As hardwood flooring experts, we’ve seen it all when it comes to oil stains. We understand how frustrating it is to have an unsightly oil stain on your beautiful hardwood floors, and we’re here to help.
To remove oil from hardwood floors, blot the oil with a clean, absorbent cloth, apply a cleaning solution, and rinse it off with clean water. For older stains, you might need to sand and refinish the floor.
This article provides detailed instructions on how to remove oil from hardwood floors, including tips for cleaning fresh and older oil stains.
Steps to Remove Oil from Hardwood Floors
Oil spills on hardwood floors are difficult to remove, but if you act quickly, you can prevent the oil from soaking into the wood and causing permanent damage.
Here are some steps you can follow to remove oil from hardwood floors, both fresh and old.
Cleaning Fresh Oil Spills
Time is of the essence with fresh oil spills. As soon as the mishap occurs, follow these steps to remove fresh oil stains:
- Grab some paper towels or clean rags to blot the oil. Do not rub, as this can spread the oil and make the situation worse.
- Lay the paper towels or rags over the spill and gently press down to absorb the oil. Replace the paper towels or rags as they become saturated.
- For stubborn spills, sprinkle a generous amount of absorbent material like baking soda or cornstarch and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The absorbent material will draw out the oil.
- After using the absorbent, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a damp cloth and wipe the stained area.
- Once the absorbent material is removed, check if there’s any remaining oil residue.
- If there’s still an oil residue, create a cleaning solution using warm water and a small amount of dish soap or a suitable commercial wood floor cleaner.
- Dampen a cloth or mop with the cleaning solution and gently clean the area. Wipe away any excess moisture immediately.
Cleaning Older Oil Spills
Older oil spills may require more extensive efforts. Begin by assessing the severity of the stain. If it’s deeply set or if you’re unsure of its age, try the methods used for fresh spills initially.
- If the oil stain is stubborn and well-set, sanding might be necessary. Using fine-grit sandpaper, carefully sand the stained area in the direction of the wood grain.
- After sanding, create a cleaning solution and clean the area to remove any lingering oil.
- When dealing with deep, old oil stains or after sanding, refinishing the affected part of the floor may be required. Refinishing will involve applying a new finish or stain to blend the repaired area with the rest of the floor.
What Cleaning Solutions Can You Use?
There are a number of different cleaning solutions that you can use to remove oil from hardwood floors. Some of the most popular options include:
- Dish soap: Dish soap is a mild cleaner effective in removing fresh oil spills. It may strip the finish off of hardwood floors if used too often, so it should be used sparingly.
- Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol is a stronger solvent that can be used to remove dried-in oil stains. Test rubbing alcohol in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the finish of the wood.
- Commercial oil stain remover: There are a number of commercial oil stain removers available on the market. Read the instructions carefully before using any commercial product, as some of them can be harmful to humans and pets.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to absorb oil and remove stains. To use baking soda to remove an oil stain, simply sprinkle it on the stain and let it sit for several minutes. Then, blot up the baking soda with a clean cloth.
Bonus Tips for Removing Oil from Hardwood Floors
When removing oil from hardwood floors, use a soft cloth and work in a circular motion to evenly distribute the cleaning solution and prevent streaks. Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach.
You can use a steam mop to soften dried-in oil stains, making them easier to remove. However, be careful not to oversteam the wood, as this can damage the finish.
Apply light pressure to the cloth when blotting up the oil to remove more of the oil. As the cloth becomes saturated with oil, change it to a clean one.
When using cleaning solutions, be sure to ventilate the area well. This will help to prevent fumes from building up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oil Stain Permanent?
Oil stain is not permanent, but it can be difficult to remove if not treated quickly. The longer the oil sits on the surface, the more likely it is to soak in and become permanent.
Does Vinegar Remove Oil From Wood?
No, vinegar does not remove oil from the wood. Vinegar is an acid, and it can damage the finish of wood. If you have an oil stain on wood, it is best to use a commercial oil stain remover.
Does Oil Change the Color of Wood?
Yes, oil changes the color of wood. Some oils, such as tung oil and linseed oil, can darken the wood, while others, such as mineral oil, can lighten it.
Conclusion
Dealing with oil stains on your beloved hardwood floors is difficult, but with the right techniques, it’s entirely manageable.
Whether it’s a recent spill or an older, more stubborn stain, swift action and the right cleaning solutions can make your floors look as good as new.
To maintain the lustrous shine and pristine condition of your hardwood floors, consider using a top-quality product like Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Order yours today here.
