Taking care of your wood floors isn’t always as easy as you might think. It can take longer than you expected, especially if you’re not sure what tips and tricks to follow.
Taking care of your wood floors isn’t always as easy as you might think. It can take longer than you expected, especially if you’re not sure what tips and tricks to follow. What are you supposed to do when you run into stubborn stains that just won’t lift? Take some advice from the people who know how to care for wooden floors the best: the experts!
Lifting Darker Stains
Adding a layer of stain and finish helps protect your darker wooden floors. Water is the enemy of wood, and other liquids aren’t so friendly, either!
Steel Wool: If you’ve got good eyesight and good hand-eye coordination, then steel wool will be super effective. Rub on the stain very lightly, but do apply some pressure on the areas that aren’t already stained.
Vinegar: Vinegar is one of the most common cleaning solutions that you can use around the house. Breaking down the layers of a stain is like peeling through different layers of an onion. Soak a rag and leave it on the stain to blot for up to ten minutes at a time.
Sandpaper: Sometimes, steel wool might not get the job done. That’s why you should switch to sandpaper instead. Follow the same technique as you would with steel wool.
Bleach: Bleach can also make a difference, but be mindful that some people in your family might be sensitive to the smell of this chemical.
Hydrogen Peroxide: As with bleach, you might find that hydrogen peroxide is effective. Still, be aware that the smell can get overpowering.
Wood Finish: Putting on another layer of finish may be something you are unfamiliar with; if this is the case, then you are better off leaving these tasks to the professionals!
Lifting Lighter Stains
Have you ever seen condensation rings left behind by your drink? They can leave some tough-to-remove stains behind, too!
Petroleum Jelly: One way to get rid of these bothersome stains is to try using petroleum jelly. Apply this method to the stain and let it sit overnight. Come back to it the following day to see how well it worked. Don’t forget to wipe off any residue!
Adhesive and Paste-Like Solutions: Pulling painter’s tape or carpenter’s tape off of your floors can leave some unsightly blotches on the wood’s surface. That’s why you need to be careful! Baking soda paste with water and baking soda can also help you remove the stains that won’t vanish. Toothpaste and nail polish might sound like unconventional answers to obstreperous stains, but you might be surprised!
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information, visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.