Things You'll Need
Microfiber or cotton cloths
Hydrogen peroxide
Wood cleaner
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Wood oil soaps are a way to clean and shine finished or coated wood. However, if too much oil soap is applied or if it is used on unfinished wood, oil or soap stains can be left behind. These stains can darken unfinished wood or make finished woods appear dull in certain areas. The stains are much more difficult to remove in unfinished wood than finished wood, as the unfinished wood is more porous and has absorbed the oil soap, whereas the oil soap sits on the top of finished wood. Therefore, it may take several attempts to remove or lighten the stain on unfinished woods.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1
Saturate a cloth with hydrogen peroxide.
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Step 2
Lay the cloth over the soap stain. Allow it to work into the wood for one hour. Lift the rag from the stain.
Step 3
Dampen a soft cloth with cool water. Wipe the area to remove hydrogen peroxide residue. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
Step 4
Clean the area using your preferred wood cleaner once the stain has been removed. This ensures all of the hydrogen peroxide has been removed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Step 1
Dilute 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with one gallon of warm water.
Step 2
Dampen a microfiber or soft cloth with the diluted vinegar.
Step 3
Dab the cloth into the soap or wood stain. Continue dabbing at the stain until it lifts, lightens or the floor becomes saturated.
Step 4
Use a water-dampened cloth to wipe away the vinegar. Dry the area with a towel or cloth to remove all moisture. Repeat the process until the stains lifts.
Step 5
Clean the area using your preferred wood cleaner once the stain has been removed. This ensures all of the vinegar has been removed.
Tip
If you are unsure if your wood is coated or treated, pour a drop of water on it. If the water beads up, the wood is coated or treated; if the water absorbs into the wood, it is not.
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