How to Remove a Large Moisture Stain From a Wood Floor

Large moisture stains can be removed from wood floors.

Wood floors are popular in homes, as they are durable, stylish, and simple to maintain. When scratches, stains or various damages occur to wood floors, repair is usually possible. Accidents do occur, and water can spill onto wood floors. When water spills are not quickly wiped up, moisture stains can form on the wood floor. These stains are very common, but they can ruin the finish of a hardwood floor. Moisture stains can be removed with simple materials, but the wood floor will need to be re-stained, waxed, and buffed to restore the floor's finish and appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Vibrating sander
• Medium grade sandpaper
• Fine grade sandpaper
• Vacuum cleaner
• Clean cloth
• Mineral spirits or water
• Clean towel
• Wood stain
• Paint tray
• Small paintbrush
• 2 lint-free cloths
• Wood floor wax
• 2 clean rags

Instructions

1. Sweep over the stain with a broom to remove any dirt, dust or debris on the floor. The stained area of the floor should be completely clean before attempting to remove the moisture stain.

2. Sand the stained area of the floor with a vibrating sander, using medium sandpaper. Once the majority of the stain is gone, sand the floor with a finer grade of sandpaper until the moisture stain is completely removed.

3. Use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum up the dust remaining on the floor from the sandpaper. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits if the wood floor contains an oil-based stain. If the wood floor has a latex stain, dampen the cloth with water instead.

4. Wipe the previously stained area of the floor with the dampened cloth. Use a clean towel to dry the floor.

Staining And Buffing

1. Open the windows in the room to allow adequate ventilation. Purchase two or three cans of wood stain that best match the color of the wood floor.

2. Mix the different stain colors together on a paint tray with a small paintbrush until you find the perfect shade. Apply the stain to a lint-free cloth, and then rub the cloth back and forth with the wood grain on the sanded spot.

3. Remove the excess stain with another lint-free cloth. Allow the stain to dry for six hours.

4. Apply wood floor wax to a clean rag once the stain has completely dried. Spread a thin, even layer of wax over the newly stained floor.

5. Allow the wax to completely dry. Buff the floor by rubbing a clean rag back and forth over the wood, with the wood grain.

Tips & Warnings

• Super fine steel wool can be used instead of the vibrating sander.

• Wood floor cleaner can be used instead of the mineral spirits.

• Always test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area of the floor before applying them directly to the stain. Some cleaners may damage or discolor certain finishes on wood floors.

References

• National Wood Flooring Association: Renewal & Repairs
• onlinetips.org: How To Remove Water Stains From Hardwood Floors