How to remove water stains from engineered wood floors

Removing water stains from engineered wood flooring, especially lighter shades such as white engineered wood and grey engineered wood can be challenging. Because while engineered floors are known for their durability, they are not immune to water damage.

Common culprits like leaking sinks, burst pipes, or excessive exposure to moisture can lead to minor surface marks, as well as more serious damage to the board’s structure. Which makes understanding the type and extent of the water stain the first step towards choosing the right solution.

Take a look at our guide on the topic below for all the information you need to know about identifying, assessing, and treating both white and black water stains on engineered wood floors — so you can keep yours looking great for years to come!

Why is engineered wood flooring not waterproof?

You might first be wondering, why isn’t engineered wood flooring waterproof?

Well, while engineered floors do have a protective top layer that can stand up well to water, a large number of engineered wood products are not entirely water resistant. When excess amounts of water pools on the surface or seep into the joints, warping, swelling, or movement can happen.

That said, you might be wondering, can you waterproof engineered wood floors yourself to prevent this kind of damage? And the good news is, while you can’t make them completely waterproof, you can reduce the chance of engineered wood flooring damage by investing in additional protective measures.

These include applying waterproof sealants to the surface and being mindful of installing the floor in moisture-prone areas.

Can engineered wood get wet at all?

Given that engineered wood is not waterproof, you might be asking ‘Can engineered wood get wet and still be ok?’

Fortunately, if you accidentally spill some water on your planks, the floor will usually be fine if you wipe it up right away. But if you forget to mop up the water and it sits there for a while, that’s when the flooring is at risk of getting damaged.

The key is to tend to any spills as soon as you can — that way, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Understanding engineered wood water stains

Water stains on engineered wood flooring generally fall into two categories: white stains and black stains, each of which suggests a different level of damage to the board in question and therefore requires a different approach to treatment.

Naturally, this means that understanding what the stains look like and why they occur in the first place is an important first step in choosing the right method for how to remove water stains from engineered wood floors:

White stains

White stains, otherwise known as ‘surface discolouring’, usually appear as light cloudy-like patches on the surface of the floor. These are typically caused by moisture getting trapped in the finish, rather than penetrating the wood beneath.

They’re especially common on newer engineered floors with lacquered finishes, but the good news is that white stains can usually be resolved with basic refinishing techniques or polishing.

Black stains

Black stains, on the other hand, are more serious. These deep, dark marks indicate that water has permeated beyond the finish and into the wood. They often appear as charred or darkened spots and are usually caused by a chemical reaction between moisture and tannins — a group of chemicals — found in woods like oak and walnut.

In some cases, minerals and iron in the water can worsen the reaction. Moisture trapped between the flooring and subfloor can even lead to mould growth. Typically, treating black stains often requires sanding, bleaching, or, in severe cases, replacing the affected boards entirely.

How to remove white water stains from engineered wood floors

though white stains only affect the surface of engineered wood, how much it’s seeped into the top layer and the type of wood floor finish you’re dealing with will determine how easy it is to get rid of.

We’ve broken down a few proven methods below that you can try to repair water damage on your engineered wood floors:

Use a mineral oil

To remove light water stains, apply a thin layer of mineral oil using a soft microfibre cloth. Wait a few minutes for it to soak in, and then repeat the process. Any light water stains should disappear within 24 hours.

Apply a white spirit

If mineral oil doesn’t work, try a white spirit instead, as it’s more likely to reach deeper into the wood floor finish. Follow the same process as you did above. Once again, leave it to dry for an entire 24 hours.

Try a baking soda and water paste

A third method you can try is to mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Gently rub the paste into the stain with a microfibre cloth and let it sit on the affected area for 24 hours. Then, apply furniture polish over the top and let it dry overnight.

Apply gentle heat with an iron or hairdryer

If the above methods don’t work, you could try using a hairdryer or iron to apply heat to the stain. If you choose to use a hairdryer, move the hairdryer across the entire plank to prevent the heat from concentrating in one place and burning the wood. And if you choose to use an iron, place a towel on top of the floor before ironing over the mark to avoid causing any heat damage.

How to repair black water damage on engineered wood floor

If you’ve noticed a black stain, it likely means water has seeped below the surface. In many cases, this level of engineered wood flooring damage may require a professional to repair, or you might have to replace the board altogether. However, there’s no harm in trying to see if you can remove the stain yourself first.

To begin with, you’ll need to strip away the floor’s protective coating to access the stained wood underneath. Once that’s exposed, you can follow a few targeted steps to treat and lighten the dark marks, such as those we’ve suggested below:

Sand the stain down

If the black water stain hasn’t gone too deep into the wood, sanding it down with 100-grit sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain should be enough to remove it. Soften the edges using some wire wool to make the repair less visible and blend in with the rest of the board. Then, to replicate the original finish, apply multiple layers of varnish, lacquer, or wax.

Apply bleach

If the water stain has soaked too deeply into the wood for sanding to be effective, applying a thin layer of bleach may help lighten it. However, this method should only be used if nothing else works, as it can be harsh on the wood.

The bleaching process may take several hours and will depend on the depth and the severity of the stain. Once the stain has been removed, soak up any excess bleach with a damp sponge.

Then, to prevent any further discolouring, apply a thin coating of vinegar and remove it again with a moist sponge. Finally, apply several coats of either varnish, lacquer, or wax to help restore the original finish.

Keep your engineered floors looking their best

The tips above can go a long way in preventing water stains from worsening, and, hopefully, you’ll be able to repair water damage on your engineered wood floor if you notice any. But whether you’re dealing with light surface marks or more serious black stains, keeping on top of spills and recognising the signs of potential damage is key to keeping your floors in top shape.And if you’re starting your floor laying from scratch, learning how to install engineered wood flooring properly is just as important for ensuring longevity. And for more practical guidance on how to look after engineered wood flooring, our blog on oiled vs lacquered engineered wood flooring offers some excellent tips.