At Injectidry, we’re always ready to provide guidance and support for our valued customers. Recently, we received a query from Zach at Aramsco regarding an issue experienced by one of his customers. The concern? At the completion of drying a hardwood floor it appeared that there were small discolored ring marks on the surface of the floor—a situation both inconvenient and alarming to the homeowner. This blog is dedicated to addressing such concerns and offering actionable solutions for better results.
Understanding the Cause of Water Spotting
Water spotting on hardwood floors typically results from discolored water pulling to the surface. In some cases, wood resin and floor finish mix with this water, making it harder to clean off with standard floor cleaners. Additionally, dark black discoloration can appear if the black paper backing bleeds when wet.
Proactive Tips to Prevent Water Spotting
Felicia McEwen, our knowledgeable customer service representative, shared some effective methods to minimize and even prevent water spotting when drying hard wood floors:
- Bulk Water Extraction: Before connecting the Injectidry HP machine to the floor drying panels, perform a bulk extraction by connecting the floor drying panels to a portable extractor or truck mount. This removes as much physical water as possible from the flooring assembly.
- Wipe and Monitor Regularly: Lift the drying panels every 20–30 minutes during the extraction process to wipe away any water collecting on the surface. This practice not only reduces spotting but also speeds up the drying process significantly. We recommend watching our Floor Drying with Vac-It Panels video.
- Monitor Floor Moisture: After bulk water extraction, connect the floor drying panels to the HP machine to start the drying process. Continue to check the floor’s moisture content every 24 hours—this includes beneath panels, which involves lifting and resetting the panels each day. This method is vital for accurately monitoring drying progression, ensuring you are not over drying areas of flooring. It also helps avoid prolonged contact between the panels and the same area of flooring, which can contribute to spotting.
- Use Appropriate Cleaning Methods: If spotting does occur, try hardwood floor cleaner first. For stubborn marks, use a more aggressive cleaner such as a wide-range cleaner to remove discoloration effectively.
Final Thoughts
Water spotting can be an inconvenience, but incorporating these preventative measures can save time and ensure customer satisfaction without sending crews back for additional cleanup.
At Injectidry, we’re here to assist and ensure you get the most out of our products. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our technical support team. We’re always happy to help!