How to Remove Stains from Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add class and elegance to any home. When well maintained, the floors can last for several years. In many homes, stain removal is an inevitable part of floor care. Stains are caused by spills which infiltrate the floor, especially if left unattended. When dealt with early enough, most stains can be eliminated from hardwood. However, it becomes more difficult to clear stains that have been left for too long. Generally, the nature of stain will determine what method you should use for removal.

Step 1 – Sweep

Clear all dust and loose debris from your floor with a broom. This will allow you to undertake stain removal more effectively. It also enables you to check the nature of stain which determines what treatment you need to apply.

Step 2 – Clean with Mild Detergent

Prepare a solution of mild detergent and warm water in a bucket. Dip a cloth into the solution and wring to remove excess water. Rub the stained area. Some mild stains should come off easily when cleaned in this way.

Step 3 – Apply Denatured Alcohol

If the stain still remains yet appears to be light, treat it with denatured alcohol. Dampen a cloth with some denatured alcohol. Rub the stain until it disappears. Dip another cloth in some warm water and wring it dry. Rub the treated area to remove the alcohol once the stain has cleared.

Step 4 – Alcoholic Beverages, Fruit Juices, Food and Ink Stains

Stains caused by alcoholic beverages, fruit juice, non-greasy food or ink require a stronger detergent. Mix a cup of commercial wood floor cleaner with a gallon of warm water in a bucket. Dip a microfiber mop into the bucket and wring. Mop the stained area to clear the stain. If the stain remains, proceed to the next step.

Step 5 – Apply White Vinegar

Mix one cup of white vinegar and cold water in a bowl. Dampen a cloth with the solution and rub at the stained area. Once the stain clears, dampen another cloth with plain water. Rub at the affected area to clear any vinegar.

Step 6 – Grease, Iodine or Blood Stains

Prepare a solution of one cup of ammonia with one cup of cold water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and rub over the stain. If it doesn’t come off easily, saturate a cloth with the solution. Spread the cloth over the stain until it disappears. Dampen another cloth with plain water and wipe over the treated area to remove traces of ammonia.

Step 7 – Pet Urine Stains

For fresh urine stains, dampen a cloth with hot water and clean the stain with some scouring powder. Use another cloth dampened with hot water to clear away the powder. Stubborn urine stains require a solution of liquid bleach in hot water. Mix a cup of bleach with 10 cups of hot water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and apply over the stain. Once the stain clears, use another damp cloth to wipe away the bleach.