Removing Salt Stains From Wood Floors

Excess water can ruin a wood floor and vinegar can be harsh on the finish and leave residue that is as unsightly as the original salt stain.

Removing salt stains from wood floors.

Use this to wipe the floor down once more to remove any last bits of salt. Be aware that this remedy can cause as much damage as the rock salt. Apply the solution to the floor and let it sit for 5 minutes. Steer clear of salt stains this winter.

Dampen a clean microfiber cloth. There is an old wives tale that advises cleaning salt stains with vinegar and water. Just remember these three key points. To remove dark water stains from wood floors you have two options.

Take care not to saturate wooden floors as too much vinegar or moisture could cause permanent damage. Let the solution sit for about five minutes then mop the area dry. Take 150 grit sandpaper and sand the stain directly again along the grain of the wood. Let it sit for several minutes.

Sweep the floor of any granulated salt and other debris. 1 remove excessive salt. Repeat steps 1 4 if there is still salt residue on the floor. Keeping your hardwood floors free of salt stains and other damage during the winter isn t that hard.

Spray the stained area of the floor with the vinegar and water solution. Dip a small brush such as a toothbrush into a small amount of bleach and rub onto the stain. The procedure for removing dye that has penetrated the wood is similar to that for removing black water stains but after sanding off the finish use chlorine bleach to remove the dye. Dampen the area but don t soak it.

If a white film appears on the floor wipe with a soft cloth that s been dampened slightly with clean water. Mix floor neutralizer in your mop bucket or floor scrubber. Lightly spritz the mixture over the salt on your hardwood floors or tile. Rub out stubborn grease stains with a cotton swab moistened with peroxide followed by a second swab moistened with ammonia.

Continue sanding until you remove the whole stain. Do a second round after several hours and let the area rest until the next day. Switch to a finer sandpaper once you reach the bare wood. Once all is clean and dry again you can replace them to their original positions.

The vinegar and water will help re dissolve the salt. Pick up the solution with mop wet dry vacuum or floor scrubber. For stubborn stains mix one third cup of white vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Sweep or vacuum the area to remove any granules that might scratch the surface while cleaning.

If you have removable floor mats you may wish to take them out for cleaning and also treat any salt stains that may have formed beneath them. Liberally spray the salt stained region of your car s carpet.