around the stain with a wet sponge or a mop before cleaning. This will prevent any stain from soaking into the wood’s finish and causing damage that cannot be removed later.
3. Do seek professional help
Removing stains from hardwood floors can be tricky, so it may be best to leave it up to a professional. A flooring contractor will be able to tell you the type of wood used in your floors and advise you on which products to use.
If you’re in trouble because of a tough hardwood floor stain, give us a call and let our professionals take care of it. 5 Star Hardwood Floor is one of the best flooring contractors in Seattle known for prompt hardwood floor staining, sanding, waterproofing, and refinishing services. Get in touch with us today!