Stain Removal For Vinyl Floors

Even through vinyl floors are very durable, it is not completely impervious to staining. Following are some suggestions for removing specific stains. While we make no guarantees, these are good ideas that will remove most stains. The first and best thing to remember is get spills wiped up quickly. This can save you a lot of time and headache with stain removal later.

Important: Cleaning products such as alcohol, mineral spirits and turpentine are flammable and potentially explosive (if handled incorrectly). Make sure you carefully read and follow label directions for each product.

Black Heel Marks
Clean area with manufacturer’s recommended vinyl floor stripper and/or cleaner with a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. If stain is still visible, clean with a nonabrasive cleaning product and nonabrasive scrub pad. If stain is still visible, rub area with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on a clean cloth.

Cigarette Burns
Because burns are actual damage to the floor, not a stain on the surface, consult your installer or retailer for removal and patching of the affected area.

Crayon
Using a clean cloth, rub stain with mineral spirits or turpentine. Clean the area with floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad.

Grape Juice/Wine
Clean area with vinyl floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. Follow instructions on cleaning product label.

Hair Dye
Because most hair dyes are permanent or at least semi-permanent, it can be difficult to remove as well. Begin by rubbing stain with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on a clean cloth. If stain is still visible, rub stain with mineral spirits or turpentine on a clean cloth. If stain is still visible, fingernail polish remover with acetone can be used, but apply carefully and sparingly. Clean area with vinyl floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. Repeat as necessary.

Lipstick
Using a clean cloth, rub stain with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). If this does not completely remove the stain, rub with mineral spirits or turpentine on a clean cloth. Clean area with vinyl floors manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad.

Mustard
Mustard may be difficult to remove and may require repeated treatments. Scrub stain with vinyl floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner with a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. Repeat as necessary.

Paint/Varnish
If paint is still wet, clean up stain with water and a clean cloth. If paint has dried, scrape paint from floor carefully with a plastic paint scraper or thin spatula. Take care that you do not gouge or tear the floor when scraping. If stain remains, rub with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and a clean cloth. If stain is still visible, clean with mineral spirits or turpentine on a clean cloth. If stain is still visible, fingernail polish remover with acetone can be used, but apply carefully and sparingly. Clean area with floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. Repeat as necessary.

Pen Ink
Ink is another difficult stain to treat and may require multiple treatments. Begin by rubbing stain with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on a clean white cloth. If this does not remove the stain, rub stain with a clean cloth and mineral spirits or turpentine. Clean area with floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. Repeat as necessary.

Permanent Marker
Once again, permanent marker can be quite difficult to remove (that’s where “permanent” comes in). Begin by rubbing stain with mineral spirits or turpentine on a clean cloth. If stain is still visible, fingernail polish remover with acetone can be used, but apply carefully and sparingly. If stain is still visible, try rubbing stain with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on a clean cloth. Clean area with vinyl floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. Repeat as necessary.

Shoe Polish/ Asphalt Driveway Sealer
Shoe Polish and asphalt can be quite difficult to remove as well. Begin by rubbing stain with mineral spirits or turpentine on a clean cloth. If stain is still visible, scrub area with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and a clean cloth. Clean area with floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. Repeat as necessary.

Nail Polish
If polish is wet, clean with water and a clean cloth. If polish is dry, try scraping carefully with a plastic paint scraper or thin spatula. Be careful not to gouge or tear the floor. If necessary, fingernail polish remover can be used, but apply carefully and sparingly. Clean area with vinyl floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner and a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad.

Rust
Begin by applying floor manufacturer’s recommended floor stripper and/or cleaner with a clean, nonabrasive scrub pad. Let stand for five minutes. Scrub with stiff bristled brush or nonabrasive scrub pad. If stain is still visible, stain can be cleaned with a commercial rust remover containing oxalic acid. Make sure cleaner is safe for use on vinyl floors. Repeat as necessary.

If you have a stain not listed above, contact your manufacturer for recommendations on removing the particular stain.