Why Does Hardwood Floor Turn Black

Moisture content of buckling floor.

Why does hardwood floor turn black.

While water can be used as part of the cleaning process too much water on a hardwood floor can damage floors and alter its look. Mineral streaks deposits are a discolored line spot or band in the wood that may range in color from light gray to tan olive green brown purple blue or black. Hazy floors can occur when too much cleaner is used. I have used vinegar and water.

Chemicals present in the floor coating process water formic and acetic acids and others can stimulate electrochemical cell activity which also accelerates the rate of corrosion between metal and wood. Dark spots on hardwood flooring are commonly the result of some type of liquid that has soaked into the polyurethane finish and top layers of wood. The cause by the time of inspection the dark areas in the floor encompassed about 40 percent of the floor. Floor buckling happens most often after a floor has been flooded for an extended period of time.

The wood turned black. Moisture content readings revealed the flooring was saturated with moisture. Floor buckling is the most extreme reaction to moisture in a hardwood floor. Such chemicals can create lower oxygen levels which also tend to create black rust.

When the wood itself is black the discoloration may be caused by mold or it may result from tannins in the wood reacting with minerals in the water. When hardwood flooring turns dark it s the unfortunate result of moisture penetrating the wood itself. Buckling occurs when the wood flooring actually pulls up from the subfloor lifting several inches in one or more places. For both scenarios the remedy involves.

However the flooring was not delaminating and no cupping was evident. Unlike white water stains residing on the very surface of the hardwood floor dark stains require more steps and products in order to restore the beauty of the wood. Water and hardwood floors don t mix. Using too much water can cause the wood to swell and buckle while using the wrong cleaning products can cause damage to the wood surface.

Although there are a few quick fixes proclaimed to work the only sure way to undo the damage is to restore the floor. Fortunately this is not a common occurrence. Mineral streaks deposits are naturally occurring and they are often considered to add value and visual appeal to the wood. Black streaks can sometimes form between the wood joints because residue sets in between the cracks of the wood panels.