How to remove dark stains from hardwood floors

June 18, 2025

The best way to fix wood floors stained by water damage from plant pots and pet urine is by lightly sanding out the dark stains to test if they lighten up.

Firstly, if you’re looking to remove dark stains from your hardwood floors, you’re not alone. We get asked how to fix stained hardwood floors a lot and we’ve been trying to figure out the best way to answer this question for over 30 years! 


There's no "magical" solution or quick fix to remove deep stains — In the flooring industry, everybody has been looking for that magical formula you can spray or brush over a dark stain to get your wood floors looking brand new. Sadly, we’re not aware of anything or anybody that does have a solution to fix stained hardwood floors.


Prevention is better than cure when it comes to dark stains on hardwood floors — Dark stains indicate that the wood has deteriorated or been destroyed under the urethane coating. Typically, the causes of dark stains in wood floors are water damage from:

  • Pet urine from dogs, cats or other pets.
  • Mineral deposits, for example, from where a plant pot has been sitting for a long time.
  • Water damage, potentially from a leaking pipe or excessive humidity.


Determine the depth and severity of the stain — The bottom line is that to remove dark stains from hardwood floors, you’ll just have to sand them out. 


Check if the dark stain is surface-level or has penetrated deeply — You make a few good passes on the dark stains through sanding, but if it doesn't lighten up or go away, don’t try to sand the wood even harder or use a tool to scratch, scrape or dig out the stain, as you’ll get a bowl shaped dip —or depression— in that part of the floor. If the dark stains don't come out from light sanding, the bad news is that you’ll have to replace the floor boards. 


If light sanding doesn't remove the stain, you'll likely need to replace the affected wood — The good news is that you can just replace a small section of the hardwood, rather than replacing the entire wood floor. Just remember that replacing individual boards requires matching color, grain, and urethane finish. Even then, be aware that a perfect match is not always possible due to the age of the original hardwood floor.


Do’s & Don’ts

- DON’T try to dig or scrape out a dark stain

- DO try a small test to see if the stain can be sanded out

- DO use preventative measures like protective mats for plant pots

- DO address spills immediately

What's the best way to clean hardwood floors?

June 12, 2025
Use a dust mop and try to minimize water exposure to your hardwood floors by using a spray mist bottle to apply your cleaning solution.
A person is painting a wooden surface with a brush.

How Floor Staining Can Improve Your Hardwood Floors

July 1, 2024
Hardwood floors continue to increase in popularity. According to Grand View Research, the North American wood flooring market was worth about $7.37 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a rate of 2.4% from 2023 to 2030. Although hardwood floors are known for their long lifespan, it's essential to take steps to preserve your floors, like hardwood staining. Here are several ways this can help your floors. Scratch Resistance Today, many wood stains also have polyurethane in them. Polyurethane is your go-to ingredient for protecting your wooden floors. It helps seal the floor to protect hardwood flooring against scratches and scuffs. Instead, everything easily slides against the smooth surface of your flawlessly stained hardwood floor. This can instantly help your floors last longer. Less Absorbency Floor staining provides an additional layer of protection for your hardwood floors. A spill here and there won't hurt your wood. However, constant exposure to moisture will make your wood floors warp and eventually split. The only way you'll be able to enjoy beautiful floors again is by replacing them. It's best to take a preventative measure like hardwood staining. When something spills on properly stained floors, the wood won't quickly absorb it. UV Protection UV rays can slowly damage your hardwood flooring. The harsh rays from the sun can slowly fade away the color of your floors. Many hardwood stains have additional ingredients to help protect your floor. When you invest in hardwood staining , you won't have to replace your hardwood floors due to fading or damage from the sun's UV rays. Ask a professional company about additional ingredients in the stain used on hardwood floors to ensure your protection. Greater Aesthetic Appeal Stain for hardwood floors is a great way to enhance the beauty of natural wood floors. You can stain the floors to appear a different color, ensuring they match the decoration throughout your home. A transparent stain is another beautiful option, allowing the natural beauty of your floors to shine through. Many people refinish or replace their floors because they aren't happy with the appearance, but staining preserves the visual appeal. We specialize in hardwood refinishing and staining. You can also call for restoration and installation services. Contact New Generations Hardwood Floors today to schedule your free estimate.