How to Remove Paint from Hardwood Floors

Kris Eastwood • May 14, 2021

Paint changes how a room looks. 

How to Remove Paint from Hardwood Floors
  
You decide, pick out the color, get the supplies needed, and are ready to start painting the bedroom. You tell yourself you are a great painter and decide to do it without putting down protection on your hardwood floors. Next thing you know, you are looking at paint on your beautiful hardwood floors.   

Your mind starts racing, and you think that your floors are ruined. Although you only have paint speckles, you know those tiny paint drops; you will not see them unless you get down to the floor. But large paint spots on hardwood floors are definitely noticeable.    

Quick Clean-Ups 
If you notice the paint on your hardwood floors immediately, grab a damp cloth and wipe it up, making sure not to drag the paint further along your floor. Then grab another clean cloth and wipe up any excess residue and dampness.   

If the paint has dried and you have not been successful at wiping it up with a cloth, try these steps: 
Mix some dish soap with warm water in a bucket 
Use a cloth to wet the entire area of the paint on the hardwood floor with soapy water. Make sure not to saturate the floor; you don't want to ruin your flooring. 
Leave the water on the paint for a few minutes to allow the paint to soften and loosen up. 
Take the wet cloth and scrub over the paint until it comes off. 

Stubborn Paint 
The real problem then becomes how you remove paint from hardwood floors sitting there for days, months, or even years. Try this idea, just be careful with the putty knife on your floors: 
Carefully scrape off as much of the paint as you can with a putty knife. 
Mix dish soap with warm water in a bucket. 
Use a rag to cover the paint and let it sit for 5 minutes. 
Use the rag, or grab an old toothbrush, to scrub off the paint. 
Wipe the area with a clean, water-dampened rag. 

Consult a Professional 
If you have tried these methods and the paint does not seem to be coming up, it is time to consult with a professional. At Floors for Less, we will be happy to offer you suggestions and the easiest solutions for removing paint from your hardwood floors. Contact us today for more information.   
Winter-Ready Floors
By Kris Eastwood November 16, 2025
Learn how to protect and prepare your floors for Wisconsin’s long winter season. Discover the best moisture-proof flooring options, maintenance tips, and design trends that will carry your home into 2026 with comfort and style.
2026 Flooring Forecast
By Kris Eastwood November 16, 2025
Get ahead of the curve with our 2026 flooring trend forecast for Madison, Middleton, and Brodhead, WI. Explore the new colors, textures, and sustainable materials shaping the future of flooring design in Wisconsin homes.
By Kris Eastwood October 29, 2025
Why hiring a pro to install your floors isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in quality, safety, and long-term value.