If you’ve ever owned anything made of hardwood, be it flooring, furniture, or otherwise, you know the impact water can have on it. Water quickly causes stains on hardwood, and oftentimes it’s permanent. You may assume that your item or floor has been damaged beyond repair.

Don’t worry, though! These can easily be removed, even if they are older. Let’s talk about some of the best ways to remove these ugly stains and bring your floor back to life:

For Darker Stains

When water is able to penetrate the finish of the floor, the wood will darken. This penetration means that you will also have to get through the finishing using something abrasive.

• Steel wool applied with light pressure, then blended out with even lighter pressure can take away the staining. 
• The sandpaper will almost certainly remove anything that the steel wool failed to. Apply in the same way as the steel wool, being sure to blend out the surrounding areas. 
• Vinegar is available in almost every household and can be quite useful here. Soak a rag in vinegar, place it over the stained area, and leave it for 5-10 minutes. It’s possible it will take a bit longer than that for larger stains but start low to avoid issues.
• Chlorine bleach is a more intense chemical, so begin with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Apply with a white cloth and leave for 10 minutes. Allow to dry, and repeat if necessary. 
• Hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative if you’d prefer not to work with chemicals as strong as bleach. Apply it in the same way as the bleach, but use 2 parts water to two parts peroxide instead. Again, if the first time doesn’t work, repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.

The final step, no matter the removal technique you use, is applying a finish that matches your floor in order to blend it in and make everything match. If there are any bumps or blemishes, use steel wool to buff it out until it’s even. 

For Lighter Stains 

These stains are more common and superficial; typically left by perspiring glasses. 

• Pastes are a terrific way to remove light stains quickly. There are a variety of products that will work to create an abrasive paste, including baking soda (one part soda, one part water), salt (table salt with a few drops of water), and even toothpaste. Gently apply them to the spot until removed, then finish with clear nail polish. 
• Petroleum jelly works a bit slower than pastes but is equally as easy. Apply it overnight and let it do its work. The next morning, simply wipe it away! 

You’ve Got This

Using the right products and techniques in the removal of your hardwood stains, you’ll have your floor looking brand new in no time! However, if you’re still having trouble, give Houston Flooring Company TX a call today to lend a helping hand! We’ll have it taken care of in no time.