How to Remove Water Stains after a Spill on Hardwood Flooring

Use baking soda to remove water stains and keep hardwood flooring looking like new.

Water spilled on hardwood flooring can leave a white mark if left to dry. Water contains minerals, such as calcium, that leave behind these tough-to-remove stains, and wiping with a damp cloth does little to them, as the minerals stick to the floor. Water stains require a product with enough agitation to dislodge the marks without scratching the hardwood flooring.

Things You'll Need

• Cloths
• Baking soda
• Small bowl
• Hardwood cleaner
• Non-gel toothpaste

Instructions

Baking Soda

1. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe dust and dirt from the water stains on the hardwood flooring.

2. Mix 2 tbsp. baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste in a small bowl. Apply the paste to the water stains with a clean cloth, rubbing it into the wood flooring. Allow the paste to remain on the floor for 12 hours.

3. Remove the baking-soda paste by wiping with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Spray a hardwood cleaner over the area to restore shine to the wood flooring. Wipe with a clean cloth.

Toothpaste

1. Spread a dime-size amount of non-gel toothpaste over the water stains.

2. Rub the toothpaste into the stains with your fingers.

3. Wipe the toothpaste from the floor with a clean, damp cloth. Inspect the stains. If portions of the water marks remain, apply additional toothpaste to the stain. Continue rubbing the toothpaste into the stains until they disappear.

4. Spray a hardwood cleaner over the area and wipe with a clean cloth.

References

• Reliable Remodler: Tips for Removing Water Stains From Wood Floors
• Professor's House: Repairing Water Stains on Furniture