If you have hardwood floors and they are starting to get a little bit too dark, don’t worry! There is a solution.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to remove dark stains from hardwood floors using natural methods. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent your floors from becoming stained in the first place.
So if your floors are looking a little bit too gloomy, read on for some helpful advice.
What Causes Dark Spots on Hardwood Floors?
There are a few different things that can cause dark spots on hardwood floors. One of the most common causes is water damage. If your floorboards are exposed to a lot of moisture, they can start to warp and buckle, which will create unsightly dark patches.
Another common cause of staining is dirt and dust buildup. Over time, these particles can settle on the surface of your floors and create dark patches.
Finally, another reason why your hardwood floors might be getting darker is that they are starting to age. As your floorboards get older, they will start to lose their natural luster and color. This is completely normal, but it can make your floors look a bit darker than they did before.
Method 1: Vinegar and Water
What You Will Need:
- Vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Water
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on dark spots to remove them.
- Wipe up any residual liquid before it dries completely so that you don’t leave behind any streaks or residue.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Water
What You Will Need:
- Baking soda (one teaspoon per cup of water)
- Water (for mixing purposes only)
Instructions:
- Mix one tablespoon baking soda with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture over dark spots to remove them.
- Wipe up any residual liquid before it dries completely so that you don’t leave behind any streaks or residue.
Method 3: Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
What You Will Need:
- Lemon juice (one tablespoon per cup of water)
- Olive oil (one teaspoon per cup of water)
Instructions:
- Mix one tablespoon lemon juice with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Add one teaspoon olive oil and shake well to combine.
- Spray the mixture over dark spots to remove them.
- Wipe up any residual liquid before it dries completely so that you don’t leave behind any streaks or residue.
Method 4: White Toothpaste
What You Will Need:
- White toothpaste (non-gel)
Instructions:
- Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to a damp cloth and rub it into the dark spots on your floor.
- Wipe up any residual liquid before it dries completely so that you don’t leave behind any streaks or residue.
Method 5: Vegetable Oil and Baking Soda
What You Will Need:
- Vegetable oil (one tablespoon per cup of water)
- Baking soda (one teaspoon per cup of water)
Instructions:
- Mix one tablespoon vegetable oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Add one teaspoon baking soda and shake well to combine.
- Spray the mixture over dark spots to remove them.
- Wipe up any residual liquid before it dries completely so that you don’t leave behind any streaks or residue.
Method 6: Soft Scrub and Bleach
What You Will Need:
- Bleach (one cup per gallon of water)
- Soft scrub (three tablespoons per cup of water)
Instructions:
- Mix one cup bleach with one gallon of water in a bucket.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture and wring out excess liquid before applying it to the dark spots on your floor.
- Rub the mixture into the wood until the stain is gone.
- Wipe up any residual liquid before it dries completely so that you don’t leave behind any streaks or residue.
Method 7: Hydrogen Peroxide and Water
What You Will Need:
- Water (for mixing purposes only)
- Hydrogen peroxide (one cup per gallon of water)
Instructions:
- Mix one cup hydrogen peroxide with one gallon of water in a bucket.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture and wring out excess liquid before applying it to the dark spots on your floor.
- Rub the mixture into the wood until the stain is gone.
- Wipe up any residual liquid before it dries completely so that you don’t leave behind any streaks or residue.
Method 8: Tea Tree Oil and Water
What You Will Need:
- Water (for mixing purposes only)
- Tea tree oil (one tablespoon per cup of water)
Instructions:
- Mix one tablespoon tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture over dark spots to remove them.
- Wipe up any residual liquid before it dries completely so that you don’t leave behind any streaks or residue.
Do I Have To Sand Hardwood Floors To Remove Stains?
No, you do not have to sand your hardwood floors in order to remove stains. In fact, we recommend that you avoid using sandpaper on your floors, as it can damage the surface of the wood.
There are a number of other methods that you can use to remove dark stains from your hardwood floors without having to sand them. The easiest way is by using a chemical stripper, which will strip off the dark stain without damaging your hardwood flooring material at all.
How to Prevent Hardwood Floor From Getting Stains?
Preventing your hardwood floors from getting stained is actually pretty easy if you know what to do. The most important thing that you can do is keep them clean and don’t let any liquids or dirt sit on the floor for too long.
This will help prevent stains from forming in the first place because they’re not being allowed enough time to set in.
Another thing that you can do is apply a coat of sealant to your floors every so often. This will help protect them from any dirt or liquids that may come into contact with them and it will also help keep them looking shiny and new.
