If you have accidentally spilled anything on your hardwood floor that left a stain, it’s a problem that requires immediate action. You must act quickly, otherwise it will be difficult to clean the floor without causing damage.
Most people don’t realize that hardwood floors have a porous surface even when polished. If stains are not removed promptly, they will settle in and make your floor look unattractive.
But there’s no need to worry; common household stains can be treated with homemade remedies without using harsh chemicals. For this reason, we have prepared this extensive guide on how to get stains out of hardwood floors.
Basic Supplies You’ll Need to Get Stain Out of Hardwood Floor
There are a few basic supplies that you will need to remove stains from a wood floor.
It includes:
- Vinegar and water solution
- Baking soda paste
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Soft-bristle brush
- Mineral spirits (optional, for tough grease)
- Detergents
- Dust Mop
- Lemon Juice
Although the above-mentioned supplies are available at home, it is recommended that you perform a small-scale test of each of the supplies before applying them to a larger surface. This will ensure good results.
Say Goodbye to Stains: Expert Tips to Clean and Restore Your Hardwood Floors
Certain important steps are needed to remove different types of stains. So, in the process of removing the stain, you must know the type of stain you want to remove. The most common types of stains are discussed below.
1. How to Remove Pet Stains From Wood Floors

People with pets are well aware of this kind of stain. Pet stains on the wooden floor happen due to the chemical reaction of urine and bodily waste. Enzymatic cleaners are considered the most effective solution for pet stains.
However, to temporarily eliminate the smell, you can use baking soda or vinegar. Baking soda is also of use if you want to deep clean your kitchen.
How to Use:
- Vinegar Solution: First, fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water, then apply the mixture to the affected area. After applying, wait for the results.
- Baking Soda: For this, you have to sprinkle the baking soda over the stained area and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Baking soda is also useful in removing stains from walls.
2. Ink and Dye Stains (Rubbing Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide)

Wood’s porosity is one of the main causes of ink and dye stains. It happens because the liquid penetrates the porous surface and leaves a mark. However, if you are wondering how to remove stains from a wood floor caused by ink and dye, we have a solution. Rubbing alcohol or Hydrogen peroxide can help treat ink and dye stains.
How to Use:
- Rubbing Alcohol: It is quite easy to apply rubbing alcohol, you just need a soaked cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently dab on the stain. It is preferred over the ink stains.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Like rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide is likewise very simple to use. The hydrogen peroxide-soaked cloth should be applied immediately to the discoloration.
3. Grease and Oil Stains (Dish Soap or Mineral Spirits)

When grease or oil is spilled onto a wooden floor, it leaves this kind of stain. These substances are made up of lipids and are insoluble in water, and penetrate the surface. However, you can take steps to remove stains from wood imparted by grease and oil. Dish soap and mineral spirits are commonly used to remove stains from wood floors.
How to Use
- Dish Soap: The application of dish soap is easy; rub it on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Mineral Spirits: Mineral spirits, on the other hand, are recommended for the stubborn stains. Its application process is to the point. Blot the stain with a small amount of mineral spirits.
4. How to Remove Water Stains from Wood Floors

Water stains are caused by the penetration of moisture into the porous surface. To remove water rings from the floor, you can use a dry iron or light sanding.
How to Use
- Dry Iron: Set your iron on the lowest heat and slowly move back and forth over the surface with gentle pressure.
- Light Sanding: You can use a fine-grit sandpaper and apply it to the wood floor in a circular motion.
5. How to Get Dark Stains Out of Wood Floor

This type of stain can occur due to water damage and sun exposure. So, to remove stain from a wood floor, use hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain and wait for 30 minutes. Next, use a gentle towel to dab at the area.
How to Use:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: You can spray undiluted hydrogen peroxide directly on the stained area.
Wooden Floor Maintenance Tips
If you are reading this, then you must be a person who has either faced this problem or wants to avoid it in the future. So here are some maintenance tips that can help prevent your floor from future staining.
- Use rugs in high-traffic areas
- Clean spills immediately
- Avoid excess moisture during mopping
- Use furniture pads
- Clean the floor monthly
- Vacuum the floor Weekly
Keep in mind that regular care is a must to avoid future issues. When cleaning your house from top to bottom, you must clean your hardwood floor.
Final Thoughts | How to Remove Stains From Hardwood Floors
Although hardwood floors are sustainable, they can become stained over time if not properly cared for. The above tips on how to get stains out of hardwood floors can save you money. The methods discussed in the article and the steps to remove stains from wood are effective and can increase your floor’s life. Moreover, you can discover half wood paneling ideas to give your house a new, trendy look.
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