There are three major bleach types but they all affect the wood in similar ways- through oxidation of the wood fibers and alteration of the molecules that reflect color. Note that this was mad much worse because there looks to be nothing protecting the floors other than stain. Common laundry bleach or chlorine will effectively remove stain or dye color from wood, but will not affect the wood’s natural color. It also reverses the aging effect on wood that causes it to darken. To get your desired shade, you may go from chlorine to a peroxide-based two-part bleach (view example on Amazon). The types of bleach available at your grocery store have varying degrees of effect on wood furniture. “Two part” A/B peroxide-based bleaches refer to sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and hydrogen peroxide. If the floor gets wet or the room gets particularly humid, it can cause the smell to become stronger as the crystals get wet. Wooden surfaces are porous- and bleach is generally not recommended for use on such surfaces. Let dry completely for two days before applying a stain or other treatment. Apply with clean rags, then wipe again with plain water. Hardwood floors already seem hard to maintain as it is. From pet scratches to stains and debris, there always seems to be something dampening the shine on your hardwood floor. Use white vinegar mixed one part vinegar to two parts water. These color-reflecting molecules are called chromophores- and are affected by bleach in such a way that the chemical changes its composition; causing it to reflect light in a different manner. If you’re not careful, you could end up with burns and scalds. Your email address will not be published. Is Pine Sol Good for Hardwood Floors? Oxalic acid is commonly employed to bleach out water or rust stains. From pet scratches to stains and debris, there always seems to be something dampening the shine on your hardwood floor. Bleach can affect hardwood floors differently, depending on the age, quality, and type of finish of the floor. Once you’ve bleached, neutralized, and dried the wood, you’ll find the grain has become coarse. The various types of bleach alter wood’s light-reflection properties in the following ways: Hardwood floors already seem hard to maintain as it is. If the stain remains, continue with further applications of acid, letting it … For example, with an alkali peroxide bleach, you'll want to rinse with water and then white vinegar. Consider using bleach as a first step towards a final product, especially since bare bleached wood is susceptible to everything from scratches to water damage. Start with the space: It should be well ventilated by open windows and operational fans, and, ideally, include a work surface that is concrete (the acidic aspect of bleach can damage many other materials). Always wear rubber gloves and eye goggles when bleaching wood—and, if using oxalic acid (view example on Amazon), also don a dust mask. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Here’s how to strip, bleach and neutralize your hardwood floor: Remove the existing finish, using the appropriate product: Lacquer thinner dissolves lacquer finishes (commonly used on modern wood floors), while denatured alcohol removes shellac. Next, pour a gallon of water in a bucket, then add a three-quarter cupful of bleach to form a bleach solution. Add to that the possibility of a bleach spill and what you have is a home maintenance headache. However, you need to neutralize bleach on wood after use to prevent residue haze hardwood floor. A commercial paint-and-varnish remover will work on most other finishes. Well- you’ve come to the right place. First, prep the floor surface by cleaning it with a broom or a dry mop. Apply bleach carefully and evenly with a clean, soft rag or paintbrush, in smooth, seamless coats. Once you prepare the bleach of your choice, Consider applying it on the stained … Prepare the bleach according to the recommendation discussed below depending on the preferred bleaching agent. If your wood is finished, you’ll have to strip your wood and then neutralize the bleach. Can’t bear the ugly sight of mildew and stains on your once-beautiful hardwood floor? There’s hope for recovery- however- should you happen to spill some bleach on your hardwood floors. Next, wipe it dry with a clean rag, and finally wipe it down again with clean water, drying well with a clean, dry, soft cloth. As soon as the agents mingle, the bleaching power is activated and begins to dissipate—meaning you’d have to work really fast. Then, working quickly, wipe it down with a rag soaked in a 50-50 water and white vinegar solution. Different wood floor interacts with bleach agents differently. Over - bleached woods will lack tonal variations and depth even if stained afterward. It can often be found at major petstores and some supermarkets. You may have some luck cleaning the urine in a plywood subfloor material, but the stained portion often needs to be replaced. The bleach is a good remedy to fix dull stains on hardwood floors. What Does Bleach do to the Wood? Teak stain remover sold by boat dealers is often based on oxalic acid. Can You Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar To Kill Mold? As these bleaching agents are highly caustic, you have to take adequate steps to protect yourself. Whatever finish you choose will protect your piece and make it pop with new life. Wipe it down with water or mineral spirits on a clean, soft rag, then go over …