In an old home stains are not uncommon. Beautiful old hardwood, stone, and marble floors with unsightly stains can often be restored to a better look, if you know how to go about it.

If you have bluish blotches or stains on your hardwood, or other woodwork, it is usually the result of standing water. Oxalic acid, which can be found at most better hardware stores is the product you need. Oxalic acid is a poison so wearing gloves, eye protection, and avoiding inhalation of crystal dust is necessary. Fill a glass container with hot water and slowly dissolve the Oxalic acid until the crystals no longer dissolve in the solution. Apply the solution with a rag or brush, let it sit for about ten minutes, and rinse thoroughly. To avoid lightening in just the stained area it is recommended to apply the solution to a wide area around the stain. More than one application may be needed to correct the problem.

Stone and marble floors (as well as counter tops, mantels etc.) are very conducive to staining due to their porous nature. Many of these stains, however, can be removed by applying a poultice of certain cleaners or solvents. Typically these poultices are composed of whiting, which is a powdered limestone available at better hardware stores or marble care suppliers.

Preparing the poultice is as easy as combining a solvent or proprietary marble cleaner and whiting into a "potato pancake." Press the poultice over the stain and cover with plastic. The stain will slowly be drawn into the poultice as the solvent evaporates. For food stains like coffee, tea, or berries use a poultice of hydrogen peroxide (hair bleach strength) mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Many oil stains can be removed by using solvents in the poultice with acetone ( nail polish remover) or cleaning fluids such as carpet cleaners.

We hope these tips will be helpful. Remember, if you have difficulty or do not feel comfortable trying these methods yourself, calling a professional may be your best option.

The information contained on this page is not exhaustive and is meant to be only an overview.  For complete documentation on this subject please contact local or State heath officials.