How to Remove Tough Stains from Hardwood Floors?

There is no better flooring option than hardwood floors if you want both aesthetic appeal and durability. But it can be difficult to keep your floors stain-free all the time, especially for homeowners with kids and pets.

So, if you notice unsightly spots on your wood floors, it may be time to clean them. In this blog, we have discussed the best ways to remove stubborn stains from hardwood floors and keep them looking spotless for longer.

Different Ways to Remove Tough Stains from Hardwood Floors

Consider Wood Type and Finish

Before you address the stains on your wood floor, know your floor type and the type of finish on it. This is important for choosing an appropriate cleaning solution and preventing damage to the delicate finish.

Generally, the darker the stain, the more difficult it is to remove, so proceed accordingly.

1. Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the best household ingredients for tackling stubborn stains on wood floors, as the acid in the vinegar breaks down the stain particles and removes them effectively.

So, make a vinegar solution by mixing 2 cups of white vinegar and 4 cups of cold water in a bowl. Then, dip a clean cloth into the solution and soak the stained area with it. Let it sit for a while before replacing the cloth with a clean one. Scrub the area thoroughly to remove the stain.

2. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another effective solution for removing the tough stains from your hardwood floor, especially the wine stains. It works so well because hydrogen peroxide pulls the stain from the wood grain.

Simply soak a clean rag in 3% hydrogen peroxide, place it carefully over the stained area, and let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then, remove the rag and scrub the area with a pad. Repeat it 2-3 times until the stains lighten.

3. Try Liquid Detergent

You can also use regular dishwashing detergent to remove stubborn stains from your floor. It’s the best option for everyday stains like food spills, pet stains, etc. To make an effective liquid detergent solution, mix 2-4 tablespoons of it into 4 cups of cold water.

Dip a clean cloth or a sponge into the solution and blot the stained area with it. Keep the cloth in place for 5-10 minutes to break down the stain particles. Then, pick up the cloth and wipe the area with a dry rag to remove any residue.

4. Make a Baking Soda Paste

Another household staple, baking soda also comes in handy in removing the pesky wood floor stains. They work like magic on dye stains. So, just mix baking soda and water in a 3:1 ratio in a bowl.

Then, use an old toothbrush to apply the paste to the stained area of your flooring. Wait for a while before scrubbing the area with a damp cloth. Finally, use a dry rag to wipe off the residue and dry the area.

5. Sand and Refinish

If nothing else works on the stain, your last option is to sand and refinish the stained portion of your floor. It will remove the unsightly layer and reveal the spotless floor underneath. 

You can use a small orbital sander for the job. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper and sand till you remove the stained layer. Then, upgrade the grit of the sandpaper until you achieve the desired evenness. 

Don’t forget to use an appropriate finish to blend the area with the rest of the flooring.

Let Experts Handle the Pesky Stains

You can tackle even the most stubborn wood floor stains using the household solutions mentioned in the article. But some stains, like the black stains from water damage, can be harder to deal with by yourself.

At Magic Steam Carpet Cleaning, we tackle all types of tough stains on your hardwood floor, from simple coffee stains to pesky watermarks. We have advanced equipment and high-quality cleaning solutions to give you guaranteed results and restore your floor to its original appearance.