Salt stains – How to remove them from hardwood and tile flooring

Removing salt stains from hardwood floors

Winter comes with a lot of pros and cons. There are things we enjoy like sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. Then there are the things that some people don’t enjoy, the cold weather, the shoveling, and of course, the salt stains.

If you’re anything like us you’ve gone weeks through winter storms letting salt stains sit on your tile and hardwood floors in the entry ways of your home. From kids boots, ski and snowboard equipment to sleds. It seems that no matter what you do salt stains always find their way into your home.

One of the best ways to remove salt stains is with a vinegar and water solution. You’ll need:

  • ⅓ cup of white distilled vinegar
  • 1 gallon of water
  • A spray bottle
  • Your vacuum cleaner
  • Microfiber mop (mops made of harsher materials can damage your floors when pushing around the salt)
  • Clean microfiber cloths
  • A clean dry towel

First you’re going to want to add the water and vinegar together and pour it into your spray bottle. Next, be sure the floor is dry and use your vacuum cleaner and vacuum up as much salt as you can. After that, lightly spray the mixture over the stain on your hardwood or tile floor, be sure to not leave it on for too long because too much vinegar and moisture can damage the floors. You’ll want to let the solution sit for about 5 minutes, then use your microfiber mop to mop it dry. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the floor again to remove any bits of salt that may have been missed. The last step is make sure your floor is completely dried off with a clean towel or microfiber cloth.

Are you ready for summer? Check out this article on preparing your home for summer: Summer Home – 6 Smart Ways to Prepare Your Home for Summer