Stain Removal Guide for Hardwood Floor

The key to wax removal is temperature: freeze to harden, then heat to absorb — in that order.

Nail polish is a fast-drying lacquer. Act immediately before it cures — dried nail polish is very difficult to remove from fabric.

Latex (water-based) paint must be treated while wet. Once dry, it forms a plastic film that is very difficult to remove.

Pet urine has two problems: the stain and the odor. The odor comes from uric acid crystals that ordinary cleaners cannot break down — you need an enzyme cleaner.

Crayons are wax-based with pigment. They require both wax removal and pigment removal — two separate steps.

Super glue (cyanoacrylate) bonds almost instantly. Acetone (nail polish remover) is the only effective household solvent.

Sticker and label adhesive residue is a sticky, tacky polymer that attracts dirt. Oil dissolves it; heat softens it.

Vomit contains stomach acid and partially digested food. It stains quickly, smells strongly, and requires both stain removal and odor neutralization.

Nail Polish stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Candle Wax stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Super Glue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Latex/Acrylic Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Oil-Based Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Sticky Tape & Adhesive stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Floor Wax & Polish stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Permanent Marker & Sharpie stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Bird Droppings stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Tree Sap & Pine Tar stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Maple Syrup stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Printer Ink stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Stamp Pad Ink stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Fountain Pen & Calligraphy Ink stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Acrylic Paint (Wet) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Oil Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chalk Dust stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Correction Pen & Liquid Paper stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Rubber Cement stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Epoxy Resin stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Silicone Sealant stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Nail Polish Remover Spill stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Algae & Moss Stain stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Fertilizer stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Tar & Asphalt stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Spray Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Bonfire & Fireplace Ash stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Felt-Tip Marker (Permanent) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Colored Pencil Marks stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Wine Cork & Cork Tannin stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Pet Urine (Dog & Cat) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chalk Paint & Milk Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Furniture Polish & Pledge stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Acetone Spill stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Glitter & Craft Glitter Glue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Exterior Paint Spatter stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chalk Line & Marking Chalk stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Smoke & Fire Residue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Lemon Juice & Citrus stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Mineral Water Hard Water Deposit stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Dishwasher Salt & Powder Residue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Price Tag & Sticker Residue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Hair Removal Wax stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Plant Pot Overflow & Indoor Plant Soil stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Spirits & Hard Alcohol stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Hand Sanitizer stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.