How To Remove Stains From Vinyl Flooring

March 2, 2023 Karen Thomas

Due to the composition of vinyl, rust stains can be unsightly and very challenging to eradicate. Chlorine and ethylene are two manufactured materials used to make vinyl. Simply put, it is a sturdy plastic material created to replace metal flooring. Unfortunately, it can be vulnerable to rust stains when the constant oxygen flow in the room combines with the vinyl to create oxidation. It is also less expensive to buy and simpler to install.

Beauflor Midas 139L Plain Effect Anti Slip Vinyl Flooring

What Causes Vinyl Flooring To Stain

Vinyl flooring will still occasionally get stains, but many of them are avoidable and simple to clean up. Vinyl flooring may become stained by liquid spills like juice or alcohol. If the spill is not cleaned up, the vinyl floor may collect the liquid and develop a noticeable stain. Fortunately, most spills can be prevented from staining if they are cleaned up immediately.

Vinyl carpeting can also become stained by the sun. Your floor might be susceptible to fading if it is located in a location that is frequently exposed to heat and sunlight. You can use dark vinyl flooring in such areas. By closing the curtains and positioning rugs where the sun shines, you can shield your vinyl surfaces from the sun.

Improper fitting is another reason vinyl floors get stained. If adhesive was used to install your floor, some glue may have gotten through the vinyl's seams or the vinyl itself. A clear glue stain is evident when this occurs.

Staining may also result from moisture. Although vinyl is frequently marketed as impermeable, it's more accurate to describe it as water-resistant. The vinyl joints rather than the vinyl sections themselves are the issue. This is a problem with tile or vinyl plank surfaces in particular.

Even when the tiles or planks are tightly fitted, water can still seep through the vinyl joints and discolor the surface. Unfortunately, this harm cannot be repaired because it is irreparable.

How To Remove Stains From Vinyl Flooring

Mishaps do occur, and your surface might be the unfortunate one. Luckily, there are numerous ways to remove stains from vinyl flooring. Many of these remedies make use of supplies you most likely already have at home. All kinds of vinyl flooring can be cleaned using these techniques. Despite some differences between sheet vinyl flooring and vinyl plank flooring, all of them can be cleaned in the same manner.

Important Precautions Before Starting

Vinyl floors are well known for being low upkeep and simple to keep clean. Always attempt to remove stains with a mop or towel first, but for particularly difficult stains, take note of these safety measures before beginning:

Always choose a white towel over a colored one. Your floor may get stained by colored clothing that bleeds through.
To see how your floor will respond to a remedy, test it in a discreet location. When using potent cleaners like bleach or alcohol, this is particularly useful. Typically, excellent testing spots include places like the back of a closet, behind a door, or under furniture.
Many harsh cleansing agents could be harmful to inhale. You can shield yourself from dangerous vapors by opening a window or entrance.
Allow the solution to do its job while being gentle. Avoid rubbing the discoloration too vigorously. Scrubbing the vinyl floor thoroughly will only increase the likelihood of scratching it.

1) Liquid Dishwashing Soap

When trying to clean vinyl floor stains, using regular liquid dishwashing soap and water is frequently the best location to start.

Warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap should be combined to create masses of soap suds.
Wipe the discoloration with a soft towel or sponge.
Use water to rinse.
If required, repeat.

2) Lemon

Giving lemon juice a try to remove stains from vinyl surfaces will be well worth your time and effort. Lemons contain citric acid, which makes them effective at removing stains, including grass stains, and leave your area with a light citrus scent.

Here's How to Remove Stains from Your Vinyl Flooring with Lemon:

Cut a lemon in half.
Squeeze some lemon juice onto the discoloration and then rub it in.
Allow the lemon juice to sit on the region for two to three minutes.
Rinse the location with warm water.

3) Baking Soda

Baking soda is a multipurpose, inexpensive product that is found in almost every household cupboard. When it comes to more acidic stains like those from wine, fruit juice, or tomatoes on vinyl surfaces, baking soda works particularly well.

To make a paste, combine about 1 tablespoon of baking powder with water.
Apply your baking soda paste with a white, soft towel.
Rub the paste into the discoloration in a gentle circular motion.

4) Rubbing Alcohol

Another useful item that you most likely have in a cabinet somewhere in your home is rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can be very effective at removing scuff lines, makeup stains, and ink stains from vinyl flooring.

Apply the rubbing alcohol to the stain with a soft brush or a clean cloth.
Rub the discoloration gently.
Rinse with water, then do it again if required.

5) Bleach

Bleach frequently removes marks, such as ink, that are difficult to remove. However, you must exercise extreme caution when using bleach to protect both your health and your surface. Put on gloves, and a facial shield, and open a window to let some fresh air in.