How can I remove water marks on hardwood floors?
Question:I have solid white oak floors that are 60 years old. I had them completely refinished 10 years ago. What happened was that I sat a coolor on a rug that was on the wood floor, not knowing that the drain plug was opened at the bottom of the coolor. So water leaked out of the coolor and got the rug wet and the floor stayed wet over night. When I lifted the rug I cleaned up the water and let the floor completely dry out. Now there are black streaks running through the grain of the wood. It appears to be under the finish. My question is, what do you suggest to try to clean the black marks. A friend suggested I use bleach, but I'm a little afraid to try that. Since it is by the door and I always have a rug there, I would rather leave it alone than take the risk of doing further damage. Any suggestions
Answers:
Don't bleach it! That would dry it out and leave the black marks. Depending on the depth of the damage, there are some antique refinishing products that will remove the black. Visit a local antique store and ask what they use. If the damage is deep, you'll need to replace the boards.
In my house, there are a few spots like you describe. We use rugs to cover them. I don't think that you can find the quality hardwood anymore to replace the old stuff.
stupid you need Carpenter
Typically, the process is to:
1) Sand the area with a vibrating sander, first with 100-grit sandpaper, then with 150-grit sandpaper.
2) Vacuum the area.
3) Wipe the area with solvent: mineral spirits for oil-based stain or water for latex stain.
4) For a dark stain, apply bleach or an oxalic acid solution to lighten the stain, then lightly sand with 150-grit sandpaper.
5) Mix up one or more stains to match the existing floor color. This process usually requires testing possibilities on a piece of wood that's the same species as your floor.
I'm surprised you have time to worry about marks on hardwood floors. What with the stupid answers you seem to be handing out willy nilly all over yahoo. I hope you get a load of crap like you left me. You non responsive "top" contributor.
Head games! Definitely! LOL
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