You must be frustrated when you find a stain from a permanent marker smearing the hardwood floors of your home! Fortunately, stains like this can still be removed using isopropyl alcohol, baking soda, toothpaste, and nail polish. If the stain is more stubborn, try using a non-permanent marker, stain remover, and WD-40. But if the stain is still stubborn, you can replace the damaged wooden board with or without the help of a handyman.
Step
Method 1 of 7: Removing Stains with Isopropyl Alcohol
Step 1. Try using a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a small, hidden area of the hardwood floor first, so that the condition of the hardwood floor doesn't get worse
For example, you can try it on the floor covered by furniture.
- Pour teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol into a washcloth, then rub the cloth over the stain on the hardwood floor. Leave it for three to five minutes.
- Wipe the surface clean and see the results. If the cleaning product removes the polish on the wood or leaves a stain, don't continue. Use another stain removal method.
Step 2. Pour a teaspoon of liquid isopropyl alcohol onto a clean washcloth, then rub the washcloth over the permanent marker
Leave it for three to five minutes.
Step 3. Clean the stained area with a new washcloth or sponge that has been moistened
You can wet a washcloth or foam sponge by placing it under running water or dipping it in a bucket of clean water. Use a damp washcloth or foam sponge to scrub the stain thoroughly to remove the stain.
Step 4. If needed, repeat the above process again
If the isopropyl alcohol has partially removed the stain, apply more of the product to the area and let it sit for three to five minutes. After that, rub the stain area with a cloth dampened with water.
Method 2 of 7: Removing Stains with Baking Soda and Toothpaste
Step 1. Make a paste consisting of baking soda and toothpaste in a small plate
Mix white toothpaste-don't use gel-type toothpaste-with baking soda. The ratio is 1:1. Stir until smooth with a spoon.
Step 2. Pour a small amount of the toothpaste-baking soda mixture onto a clean washcloth and rub it over the stain
Step 3. To remove the stain, rub the cloth over the stain in small circular motions
If necessary, add more toothpaste-baking soda mixture to the stain. Keep scrubbing until the stain is gone.
Be patient. Removing stains this way takes time
Step 4. Clean the stained area with a damp, soapy cloth
Fill a small bucket with soap and warm water. Dip a clean washcloth in it and wring it out. Use this washcloth to wipe the toothpaste-baking soda mixture off the floor.
Method 3 of 7: Removing Stains with Nail Polish Remover
Step 1. Before using it directly on the stain, try to test the use of nail polish remover on a covered area of the floor
This is done so that the damage does not get worse. Choose a part of the floor that is covered by home furniture such as carpets, chairs, or tables.
- Pour teaspoon of nail polish remover on a clean washcloth. Then, rub the washcloth into a hidden part of the wood floor and let it sit for three to five minutes.
- After that, clean the surface with another damp cloth. See the results, whether the nail polish remover removes the polish on the wooden floor or even leaves other stains. If you find that the nail polish remover is damaging your hardwood floors, use a different stain removal method.
Step 2. Pour a teaspoon of nail polish remover on a clean washcloth
Rub the cloth on the stain from the permanent marker and leave it on for three to five minutes.
Step 3. Wipe the stained area with a clean washcloth that has been moistened with water
You can wet the cloth by running it under water or dipping it in a bucket of clean water. Scrub the stain with this damp cloth in small circular motions to remove the stain as well as the nail polish remover.
Step 4. If necessary, repeat the above process again
If the nail polish remover only partially removes the stain or causes the stain to fade, apply more of the product to the stain. Leave it for three to five minutes before scrubbing the stain with a washcloth dampened with water.
Method 4 of 7: Removing Stains with a Non-Permanent Marker
Step 1. Unscrew the non-permanent marker, then carefully color the stain on the wooden floor with the non-permanent marker
Leave it for one minute.
Step 2. Wipe the stain with a clean, dry cloth
When you wipe off the color from the non-permanent marker, the stain underneath should also disappear.
Step 3. Repeat the above process if the non-permanent marker only partially removed the stain or made the stain fade
Try another method if this method doesn't work.
Method 5 of 7: Removing Stains with a Special Stain Remover
Step 1. Wet the stain remover after you open the package
You can soak the eraser in a bucket of water or soak it in a stream of water. After that, squeeze the eraser.
Step 2. Rub the wet stain remover on the stain in small circular motions
Step 3. Continue scrubbing the stain until the stain is gone
Removing stains this way may take some time. Re-wet the stain remover and wring out the sponge if needed.
Step 4. Once the stain is gone, dry the area with a clean, dry cloth
Use this cloth to clean the remaining water on the floor.
Method 6 of 7: Removing Stains with WD-40. Spray
Step 1. Try to test the use of WD-40 on a covered floor area first, before you apply it directly to the stain
This is done so that the damage to the area does not become more severe. Choose a wooden floor covered by a sofa or table.
