Removing Salt Stains From Wood Floors

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.

Removing salt stains from wood floors. 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. Once all is clean and dry again you can replace them to their original positions. 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. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth. Just remember these three key points. Lightly spritz the mixture over the salt on your hardwood floors or tile.

Sweep or vacuum the area to remove any granules that might scratch the surface while cleaning. Sweep the floor of any granulated salt and other debris. Use this to wipe the floor down once more to remove any last bits of salt. Rub out stubborn grease stains with a cotton swab moistened with peroxide followed by a second swab moistened with ammonia.

Do a second round after several hours and let the area rest until the next day. If a white film appears on the floor wipe with a soft cloth that s been dampened slightly with clean water. Let the solution sit for about five minutes then mop the area dry. Switch to a finer sandpaper once you reach the bare wood.

Continue sanding until you remove the whole stain. Steer clear of salt stains this winter. Here are the steps for removing salt residue from floors. Sand away the stain with 150 grit sandpaper.

Keeping your hardwood floors free of salt stains and other damage during the winter isn t that hard. Dampen the area but don t soak it. The vinegar and water will help re dissolve the salt. To remove dark water stains from wood floors you have two options.

There is an old wives tale that advises cleaning salt stains with vinegar and water. Let it sit for several minutes. Take 150 grit sandpaper and sand the stain directly again along the grain of the wood. Spray the stained area of the floor with the vinegar and water solution.

Repeat steps 1 4 if there is still salt residue on the floor. Mix floor neutralizer in your mop bucket or floor scrubber. 1 remove excessive salt. Take care not to saturate wooden floors as too much vinegar or moisture could cause permanent damage.

Apply the solution to the floor and let it sit for 5 minutes. 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.