How to Get Water Stains Off Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors can greatly enhance the look of a room, but they can also prove challenging to keep clean, due to their shiny appearance and sensitivity to moisture. If you notice a water stain on your hardwood floor resulting from a spill or previous failed cleaning effort, you must apply the appropriate solutions to thoroughly eliminate the problem. Attempting to remove the stain with more water will only make the problem worse, but with a strategic approach, you can restore your floor's natural shine. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- #2 Steel-wool pad
- Wood floor cleaner
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber mop
Instructions
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Loosen the stain by sanding it with a #2 steel wool pad, or another very fine steel wool pad. Spray the pad with a commercial wood floor cleaner to dampen the surface. Press the pad firmly against the wood and rub the stain rapidly until it begins to separate from the surface of the hardwood floor. Do not use a generic scouring pad in lieu of a steel wool pad, as it may scratch your wood.
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Combine one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray the surface of a microfiber mop (or a terrycloth mop) with the solution. Scrub the stain with your mop until it disappears completely. Do not soak your mop, as excess moisture can damage a hardwood floor.
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Apply an additional coating of wood floor cleaner to restore the shine to your hardwood floor. Spray the cleaner on your mop and scrub the entire floor. Afterward, allow your floor to air-dry.
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Tips & Warnings
When purchasing wood floor cleaners, read the label to verify that the product is safe for hardwood floors. If your hardwood floor contains prefinished wood, consult your manufacturer's instructions before applying any cleaning products. Many manufacturers will recommend their own products, as the use of certain commercial cleaners on prefinished wood can damage it.
