How to Fix a Water-Damaged Wooden Floor
Whether you have a small stain caused by water or a larger area of water damage on your hardwood floors, you can fix it with a little hard work. Hardwood floor water damage is caused by a wide variety of things, from a spill that's not cleaned up to bathtub overflow. In some cases, you can treat water-damaged areas with a simple spot treatment method, but in more extreme water damage cases, you'll need to replace the boards, which may require calling in a professional. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Steel wool
- Mineral spirits
- Rag
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Water
- Oxalic acid
- Sandpaper
- Vacuum or broom
- Stain
- Polyurethane
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Pour a small amount of mineral spirits onto the floor. The amount of mineral spirits you use on the floor will depend on the size of the water-damaged area. Rub the area with the mineral spirits and the steel wool.
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2
Dampen a rag with vinegar. Place the rag over the spot for three or four minutes. Check to see if the spot has lightened. If it has, repeat the process until the stain is gone. If the spot does not lighten, proceed to Step 3.
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3
Mix a solution with equal parts household bleach and water. Apply it to the stain with a rag. Let the rag sit for a few minutes. Check to see if the spot has lightened. If the spot has lightened, repeat the process until the spot is gone. If it does not lighten, proceed to Step 4.
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4
Apply oxalic acid to the middle of the area. Once the area has lightened, place a rag dampened with vinegar over the spot to neutralize the bleach. Allow the area to dry thoroughly to avoid further water damage.
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5
Sand the area with a fine-grit sandpaper. Sweep or vacuum up sawdust, using a broom or vacuum. Wipe the area down with a rag to get any last pieces of dust. Apply a coat of stain in a color that matches the rest of the floor to the area, using a paintbrush. Let it dry. Coat the area with a coat or two of sealant or polyurethane to finish the floor to its original look.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have an entire floor with small water stains, because of a pet or multiple spills, you can redo the floor with a darker stain to cover the old stains and get a professional look.
If you have a small white spot of water damage, the damage is probably in the finish. You can usually remove the damage and the stain by rubbing the area with a little toothpaste.
If your entire floor has been damaged by water and the board is warped or buckling, you must replace the hardwood flooring. In some cases, only a portion of the boards are replaced by professionals, but if more than a quarter of the room is damaged, the whole floor may need replacement to prevent possible buckling and swelling issues later.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
