Stains and discoloration – they’re a terrifying prospect no matter what type of flooring you currently have in your home. Unfortunately, they’re a daily reality for many people. After all, you’re bound to encounter some kind of a mess, especially if you have children and pets. Spills, pet accidents, and more may lead to what you fear most, and if they’re not cleaned up properly, you can bet your flooring isn’t going to look like it once did.
Removing stains from floorings is a multi-billion dollar business; there are all types of chemicals and solutions to remove stains and while some do work, most do not. Unfortunately, the majority of the commercial stain removers are also toxic products that can cause harm to you, your children, and your pets.
The good news is that as long as you act quickly and effectively, you should be able to remove most stains without permanently damaging your floor.The key to removing stains on floors like carpet, hardwood, stone, and vinyl is attending to them early, using the proper cleaning agent, and following the most effective cleaning method for the floor type.
How to Remove Stains from Any Flooring
Ready to eliminate those stains? Following these steps can help.
- Know your flooring material. Not all stain removers work equally for all floorings, and what may work on hardwood, may not work on carpet. There is no one universal stain remover that works for all flooring. Understand exactly what your floor is made of before you get started.
- Know the Cause of the Stain. Before you start to remove the stain, have an idea of what caused it. Stains can be caused by pet urine, alcoholic beverages, food spills, and all types of liquids, and they all respond differently to different stain removers.
- Start with a Damp Cloth. The first stain removal tool irrespective of the flooring should always be the universal cleaner- a damp cloth. If this fails, you may add some gentle detergent. And if that fails you may try household items like vinegar and mayonnaise to remove the stain.
- Contact the Flooring Manufacturer. If nothing you’ve done works, do some research with the flooring manufacturer’s website. Likely they’ll have some products or recommendations of their own they can deploy to help.
Removing Stains from Hardwood Flooring
Even with the best care, sometimes hardwood flooring will develop stains. Common causes of stains on hardwood floors include pet accidents, liquid spills, and food stains. It is important to know what the different stains look like so that you can tailor your treatment to the stain. Urine stains are usually dark, water stains reveal a faded appearance, and heat stains are usually white or pale. Keep in mind that stain removal with hardwood floors can be dangerous. Here are a few tips that might help you deal with stains.
- Heat can be used to evaporate the moisture associated with a water stain. You have a choice between a clothing iron or a hairdryer. Use the lowest heat setting and apply a cotton cloth over the stain. Iron the cloth for just a few seconds and check the stain- repeat until the stain has been completely removed. You can use a hair dryer with the same effect but do not overheat the hardwood.
- Mayonnaise is another great stain remover when it comes to water stains as well. Mayonnaise has ample oils that can seep into the hardwood and displace the moisture, making the stain appear lighter or disappear. However, mayonnaise works slowly and you may have to apply it several times before you see the best result. The recommendation is to apply mayonnaise on a clean cloth and rub it onto the stain. Let the mayonnaise sit for at least 8-12 hours. If it dries up, you may need to repeat the application. In the morning, simply use a damp cloth to wipe away the mayonnaise
- Toothpaste can also tackle moisture-based stains. The best results are obtained with non-gel non-whitening toothpaste. All you do is apply some toothpaste to a clean cloth and rub it into the area of the stain. Leave it there for a few minutes and then wipe the toothpaste away with another clean cloth. In most cases, you may have to apply the toothpaste several times before the stain is removed.
- White vinegar is a natural cleaner and disinfectant; its acidic properties can be used to remove stains from hardwood. Apply some vinegar on a paper towel or a cloth and let it sit on the stain for 15-30 minutes. Then use a damp cloth to wipe the stained area and let it dry. If the stain persists, you may have to repeat the process or you add some baking powder to the vinegar.
Steel wool is an incredibly helpful tool you may want to keep on hand as you work to maintain your hardwood floors. Very fine-grade steel wool can be used very gently for almost any kind of stain.
Removing Carpet Stains
Carpet stains are not uncommon but removing them is not always easy. Following these steps may help.
- Remove all the excess fluid or food by mopping or vacuuming it right away. Sometimes you may have to scrape off the food with a knife or a spoon. Then gently blot the area to prevent spread.
- The first treatment for all carpet stains should be plain water and/or detergent. In general, use cold water instead of warm water. If that fails, the treatment should be tailored to the stain
- You may try white vinegar next to remove the stain. Let the vinegar sit on the stain for 10-15 minutes and then blot it dry with a dry cloth or paper.
- If the stain remains, the next step is to apply a carpet stain remover that is recommended by the manufacturer. Always check for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area of the carpet first before you apply the stain remover.
Keep in mind that oil and urine stains probably won’t respond to those methods. Oil stains are best treated by sprinkling baking soda onto the stain, then allowing it to sit for 6 – 8 hours. After that, you can simply vacuum it up. If you have a urine stain on the carpet, use a commercial enzymatic cleaner.
No matter which method you use to remove the stain, it is vital that you do not over-saturate it with water, which can damage the backing. Blot the area repeatedly, and if it still seems wet, use a hair dryer to help speed up the drying process.
Removing Stains from Tiles, Laminate and Vinyl
Unlike other floorings, removing stains from tiles, vinyl, and laminate is not that difficult, in most cases, you will need warm water, mild detergent, and a rag. Sometimes you may have to use diluted vinegar and baking soda.
Greasy stains on tiles are best removed with a detergent and warm water. Sometimes you may have to add baking powder to cut the grease
Your floors will likely see some kind of stain eventually, and removing stains from any kind of flooring isn’t always possible, but if you act quickly and effectively, you should be able to remove them easily.
