Remove Stubborn Stains from Hardwood Floors

There are few things as beautiful as a newly installed hardwood floor. However, over time normal wear and tear of living on those floors can lead to discoloration and stains. Some stains may be easily sanded away, but other more stubborn stains will require more drastic action.

If you don't like the idea of hiring a professional hardwood floor installer to replace a large section of your living room, and prefer a more hands-on, do-it-yourself approach this easy to follow step-by-step guide will walk you trough the process of renewing you hardwood floor's original appeal.

For this do-it-yourself project, removing stubborn stains from hardwood floors, you will need the following tools and materials:

Rubber gloves
150-grit sandpaper
Oxalic acid crystals (available in hardware and paint stores)
A plastic cup
Vinegar
Wood restorer

The first step is to use your sandpaper to remove the polyurethane finish from the stained section of your hardwood floor. It is best to sand in a circular motion to ensure even removal of your hardwood floor's polyurethane finish.

Next, wearing rubber gloves mix the oxalic acid crystals with water in your disposable, plastic cup following the instruction on the container. Pour the mixture carefully onto only the stained area of your hardwood floor. The bleaching process should take about an hour.

Safety note: Be sure to keep children and pets away from the active bleach, as ingesting or having bare-skin contact with bleach can cause serious damage!

After letting the oxalic acid bleach your stain for about an hour, use vinegar to neutralize the acid before rinsing with water. Once your hardwood floor dries, you should be able to tell if the oxalic acid bleaching was effective or if another application of oxalic acid is required.

It is important to note that the color of the stained area, when dry, should appear lighter that the rest of your hardwood floor.

Once the formerly stained area of your hardwood floor appears lighter in color than its surroundings, sand the area until smooth and apply wood restorer until the color of the area matches the rest of your wood floor.

After following this guide to removing stubborn stains from hardwood floors you will have saved your hardwood floors and hundreds of dollars by having a do-it-yourself attitude.