Dark spots on hardwood floors are not only an eyesore, but they can also be unsightly, especially if you have darker hardwood floors. These dark spots could be water stains from flooding, or from an improper application of your favorite hardwood floor cleaner or polish. Whatever the cause of the dark spots on your hardwood floors, it’s important to know what causes them and how to remove them before they become worse and you end up with permanent damage to your hardwood floors!
Reasons for Dark Spots on Hardwood Floors
Before attempting to remove any spot it is important to determine what is causing it.
Salt, vinegar, or lemon juice spills – The acid in these substances can sometimes discolor wood. If you use one of these substances to clean your floor, be sure to wipe it up right away so that the spill doesn’t dry. To remove spilled salt, vinegar, or lemon juice from wood floors, use water and a little bit of dish soap. Scrub with a damp sponge until the spill has been lifted. Rinse well with fresh water, then blot dry with a towel.
Wooden furniture sitting directly on the floor – Putting heavy objects directly on wood floors can cause indentations and dark spots. Make sure there is plenty of padding between the furniture and hardwood flooring for protection against scratches.
Chemical-based cleaners or waxes used without rinsing them off first – Wiping down wooden floors using strong chemical cleaners without first rinsing them off can result in dark spots over time.
Keep Your Hardwood Shade Even
If you have dark spots or water marks on your hardwood floors, it’s important to identify the cause of these stains. Whether it’s a spill, use of harsh chemicals, or excessive sunlight, there are steps you can take to remedy these problems. In general, spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible before any liquid has time to dry. For water marks from excessive sunlight, try using a damp towel to wet down the floor so that it can absorb some of the damaging light before it penetrates into the wood. A second option is installing blinds or shades near windows where sunlight is most prevalent in your home.
To learn more about hardwood floor care and protection, or to get information on installing new hardwood floors in your home, reach out to us today for a free consultation!