How to Remove Stains from a Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors are highly valued for their beautiful appearance and exceptional durability, but they can still take a stain. Luckily enough, you should be able to remove most of them without even disturbing the finish. Just follow this guide to find out how.

Act Fast

Hardwood floor finishes are actually impermeable to most liquids, but they can begin to seep through if you happen to leave them for some time. That’s why the first step towards stain removal is moving fast to remove the fluid as quickly as you possibly can.

Take a roll of paper towels, unroll a generous supply, and then start to gently mop up the spill. Avoid any twisting or rubbing motions – these will just serve to push the liquid through the finish. Instead, dab at the liquid, pressing down firmly to absorb as much of it as possible.

Use the Right Cleaner

Of course, some fluids, such as wine, will leave a stain no matter how quickly you mop them up. However, it isn’t time to start despairing yet. Just use the right cleaning agent.

The best thing to start with is actually water, since water will remove stains from ink, fruit, or even blood. For other trickier culprits, use the following methods:

• White vinegar for wine
• Ammonia for stubborn stains
• Chlorine for dyes

Remember to never use chlorine and ammonia together – they create toxic fumes when combined.

Go Deeper

Stains that have penetrated right into the wood might not be instantly removable. If you try the agents above but are still left with a mark, wet a towel with that particular cleaner, lay it over the area, and then leave it for a day or two. Remember to keep any pets or children away from it.

Your hardwood flooring is sure to be one of the most stunning parts of your home, so you’ll naturally want to keep it in the best condition possible. Make sure you keep this information in mind if any dropped liquids threaten your flooring with a stain.