Most stains on floors finished with polyurethane and similar surface finishes can be prevented by wiping up spills immediately. However, many stains that occur on oiled surfaces can be easily prevented or minimized if proper care is taken as previously recommended for these floors.
When trying to remove a stain, always start from the outer edge and work your way in, being careful not to spread the stain.
Dried milk or food stains: You can remove the dried layer on the surface with a sharp knife. However, be careful not to scratch the finish. If it is a stain, first wipe the stain vigorously with a damp cloth and then dry it immediately. Re-oil the area if the floor is oiled or waxed.
Water-based stains:
For surface finishes: Use a recommended cleaner and gently wipe with a clean towel.
Dark stains on oiled/waxed floors:
a) Clean the stain and its surroundings with a dish scrubber, sandpaper, wood floor cleaner, or denatured alcohol.
b) Wash the stained area thoroughly with vinegar. Allow the vinegar to sit on the stain for 3-4 minutes.
c) If the stain is still present, sand it again with fine sandpaper, trying to follow the wood grain. Then, re-oil it.
Heel and furniture leg marks: Scrub thoroughly with a dish scrubber or wood floor cleaner. Wipe until dry and then re-oil.
Ink stains: Apply the same cleaning procedure you use for other dark stains to these stains as well.
Pet food stains: Fresh stains can sometimes be removed using the same methods as for dark stains. If the stains are still persistent despite all your cleaning efforts, you may need to replace damaged boards/areas, sand, or refinish.
Mold stains: Mold is a surface issue that occurs in airless and humid environments. The best way to prevent mold is to ensure proper ventilation for the area.
Gum, paint, and wax stains: Scrape off the excess of the spilled substance with a razor blade. Apply an ice pack to the stain. Continue applying the ice pack until the formed stain residue reaches a crumbly consistency. The cleaning liquid poured around the stain will slowly drip to the bottom of the dried stain, helping to loosen it.
Cigarette burns:
For oiled/waxed surfaces: If the burns are not very deep, a dish scrubber will generally help remove the stain. You can enhance its effect by slightly wetting the dish scrubber with water and soap. The next step is to re-oil.
For surface finishes: Lightly scrape the damaged area with a sharp, pointed knife. Apply a small amount of finish to the area where the finish has been scraped away.
For alcohol stains:
On oiled/waxed surfaces: Rub the stain with a cloth soaked in liquid oil, silver polish, linseed oil, or a very small amount of ammonia. Re-oil the damaged area.
For any type of oil stains:
On waxed floors: You can apply a kitchen soap containing high TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide to the stain. You can place a second cotton ball soaked in ammonia on top of the first cotton ball. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
*Note: Ammonia can discolor and fade the wood.*
For surface finishes: Wipe with denatured alcohol. Clean with a clean cloth or towel.
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