Hardwood floors have become very popular in recent years due to their clean and sleek aesthetic and the fact that they’re preferable for some over carpets in terms of maintenance. However, hardwood floors come with their requirements, and you need to know the best ways to take care of them, or you could end up doing some damage. What happens, for example, if there are stains?
There are many methods to remove stains from wood. Vinegar, for example, is suitable for dirt or water stains, whereas paint thinner is great for oil stains. To determine the best one, consider what the stain is and if in doubt, start with lighter methods before using paint thinner.
Let’s take a closer look at the best way to remove stains from your hardwood floor, whether dirt, oil, or water, and what you should never use to try and remove stains.
Are Wood Stains Permanent?
Although it may sometimes feel like wood stains are permanent, most wood stains can be removed with methods that are simpler than people might think.
Of course, some stains are more challenging to get rid of than others and require different methods, but as long as you know what to do, you can usually have the floor looking as good as new again.
What are the Best Cleaning Products for Removing Stains from Wood?
The best cleaning products will depend on the stain you have on the wood (whether oil, water, or dirt), but all of these things are generally recommended to use:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Olive oil (for a water stain, when mixed with vinegar)
- Hydrogen peroxide
There are also some great commercial cleaning products out there that can remove stains on wood, including:
- Weiman Wood Cleaner (on Amazon)
- Murphy Wood Cleaner (on Amazon)
- Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner (on Amazon)
Will Sandpaper Remove Stains?
You can use sandpaper to remove stains from wood, but it’s a bit tricky as it usually requires more maintenance to get the wood looking nice again. Also, this method is best for stains that won’t come out any other way, so it’s best to try other methods before you resort to sandpaper.
How to Remove Oil Stains
If you spill oil on your floor, like cooking oil, it will stain. However, the good news is that oil stains are relatively easy to eliminate.
Mineral spirits, such as a paint thinner (on Amazon), are best for removing oil. They’ll break it up if you rub it with a rag, and then you can wipe away the solution and dry the floor. You can also leave the substance on for a few minutes if it’s a stubborn stain.
How to Remove Dirt Stains
There are several ways to remove dirt stains from a wooden floor.
Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is an excellent cleaner; people usually have it lying around the house. You can also buy vinegar online (on Amazon) if you don’t already have it.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and use it to scrub gently at the stain with a rag. Doing this should remove the stain. But, of course, you can always go back one more time if that doesn’t work.
Baking Soda and Water
You can also mix one baking soda with three parts water for a lightweight solution that removes the stain. Put it on a toothbrush and rub gentle circles around the stain for a few minutes, wiping it away to see if it is gone. If it’s not yet, repeat the process.
Commercial Cleaner
Many commercial cleaners will work great on wooden floors. However, you need to ensure the cleaner is from a reputable company, has good reviews, and is made specifically for cleaning hardwood floors.
This is because wooden floors are not as durable as harder surfaces like laminate flooring, and a cleaner not curated specifically for wood could end up doing damage.
How to Remove Water Stains
Vinegar is particularly effective for water stains, but you can also mix it with olive oil to ensure that the wood remains shiny after. Mix equal parts and scrub gently at the water stain before wiping it away.
What Not to Use on Wood Floors
Although these are some great methods for getting rid of stains, there are also a few things you should never use on hardwood floors.
Cleaner for Laminate Floors or Tiles
The first is any commercial cleaner formulated for only laminate floors or tile surfaces. These cleaners often contain very harsh chemicals that hardwood floors can’t handle. Therefore, if you use a commercial cleaner, it’s critical to check that the formula has been approved for hardwood floors.
Bleach or Ammonia
The ingredients in other cleaners that are too harsh for hardwood floors include bleach and ammonia, which are more substances you should never use.
Although a watered-down bleach solution can work for getting rid of mold, stains don’t need something of this strength, and it could discolor and damage the wood. You should especially never mix bleach and ammonia, which are too strong and can cause toxic fumes.
Steel Wool
Lastly, don’t use steel wool or other equipment that could scratch a floor. Keep it to soft materials only, like a rag or even a putty knife if you need to scrape something off the floor (but if you do use a putty knife, make sure to be gentle about it).
Hardwood floors are fragile, so if in doubt, research before you involve a piece of equipment in your cleaning process.
To Wrap Things Up
Overall, most wood stains can be easily removed with the proper methods. It just requires knowing what caused the stain and what to avoid; for example, knowing that paint thinner works great with oil stains, but you should never resort to ammonia and bleach.