If you’ve been wondering about the possibility of using bleach for wooden floors, just know that it is possible. Understandably, wood needs to be cleaned with extra care, but when it comes to hardwood floors, you can bleach, but with extra care.
In this article, we show you how to go about removing stains from hardwood floors, using bleach.
How Effective is Bleach for Hardwood Floors?
You can use bleach to clean your wooden floors, because of the effectiveness in getting rid of mold, bacteria, and fungus.
How to Bleach Hardwood Floors
While you are not advised to use harsh chemicals on wooden floors, it is also possible to do so with moderation in mind. The major point to note is that the hardwood floor should match these requirements:
- Be bleach-safe
- Be in good condition and;
- Generally, be a hardened surface.
If your wooden floor matches those requirements, then you can trust the following tips for effective cleaning:
1. Choose the Right Bleach
There are different kinds of bleaches you can use on your hardwood floor. Out of the options, you should settle for oxalic acid because of these reasons:
- It helps in removing the dark stains caused by either rust or water.
- Oxalic acid often leaves the composition, dyed colors, and natural design of the wood.
- It effectively disinfects the hardwood floor.
2. Remove the Hardwood’s Sealants
Wooden floors have sealants or protective layers, which are used to coat, wax, or seal them. These layers can also be used to paint the floors.
The rule of thumb is to have these layers/sealants removed because they help the bleach to reach into the innermost parts of the floor.
Here is a guide on removing these layers:
- Sand-down on the part of the hardwood floor containing the protective layers.
- Continue the sanding process, until the bare wood is visible.
- Clean the dust particles from the wood’s surface.
3. Don’t Bleach Hardwood Floors without Testing
Remember that bleach is a harsh chemical and if not used rightly, could negatively impact the floor. However, don’t be quick to apply it to the floor, without testing.
The general rule is to segment a part of the hardwood floor and test it with the solution to see the reaction. Here are some ideas on how to do the testing:
- Test the bleach solution on a smaller or more obscure area.
- You can use it in smaller quantities under any floating floor covering the hardwood floor.
- Use it under a floor-level heating register.
- You can use the bleach under a floor transition strip.
- You can also use it under a base floorboard.
4. Prepare the Floor for Bleaching
Worthy of mentioning is that you can excellently use bleach to remove stains, only if you have had most of those stains removed earlier. By preparing the floor via sanding, you would be able to get rid of most stains.
You can wash or wipe the floor to remove any dust particles and visible stains before bleaching.
5. Dilute the Bleach
Recall that we are using oxalic acid, but that is not enough to apply directly to the floor. Diluting it is important, as that helps to reduce some of the acidic and harsh properties.
Here is a go-to guide to diluting your acid:
- Mix 1/3 cup of bleach. You can also mix between 12 and 16 ounces of oxalic acid powder instead. Add the mixture to a gallon of water.
- Thoroughly stir the mixture, until you are sure that the grains are mixed.
6. Disinfect the Hardwood Floor with the Bleach
It is now the time to apply the solution to the floor. You must make sure that you are using a microfiber mop for this purpose.
Here is a guide to disinfection:
- Dip the mop into the bucket containing the solution. You could also use a stiff, scrub brush for this purpose.
- Transfer the mop to the floor and scrub the mixture on it onto the floor.
- Allow the mixture to sit on the floor for about 6 minutes. This helps to boost the disinfection and removal of stains.
7. Remove the Bleaching Agent
After the 6 minutes timeframe has elapsed, proceed to remove or rinse off the mixture from the hardwood floor. These tips will guide you:
- Make an equal-part solution of white vinegar and water.
- Apply sparingly to the hardwood floor.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to discard the mixture.
- Allow the floor to dry.
8. Sand-Down the Area
You now have to re-sand the area you scrubbed with the mixture. To do this, you have to use either a fine-grit sandpaper or an orbital sander to sand down the cleaned area.
9. Reapplying a Finish? Is It Necessary?
You are almost done, but we are on a topic of contention – do you have to reapply for a finish? Remember that we removed the previous protective layer on the floor and we are now considering whether to add it again or not.
The answer is yes, you have to reapply the layers. Once you’ve sanded the floor, add a finish or protective layer to further protect the floor and make it scratch-resistant.
Safety Precautions
Bleach, just like any other harsh chemical must not be applied without due consideration. This is why you must follow through with some of the best precautionary measures to use it safely.
a. Zero Body Contact Must be Observed
A good rule of thumb is never to use your hands or get any part of your body in contact with the solution. Bleach can be very harmful, and might peel off your skin if care is not taken. As such, avoiding close, bodily contact is important.
Instead, use protective gear and possibly, wear an overall when working with the solution.
b. Use Bleach when “It is Hot”
The best time to use bleach for hardwood floor cleaning is when it is “hot.” Therefore, never mix it ahead of time, because it settles, becomes activated, and will only put you in a rush. If you must prepare the solution, do so when you are ready to clean the wooden floor with it and not before.
c. Choose Your Bleach Wisely
We settled for oxalic acid because of the retention of the hardwood floor’s properties after cleaning. However, it is not the only type of bleach out there.
There are two-part bleach kits, which are effective for cleaning the toughest stains on wooden floors. If you are not working on stubborn stains, then, you are better off using either oxalic acid or household bleach.
Household bleaches, they are ideal for getting rid of blood, ink, and beverage stains from hardwood floors. Chlorine bleach is a type of household bleach.
d. Go Easy on the Bleach
Even if you diluted the bleach, do not overuse it. The key is moderation – apply the solution sparingly.
Neutralizing the bleach is also important. Use a gallon of water to mix 1/3 cup of bleach.
When you are done, use equal parts (50-50) of water and white vinegar to wash off any lingering bleach on the floor.
e. Ventilation is Important
Never bleach a hardwood floor in a lowly-ventilated space. Open up the windows and doors. When done, turn on the fan or let the windows open for the toxic fumes to filter out.
FAQs
1. Can You Use a Little Bleach on Hardwood Floors?
Yes, you can use a little drop of bleach on the floor. Be sure to dilute it with water if you are looking to wipe the stains. However, if you must make a direct application, it has to be done with a soft rag or a paintbrush and applied directly to the wood.
2. Will Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Hardwood Floors?
The best way to use hydrogen peroxide for hardwood floors is by using the two-part bleach kits that contain both sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These kits help in tackling the most difficult stains on hardwood floors.
3. Does Bleach Damage Wood Floors?
Yes, using bleach on hardwood floors can be damaging, because of the sodium hypochlorite, which is a caustic agent, capable of breaking down the floor’s chemical structure.
4. Can You Use Bleach on Hardwood Floors?
Yes, you can use bleach for your hardwood floor. It is imperative to dilute it with water before use and wash it off with a mixture of 50:50 white vinegar and water solution to remove excess strains from the surface.
5. How Do I Hold Bleach Before Cleaning a Hardwood Floor?
The best way to mix the solution is by putting it in a plastic bucket. Do not use a metal container, because the bleach can damage the metal implements. If you are not comfortable with a plastic bucket, use either a glass or a ceramic.
Conclusion: Use Bleach Carefully on Hardwood Floors
You will get considerable success at using bleach on a hardwood floor, only if you follow the steps outlined in this article. As an alternative, especially if you are scared of the damaging tendencies, you can use any of the following products instead of bleach – dish soap and water, and soy oils.