Spills and scratches are inevitable when you own hardwood floors. However, there are quick and easy ways to make them appear as sleek and shiny as the day they were installed, even amidst the chaos of everyday messes.
Here are just a few ways to remove water stains and minor scratches from wood floors.
Water Stain Removal
Water stains form when water seeps into the wood grain or protective finish of hardwood floors. While they look unappealing, they are fortunately easy to remove. All it takes is a clean rag or paper towel to absorb the water. It is best to do this immediately or a few minutes after a spill happens. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread moisture even deeper into the floor. Instead, gently dab the rag over the spill. You can also rely on commercial wood cleaners or DIY cleaning products, such as a baking soda mixture or even a vinegar and olive oil mixture.
After the wood has fully absorbed the water, it’s best to apply a finishing polish as an added precaution. Some people opt for wood-specific commercial polishes while others use olive oil.
Scratch Removal
Scratches are inevitable on wood floors that are subjected to everyday wear and tear. There are various ways to remove them depending on how deep the damage is. For light surface-level scratches, it is best to clean the area with a rag and a gentle wood floor cleaner, followed by the application of a hardwood floor polish.
For deeper scratches and gouges, use wood filler that matches the floor color. Let it dry before sanding it over completely.
If there are scratches throughout the floor, you may want to consider a full refinish.
By handling spills and treating scratches quickly, you can keep your hardwood floors looking polished and protected for years to come. For more information, contact our experts at E_M Custom Flooring and Installations today at (631) 924-4434.
