How To Remove Stains From Your Hardwood Floors (With Vinegar!)

Hardwood floors give your home a distinctive look, but you need to constantly clean them to keep them in top shape. However, you must be careful, as they are delicate and can get damaged if you don’t clean them properly—especially when dealing with stains.

If you want to remove those pesky stains without harming the wood, you’ve got to be even extra cautious. Luckily, here are some great options for cleaning stained hardwood floors.

Can’t you just sand away the stains?

As tempting as sanding looks, this may not be fully recommended for removing superficial stains, but it is often the only way to effectively remove deep-ingrained stains on wood. There’s also a bigger disadvantage: it can damage the wood (or finish) if you sand it too much.

However, if you feel confident about sanding the wood, you can try it at your own risk. Check out this guide for sanding and refinishing.

How to clean hardwood floors with a DIY vinegar solution

Hopefully, you won’t need an overly aggressive technique to get rid of superficial stains. Instead, a more traditional approach will do the trick without risking damage to the finish.

One option to consider is using white vinegar as a cleaning solution. It’s effective, not too chemical-heavy, and won’t harm your hardwood floors. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Mix ½ cup of white vinegar and two cups of water in a spray bottle to create your cleaning solution—undiluted vinegar can damage your finish!
2. Slightly spray the solution onto the stained areas and gently scrub with a soft sponge.
3. Wipe away the spots with a damp cloth.
4. Allow the floor to dry with proper ventilation, or use fans to prevent excess moisture.

Important: Don’t let the vinegar solution sit for too long; scrub and wipe it right away. Leaving the vinegar lingering could also potentially damage the floor finish.

Can I use a store-bought cleaner instead?

If you aren’t concerned about the stronger chemicals present in specialized cleaners or don’t mind a trip to the store, go for it. Choose the right product by reading the label to see if it fits your floor type—remember to always follow the instructions and spot-test it first!

However, we still recommend giving white vinegar a chance since it’s safe to use and easy on your wallet.

Pro tip: Clean spills immediately

Overall, the only way to avoid the struggle of removing stains from your hardwood floors is to tackle spills and grime right away. So, if you can, wipe up any spills or leaks as soon as they happen. You’ll prevent stains and moisture from seeping too deeply and keep grime from drying.

Let Fabulously Clean keep your floors spotless!

If you want your hardwood floors to always look pristine, you’ll need more than cleaning up stains from time to time. Regular cleaning is essential for any type of floor, especially hardwood, to maintain its beauty.

If you find it challenging to maintain your wooden floors clean, especially with all your other chores, don’t worry! CalMaids is here to help you keep your floors clean on a regular basis. Request a quote today!