Vinyl Stain Tips

Tiled vinyl flooring can be a cost-efficient way to replace old, outdated flooring. However, vinyl does have a tendency to stain fairly easily. Below are some valuable tips to get those stubborn stains out of this type of flooring.

Before you get started, make sure to use a white cloth, as colored fabric may stain your vinyl even more. Also, if you have a gas stove, make sure to turn off your pilot light as some of these solutions involve flammable chemicals. Remember to protect yourself and wear rubber gloves when using chemicals. And lastly, always test an area of your floor that is hidden first, to make sure the solution does not further discolor your floor.

TOPICAL SOLUTIONS FOR REMOVING STAINS FROM VINYL FLOORING:

• Bleach - For liquid stains such as fruit juice, tomato juice, or wine, household bleach may do the trick. Mix one part bleach and two parts water. Soak a rag in the solution and lay the rag over the stain, letting it soak for however long is necessary.

• Oxalic Acid – For stubborn rust stains, use oxalic acid, which can also be labeled as “wood bleach.” Wet a rag with the solution, lay the rag on the stain, and let it soak until you see the stain disappear.
  
  
• Isopropyl Alcohol – A good solution for removing shoe scuff marks from your vinyl floor. It’s often better known as “rubbing alcohol.”

• Laundry Detergent - Mixing powdered laundry detergent with water to create a white paste can be a less invasive way to remove difficult stains. Put the paste on vinyl flooring and scrub.

If you still can’t remove that difficult stain, it may be time to replace a few pieces or a section of your vinyl tile flooring. Mr. Handyman specializes in tile repair of all types, including vinyl.