5 ways to tackle stains on hardwood floors, according to a specialist

Freen wooden floors can be particularly difficult to look intelligent, as spills can quickly turn into stains. “Red wine, coffee and pet urine are among the worst types of spots and can permanently stain wooden parquet floors in the early hours,” said hardwood floor specialist Yarl Christie. “Oil spots can become permanent between 24 and 48 hours.”
Read the continuation for more advice from Yarl on how to manage stains and prevent them from ruining the appearance of your floor covering. And if you are looking for a tool to help you stay above the dust, see our guide for the best vacuums for hardwood floors.
1. MOP spread as soon as you notice them
“The hardwood floors of engineering can be damaged by puddles of water or liquid, it is therefore advisable to clean up the spills as soon as you notice them before you have the chance to soak up and cause deeper stains,” explains Yarl, which is founder and CEO of the floor covering company based on Yorkshire. “To clean a puddle or a spill, use a dry mop rather than a wet or steam mop, because they can damage a finish over time.”
Certain substances will stain faster and more dramatically than others, but in general, the more you leave the spill, the more the task will become worse.
2. Use baking soda on surface spots
The spots that affect the upper surface of the wood, causing discoloration of the finish, are called white spots. “The most effective methods of eliminating these types of spots is to use mineral oil, mineral spirit or baking soda,” said Yarl. He suggests making a dough using baking powder and water and applying it on the stain. This can also help neutralize odors.

3. Try white vinegar
Aside from baking soda, there are other basic cupboard products that work well against stains – especially white vinegar. “A 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water can work well on the elimination of organic spots, but must be used sparingly to avoid damaging the finish of your flooring,” explains Yarl.
He also gives a cry to WD-40 and even mayonnaise, when he is left to sit on the spot during the night.
4. Sanding of deeper spots
If the stain penetrates deeper into the ground, it is known as a black spot. These make more efforts to remove, and often the only way to approach them properly is to sand the task.
“You may only need to sand the surface layer, in which case you can simply re-finish once the task has disappeared,” explains Yarl. “However, if the stain has penetrated too deep into the wood, the sanding method may not be suitable. Make sure to check with the manufacturer how sanded the ground can be punished to have it completely replaced.”
5. Guard against scratches and scratches
Scratches are another danger point for the owners of a hardwood floor. Yarl suggests putting the guards to prevent the floor with first. This includes the implementation of good quality doors so that the grain and the stones are not done inside, avoiding wearing heels or steep heel shoes inside and adding soft protective pads to the bottom of the furniture.
He also suggests keeping an eye on humidity: “Many people do not know how much humidity and heat can have an impact on the wooden parquet. Engineering wood is a natural product, and therefore it must be adjusted and installed in a stable setting, with a recommended humidity between 40 and 65% relative humidity, and a room temperature between 16 to 28 degrees.”