- Spray WD-40 on the surface of the wooden floor to be tested. Leave it for three to five minutes.
- After that, wipe the sprayed WD-40 liquid with a clean rag that has been moistened with water.
- To remove any greasy residue from WD-40, spray stain remover on the area and then wipe with a damp foam sponge.
- See the results and determine if the spray from WD-40 removes the polish on the floor or leaves a new stain. If WD-40 damages the floor, use another stain removal method.
Step 2. If WD-40 doesn't damage the floor, spray the product directly onto the stain and let it sit for three to five minutes
In addition, you can also spray WD-40 on a clean cloth, then rub the cloth on the stain
Step 3. After letting it sit for three to five minutes, wipe the stain with a damp cloth
You can wet the cloth by dipping it in a bucket of clean water or soaking it in running water. Squeeze the washcloth, then wipe the WD-40 previously sprayed on the surface of the stain.
If the stain does not go away, spray again with WD-40. Let it sit for five to seven minutes before wiping with a damp washcloth
Step 4. Remove any oily residue from the WD-40 spray with a stain remover
Wipe the area with a damp cloth or sponge. Once the stain remover has been removed, wipe the area again with a dry cloth to remove any remaining water.
Method 7 of 7: Replacing the Stained Wood Board
Step 1. Decide if you want to replace it yourself
The process of replacing a wooden plank floor is a bit complicated and requires a lot of time. Before you decide to do this, look for the services of a handyman who can replace the hardwood floors around your residence. After searching, getting a quote, and studying the process, then you can try to decide whether you want to use the services of a handyman to replace your wooden planks or do it yourself.
If the permanent marker streak is on more than one wooden plank, replacing each one alone will be very difficult
Step 2. Measure the depth of the plank you want to replace
Then, prepare a circular saw machine to cut wood 1.6mm more in the size above.
Most of the wood planks used for house flooring are about 1.9cm thick
Step 3. With parallel cuts, saw both sides of the wooden planks lengthwise
Use a saw with a round blade to cut one side of the wood first. Stop before the knife cuts the end of the board. After that, slide the saw 2.54cm from the first cut line and make a second cut lengthwise on the other side of the board. Stop before the knife reaches the end of the board.
Step 4. Mark the two ends of the board that you want to replace with a cutter knife and do it carefully
Do not mark any other wood planks in the vicinity that are not damaged.
Step 5. Carve the previously marked lines with a cutter knife
Position the chisel blade in one of the lines at an angle of 30 degrees. Tap the handle of the chisel blade along the line with a hammer. Do the same with the line at the other end of the board.
Step 6. Remove the wooden planks with the help of iron rods
Tuck the end of the iron rod into the gap at one end of the board. Push the iron rod down to lift the wood. Then, remove the wooden planks by hand.
Step 7. Clean the wood chips with a vacuum cleaner
Turn on the vacuum cleaner and suck up any remaining wood chips from the area.
Brooms and dustpans can also be used to sweep up wood chips
Step 8. With a tape measure, measure the length and width of the broken wood, then record the measurements
Use these measurements to make a similar size on the new replacement wood. On the new replacement wood, mark the length and width of the measurements with a pencil.
Step 9. Cut the new replacement wood with a table saw
Cut off the uneven underside of the replacement wood plank. After that, cut the wood according to the length and width you have measured. Use the marks you previously made on the wood as a guide for cutting.
Step 10. Insert the replacement board into the floor and secure it with spikes
Tap the replacement wood with a rubber mallet to fit the wood into the gap. Make sure the position of the replacement wood matches the gap in the floor that was previously cut. Use a nail gun on each end of the board to secure it.
Step 11. Use a putty knife to cover the nail holes with a little putty
After the putty has dried, sand the rough wood surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe off the dust on the wood with a damp cloth.
Step 12. Use wood paint that matches the color of the substitute wood, with the help of a rag
Wipe off excess paint with a clean rag, then allow the paint to dry.
Step 13. Polish the varnish on the wood surface with a polish made of fleece wool
Once the varnish has dried, sand the wood with 220-grit sandpaper. Remove any dust with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Polish the wood with three coats of oil-based wood polish, or four coats of water-based wood polish. Don't forget to sand down any given polish, and remove any dust if any
Tips
- If one method doesn't work, try another. Make sure you clean the stain area with water first before you start trying to clean the stain in other ways.
- It's a good idea to test the cleaning product first on a small, hidden area of the floor, before you apply it directly to the stain.
- Once the stain is gone, clean your floor with a floor cleaning product suitable for hardwood floors.
Warning
- Depending on how the hardwood floor was stained, using isopropyl alcohol can cause the stain to get worse.
- Do not mix cleaning products together. Clean the stain area thoroughly with water, then you can try the stain removal method with other cleaning products.
