How To Bleach Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable addition to any home. However, over time, they can start to look dull and dingy. If you're looking to brighten up your hardwood floors, bleaching is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to bleach hardwood floors:

Materials You'll Need:

Wood bleach
Applicator brush or sponge
Clean rags or towels
Ammonia
Water
Safety gloves and goggles

Step 1: Prepare the Floor

Before you start bleaching, it's important to prepare the floor. Remove all furniture and rugs from the room. Then, sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any dirt or debris. If the floor is particularly dirty, you may want to mop it with a mild cleaner.

Step 2: Apply the Bleach

Once the floor is prepared, you can start applying the bleach. Wear safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the fumes. Apply the bleach to the floor using an applicator brush or sponge. Work in small sections, and be sure to apply the bleach evenly. Let the bleach sit on the floor for the amount of time specified on the product label.

Step 3: Neutralize the Bleach

After the bleach has sat on the floor for the required amount of time, it's important to neutralize it. This will help to stop the bleaching process and prevent the floor from becoming damaged. To neutralize the bleach, mix equal parts ammonia and water in a bucket. Apply the ammonia solution to the floor using a clean rag or sponge. Let the ammonia solution sit on the floor for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse the Floor

Once the ammonia solution has sat on the floor for the required amount of time, rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water. Use a clean rag or sponge to wipe up the water. Let the floor dry completely before walking on it or replacing furniture.

Tips:

Always test the bleach on a small area of the floor before applying it to the entire surface. This will help you to make sure that the bleach doesn't damage the floor.
If you're bleaching a large area, it's best to work in sections. This will help to prevent the bleach from drying out before you have a chance to neutralize it.
Be sure to wear safety gloves and goggles when working with bleach. The fumes can be harmful if inhaled.
Keep the room well-ventilated when bleaching the floor. The fumes can be strong.
Once the floor is bleached, it's important to seal it to protect it from damage.