skip to main content

Cleaning Tips Flooring Kitchens

Will cooking oil stain engineered wood floor?

4 years ago

I used to have old school orange, 25 year old solid hardwood floors (I’m guessing thick polyurethane was used back then?), and i never had to worry about cooking oil staining it.

Now I have brand new engineered white oak floors. They are not oil stained. So I think that means they are polyurethane stain if I remember correctly. they have mild wire brushing.

Question is, will spills of cooking oil, or gravy running off a plate as you put it in the dishwasher, etc, leave a dark spot stain on the floor? I ask because I dripped “vegetable oil based” stainless steel cleaner when we first moved which left a big dark spot. Now I’m not sure if it was the oil or if there’s another chemical that caused it to penetrate so quickly. At any rate, should I be wiping the floor after hubby loads the dishwasher with gravy dishes and after he cooks stir fries and splatters the floor?

not sure how much I need to fuss over it. Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

SJ McCarthy
4 years ago
The heavy duty stainless steel cleaner (vegetable or whale or petroleum based doesn't make any difference) will penetrate any polyurethane. Polyurethane finishes are NOT water proof (nor oil proof). They are moisture RESISTANT but they will EVENTUALLY push past the finish to reach the wood = dark stain. The heavy oil probably sat too long AND it took ++ effort to remove it (like many swipes of soap to remove all the oil from the floor).

The duration of time the liquid sits on the finish will predict how much stain you can expect. The COLOUR of the floor will also dictate how much you will see.

I don't like to see wood floors babied. They are floors. Of course you want to be mindful of what you are doing, but they are supposed to take the abuse. That's what they do. The finish is what keeps the wood healthy so that it can be refinished in the future.

The wire brushing helped the stain appear. The texture means there is more surface area for the oil to grab hold of as well as more valleys to fill. They are notorious for grabbing dirt and grime and liquids and oils. More surface area on the wood means more surface area to try to clean.
chispa
4 years ago
Do you have any leftover boards of your engineered floor? You could do some stain testing, similar to the stain testing they recommend here when choosing countertop materials.
Related Discussions
Hardwood floors... Which wood species?/Oil based vs. water based stain
Q
Comments (13)
For people looking for a durable domestic hardwood our hickory has been a very popular option. Because you'll be finishing in place your installer should be able to stain any color you want but make sure to see how it looks on the specie and grade you choose. The hickory has a very noticeable color variation between the heart wood and sapwood and because of this will stain a little differently. As far as finish goes we usually recommend a tung oil finish because of the fact that it is spot repairable. This allows you to re-finish or touch up areas where the dogs make their loop, leap, or general jumping around. I know pointers can sometimes be a little high energy and this will allow you smooth out those areas without re-finishing the entire surface like you would need to do with a traditional poly finish. Another option that many large pet owning customers have really liked is our saw kerf texture. This does give more of a rustic feel to the surface but it also disguises many of the "accidental blemishes" that can happen with your flooring. What ever your decision we wish you luck!
...See More
Deck help - cooking oil stain and discoloration
Q
Comments (1)
I would think you'd have to start over. Clean the deck well then prime with a primer that will prevent the oil from coming through the new stain. The primer you need will depend on what kind of stain you use on top, but assuming you would use a solid color stain to go over a primer coat.
...See More
Is there any oiled engineered wood floor that will resist stains?
Q
Comments (4)
skfso , Yes but its not an oiled finish. Its a matte gloss polyurethane like Bona Naturale' We use it instead of the oiled finishes. There wont be as much maintenance required AND its more durable. Here is a natural finish over White Oak. We provided the flooring and the ceiling!
...See More
Engineered wood- what's the best finish? Hard wax oil vs polyurethane?
Q
Comments (15)
Here's what I could find out about the OP's choice: Legno Bastone- Guiseppina European materials made in Europe (which explains the price tag!) 13mm thick (1/2") 180mm wide (7") 1950mm longest length (6.4') UV Cured Hardwax Oil Finish The installation instructions state this floor can be glued, floated or nailed. If nailing down, you will need to assume the use of glue-assist because of the width of these planks. A full spread glue is probably your best option (pricey as it may be). The MAINTENANCE is always what I'm after when dealing with a hardwax Finish. The manufacturer prefers OSMO products (mentions it 9-10 times in the Residential Care link) http://www.legnobastone.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Legno-Bastone-Inc-Residential-Care-Instructions-01-02-2018.pdf I ALWAYS suggest a coat of maintenance oil once the floor has been laid...just before you move back into the house. This is a common requirement for COMMERCIAL installations. The reason: these floors can look THIRSTY fresh out of the box. And if they have been exposed to remodeling activity, they can get a little worn even before you move in. To prevent owner upset, it is well worth it to have the maintenance oil put down 1-2 days before the furniture goes back in. That way you have the freshest floor finish possible. And if you are going to do the maintenance yourself, it is a GREAT TIME to have the professionals SHOW YOU what to do and how to do it. This takes all the stress out of owning oiled floors. And PLEASE purchase EVERY SINGLE OSMO item listed in the maintenance link! Get everything ready BEFORE the floor needs it! And I mean everything. That way you are READY and able when life hits the fan!
...See More
Lana Benge
Original Author
4 years ago
I had tested defrosted blueberry and tomato sauce left overnight and both left no mark. Water tends to pool on top unless left a long time. I should test oil I guess. Just curious how others have found it to live with it/what happens over time.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES When to Use Engineered Wood Floors

See why an engineered wood floor could be your best choice (and no one will know but you)

REMODELING GUIDES What to Know About Engineered Wood Floors

By South Hill Interiors

Engineered wood flooring offers classic looks and durability. It can work with a range of subfloors, including concrete

FLOORS How to Care for Engineered Wood Flooring

By Amanda Pollard

Keep your wood floor looking its best with these tips and tricks from the experts

REMODELING GUIDES Your Floor: An Introduction to Solid-Plank Wood Floors

Get the Pros and Cons of Oak, Ash, Pine, Maple and Solid Bamboo

REMODELING GUIDES Wood Floor Care: Polish Your Skills

Help your wood floors stay gorgeous by learning how to keep stains, dullness and warping at bay

REMODELING GUIDES Designer Confessions: Torn Between Wood Floors

By KitchenLab Interiors

19 Photos to Help You Choose a Wood Floor Finish

DECORATING GUIDES Isn’t It Good, Nordic Wood: The Appeal of Pale Floors

From silvery ash to honey blonde or chalk white, light-toned floors hold the key to the pared-back simplicity of Scandinavian style

REMODELING GUIDES Laminate Floors: Get the Look of Wood (and More) for Less

See what goes into laminate flooring and why you just might want to choose it

MOST POPULAR 6 Kitchen Flooring Materials to Boost Your Cooking Comfort

By Jennifer Ott Design

Give your joints a break while you're standing at the stove, with these resilient and beautiful materials for kitchen floors

DECORATING GUIDES What Goes With Dark Wood Floors?

By Laura Gaskill

Avoid a too-heavy look or losing your furniture in a sea of darkness with these ideas for decor pairings

Sponsored

More Discussions

Outdoor granite stain from plant pot container

1

How to rid of stains on black slate fireplace floor

2

Water Filters for future

0

limestone floor looks dirty

0

How to remove cooking stains from gas stop burner head

0