Can solid stain be removed?

Whether you’ve spilled wine on your hardwood floors or your kids have drawn on the kitchen table with markers, removing stains from solid surfaces like wood and laminate can seem daunting. The good news is that it’s often possible to get stains out of finished wood and laminate floors, tables, and furniture with the right techniques and products.

What causes stains on finished wood and laminate?

Solid surfaces like finished wood and laminate are porous, which means liquids can seep into the tiny grooves and indentations in the material. Pigments and dyes from foods, drinks, and coloring agents get trapped in these pores, causing stains.

There are two main types of stains that can affect finished wood and laminates:

• Surface stains – These affect only the very top layer of the finish. Examples include water marks, food grease, and dirt.
• Penetrating stains – These go deeper into the wood’s grain or the laminate material. Things like wine, coffee, and ink cause penetrating stains.

Penetrating stains tend to be harder to remove because they sink into the substrate rather than just sitting on the surface.

Can you remove stains from finished wood and laminate?

In many cases, it is possible to remove staining from finished wood and laminate surfaces. However, there are a few factors that determine your chances of success:

• Type of stain – Surface stains are often easier to remove than penetrating ones.
• Severity of stain – The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.
• Type of finish – Some finishes are more resistant to staining.
• Type of wood or laminate – Certain materials are more prone to absorbing stains.

Even with stubborn stains, there are techniques you can try to lift or reduce the marking. However, there are no guarantees when it comes to stain removal. Severe staining may require refinishing or replacing the affected boards/surfaces.

How to remove stains from finished wood

Here are some tips for removing different types of stains from finished wood surfaces:

Water rings/marks

• Rub the area with a damp cloth to lift dirt and dust buildup.
• Apply a small amount of olive oil, wax, or petroleum jelly and buff in circular motions.
• Try a homemade mix of equal parts vinegar and olive oil.
• Use a commercial ring remover product.
• Go over the area with a wood furniture repair marker or touch-up stain.

Food and grease

• Wipe up any excess immediately with a paper towel.
• Use a small amount of dish soap in warm water and scrub with a soft cloth.
• Make a baking soda paste with a few tablespoons of water. Apply and let sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping.
• Use an all-purpose cleaner and scrub with a nonabrasive sponge or soft brush.
• Try a degreasing product specifically made for finished wood.

Ink, marker, crayon

• Dab denatured alcohol on the stain and wipe immediately with a clean cloth.
• Use a mix of equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping.
• Apply non-acetone nail polish remover with a soft cloth.
• Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently scratch at the stain.
• Try commercial stain removers made for permanent markers.

Wine, coffee, juice

• Blot as much excess liquid as possible immediately.
• Use an absorbent cloth to press down on the stain, forcing it up through the wood grain.
• Mix dish soap with hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar and apply to the stain.
• Use an oxidizing cleaner like oxalic or citric acid to break down and lift the pigments.
• Sand down stained boards and refinish if the stain remains.

Removing stains from laminate

Laminate flooring has a top plastic or resin layer that protects the inner substrate, making it resistant to staining. However, liquids can still seep through seams or spread under the laminate pieces to stain the core.

For surface stains, follow these tips:

• Wipe up spills immediately with an absorbent cloth.
• Use a damp mop or cloth to remove dirt, debris, and excess staining agent.
• Apply a gentle cleaner like dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar and scrub.
• Use acetone or rubbing alcohol for stubborn marker, crayon, glue, or dye stains.
• Sand down badly stained boards and add new laminate to replace.

For stains that penetrate the laminate’s core:

• Carefully pry up each stained plank and clean the base.
• Use products like hydrogen peroxide, oxygen bleaches, or essential oils to lighten stains on the core.
• Allow to completely dry before relaying planks.
• Replace heavily stained planks.

Preventing stains on wood and laminate

While stains can often be removed from wood and laminate, prevention is always best to avoid damage:

• Use placemats, tablecloths, and coasters under food and drinks.
• Add felt pads underneath furniture legs.
• Seal unfinished wood with protective coats of polyurethane or varnish.
• Apply a wood floor finish regularly to protect the surface.
• Clean up spills immediately before they have time to set.
• Keep pets’ nails trimmed to avoid scratches that can absorb stains.
• Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels indoors.
• Polish wood furniture regularly with oil soap or beeswax.

When to call a professional for stain removal

In some cases, stains may be too severe for DIY removal. Consider calling a professional refinishing company if:

• The stain covers a large area.
• It has penetrated deep into the wood grain.
• Your efforts have not successfully lifted or lightened the stain.
• The stained boards have warped or cupped.
• You want to ensure the finish matches and blends uniformly.

Professionals have commercial-grade stain removers, bleaching products, sanders, and refinishing tools that can get wood and laminate looking like new again.

Conclusion

Although stubborn, many stains can be removed from finished wood and laminate surfaces with some persistence and the right techniques. Always start with the gentlest approach possible and test products in inconspicuous areas first. But even deep penetrating stains often yield to commercial removers or professional refinishing. Protecting surfaces with mats, coasters, and sealers can help avoid stains in the first place.