How to Remove a Calcium Chloride Stain From a Hardwood Floor

Calcium chloride leaves crusty white stains on hardwood floors.

Because calcium chloride, a salt and chlorine compound, sticks to the bottoms of shoes, walking on hardwood floors with calcium chloride-covered shoes leaves crusty white stains. Removing calcium chloride stains from the floor is necessary to keep the hardwood and protective coating from damage.

1. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.

2. Spray the calcium chloride stains with the vinegar and water mixture. Let the mixture remain on the calcium chloride stain for two to three minutes.

3. Blot the calcium chloride stain with a towel to pick up the vinegar, water and briny water.

4. Continue spraying the stain with white vinegar and water and blotting with a towel until the calcium chloride is no longer visible on the hardwood floor.

5. Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water and wring it out. Wipe the floor with the damp cloth to remove white vinegar residue. Dry the hardwood floor immediately with a soft, dry cloth.

Tip

Place a mat near the entry door to wipe the bottoms of shoes and boots. Ask family members and guests to remove shoes and boots when they enter your home. Soak up shoe and boot marks with a paper towel as soon as they occur to prevent stains on hardwood.

Warning

Don't scrub dried, white, crusty calcium chloride stains with a brush or towel, as scrubbing hard deposits leaves scratches on the floor. Don't leave a wet hardwood floor to air dry, as the water may cause a discoloration on the floor.