How Do You Remove Stains From Old Wood Floors?

You can remove stains from old wood floors using a baking soda paste and, for watermarks, petroleum jelly. Here's how:

Stain Removal Using Baking Soda Paste

This method is effective for many types of stains on wood floors.

Steps for Baking Soda Stain Removal

1. Prepare the Paste: Mix enough water with baking soda to create a thick paste. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste.
2. Apply the Paste: Using a soft cloth, gently rub the baking soda paste onto the stain.
3. Gentle Rubbing: Don't scrub too hard, as you might scratch the wood. Use a gentle, circular motion.
4. Wipe Away Residue: After rubbing, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe up the baking soda residue.
5. Buff the Area: Finally, give the area a quick buff with a dry cloth to restore shine.

Watermark Removal Using Petroleum Jelly

Watermarks can be more stubborn, requiring a different approach.

Steps for Petroleum Jelly Watermark Removal

1. Apply Petroleum Jelly: Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the watermark.
2. Let it Sit Overnight: Allow the petroleum jelly to sit on the watermark overnight. This allows it to penetrate and draw out the moisture.
3. Wipe Clean: In the morning, wipe away the petroleum jelly with a clean cloth. The watermark should be reduced or gone.

Key Considerations

• Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before using any cleaning method, test it on a small, hidden area of the floor to ensure it doesn't cause damage or discoloration.
• Don't Over-Saturate: Avoid using too much water when cleaning, as excess moisture can damage the wood.
• Be Patient: Stain removal may require repeating the steps.

Technique	Stain Type	Steps
Baking Soda Paste	Many types of stains	Mix paste, apply, rub gently, wipe clean, buff.
Petroleum Jelly	Watermarks	Apply generously, let sit overnight, wipe clean.