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Can someone please suggest a solution on how to remove stubborn stains on a wooden staircase? I've tried cleaning with methylated spirit, light soap solution and Mr Sheen, all with no effect.
See image here:
Hello @gazetry
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your timber steps.
Thanks for sharing the image, the wooden stairs look like they have a clear finish or lacquer, and the stubborn stain may have penetrated the coating or altered the sheen in that area. Since methylated spirits, soap, and polish haven’t worked, the next steps depend on whether the stain is on the finish or has gone through it into the timber.
Here’s a practical step-by-step approach you can try, using gentle but progressively stronger methods.
- Try a Timber Surface Cleaner:
Start with a stronger cleaner like Cabot’s Floor Clean or Feast Watson Floor Clean, both designed for timber flooring and stairs. Apply with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, leave for a minute, then gently rub. This might help with grime or oil-based marks that normal cleaning missed.
- Use a Fine Abrasive Pad or Magic Eraser:
If the finish itself is marred or dulled, try a Mr Clean Eraser Pad Block lightly dampened. Test in an inconspicuous spot first. Gently rub along the grain don’t scrub, or you’ll damage the coating. This can help lift light surface marks without sanding.
- Sand and re-seal steps:
If the stain refuses to budge the only other suggestion I can make is to sand the surface steps back to timber. Then recoat with a clear polyurethane, such as Cabot’s CFP Floor Clear or Feast Watson Floorseal, in either satin or gloss. I suggest doing all the steps so that when it is re-sealed it will have a uniform finish. Sanding only one step will make that step stand out as it is not in the same finish as the old steps.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
