How to Remove Water Stains From an Oak Floor to Prepare for Refinishing

Hardwood floors can increase the value of your home.

Oak is a popular choice for furniture, paneling and floors. If cared for properly, oak can give you a lifetime of use. Unfortunately, oak can be damaged by something as simple as water. Water is one of the most common stains on oak wood. Water left to sit on your oak flooring will cause white stains. You must remove these stains before you can successfully refinish your oak floor.

Things You'll Need

• Non-gel toothpaste
• Small container
• Baking soda
• 2 cloths
• Mayonnaise
• Mineral oil
• Iron
• Cotton towel

Instructions

Use Toothpaste to Remove Water Stains

1. Squeeze non-gel toothpaste into a small container. Add baking soda--one teaspoon at a time--until a thick paste forms.

2. Spread the paste directly on top of the stain. Cover the stain completely with the paste.

3. Rub the paste into the water stain with a damp cloth. Rub in a circular motion.

4. Remove the paste from the oak floor by wiping with a clean, damp cloth. Rub the area dry with a towel.

5. Repeat the process until the water stain is gone.

Use Mayonnaise to Remove Water Stains

1. Apply a thick layer of mayonnaise to the water stain. Rub the mayonnaise into the stain using a soft cloth.

2. Allow the mayonnaise to sit on the water stain for 12 hours.

3. Wipe the oak flooring clean with a damp cloth. Repeat the process until the white marks are gone.

Use Mineral Oil to Remove Water Stains

1. Saturate a soft, clean cloth in mineral oil.

2. Rub the stain with the cloth in a circular motion. Leave the mineral oil on the stain overnight.

3. Check the stain in the morning. Repeat the process until the marks are no longer visible.

Use an Iron to Remove Water Stains

1. Set your iron on a medium setting and allow it to preheat for several minutes. Do not set the iron to steam.

2. Place a cotton towel over the water stain.

3. Rub the iron over the towel in a back-and-forth motion. Complete several passes.

4. Lift the towel to check the progress of the water stain. Continue in this manner until the stain is gone.

References

• Cleaning Tips: Removing Water Stains From Wood Furniture
• Reader's Digest: Remove Stains in Wood Furniture
• Good Housekeeping: Quick and Easy Fixes for Damaged Wood
• Apartment Therapy: Remove Water Stains From Wood