A Guide to Remove Rubber Marks from Vinyl Flooring
When you have rubber marks on vinyl flooring, it can look ugly, and leaving stains on the flooring can ruin the look.
Rubber marks are usually caused by people wearing shoes inside houses or shoes being dragged along the floor. To remove these marks from vinyl flooring, there are several ways to do so.
In this article, we will provide a complete guide to removing rubber marks from vinyl flooring, the methods of removing the marks, and why you should do it as soon as possible. But first!
Table of Contents
Can Rubber Marks Damage the Vinyl Flooring?
Yes, rubber on vinyl flooring can damage the floor because the rubber contains chemicals that cause oxidation, which appears as small holes.
Therefore, removing rubber marks from vinyl floors should be done very carefully as some of these chemicals may remain on the surface of the vinyl after you apply them, thus forming unpleasant markings on the flooring.
How to Remove Rubber Marks from Vinyl Flooring?
The removal of rubber marks from vinyl flooring can be accomplished in several simple ways. These methods also allow you to easily clean any other floor type with tough stains, dirt, or grime. They are;
Use Baking Soda
Combine baking soda with lemon juice and apply the paste to the stains. With this, you can get rid of tough stains.
You should avoid using too much baking soda on the vinyl floors since too much baking soda can damage the surface. If you wish to scrub off the marks, try using a microfiber cleaning cloth since the cloth is gentle and will not damage the floor.
Toothbrush
The easiest way to remove stains from vinyl flooring is with a toothbrush that hasn’t been cleaned with bleach because the bleach can damage the flooring.
Take some baking soda and add just enough water to make it paste.
Scrub this paste over the rubber mark and let it sit for forty-five minutes. The baking soda should lift the rubber marks off your vinyl flooring, but if they do not all come out, you can repeat this process once more.
Using Eraser Method
To remove rubber marks from vinyl flooring, the most common and effective method is to use an eraser. Grab a pink or white school eraser and rub the eraser over the mark continuously until it comes off the floor.
Vinegar Method
The vinegar, primarily white vinegar, is quite common in the household. It is used primarily to clean floors and other areas like toilets and cabinets since it is effective and does not contain harsh chemicals that can damage the surfaces.
White vinegar is an effective way to remove rubber marks from vinyl flooring. Simply spray half a cup of vinegar onto the vinyl flooring and let it dry. Once dry, wipe with a rag.
See Also: Will Vinegar Damage Vinyl Floors?
Cleaning Chemicals
To remove rubber marks from vinyl flooring, you can also use a cleaning chemical.
However, be sure that the product you choose is listed as safe for use on vinyl flooring. If you cannot find this information, it is best to skip using the product and option for one of the other cleaning solutions mentioned in this article.
Cleaning solution for rubber marks on vinyl flooring:
- Some Ammonia
- Normal Water
- Paper Towels
- A Bucket
- A Rag
Fill the bucket halfway with warm water and pour in 1 cup ammonia. Dip your rag into the solution and then wring it out to remove any excess moisture. Simply wipe down your rubber heel to remove the marks.
The acidic nature of ammonia makes it effective in removing marks from vinyl flooring, so apply it with care.
Occasionally, rubber marks on vinyl floors are difficult to remove. Instead of using ammonia, you can use vinegar or any of the other solutions discussed above.
No matter which product you choose, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage your vinyl flooring.
Things to Know When Removing Rubber Marks from Vinyl Flooring
Generally, the marks left by furniture that has been dragged across vinyl flooring are not too deep, and they will disappear after a few days. If they do not, try removing the residue with an eraser, or else try any of the solutions mentioned above, or purchase specialty cleaners.
You may want to consider installing carpeting or area rugs in that part of the house if rubber marks are caused by items with sharp corners, like stiletto heels. If you do this, you may find that the rubber marks are severe and will take longer to disappear.
Tips for Preventing Rubber Marks on Vinyl Flooring
You can reduce or prevent rubber stains on your floor by doing these things:
- Avoid dragging sharp-cornered items: Make sure you do not drag sharp-edged objects across your vinyl flooring.
- Place Protective Pads: Protective pads should always be placed underneath the legs of tables and chairs that will be sat for a long period.
- Place Feet Coasters: To reduce rubber marks on vinyl flooring, use furniture feet coasters.
- Secure Slip-resistant pads: Put slip-resistant pads under heavy items, such as pianos and televisions.
FAQ’s: How to Remove Rubber Marks From Vinyl Flooring?
Should You Use Soap To Remove Scuff Marks On Vinyl Floors?
Using soap to get rid of a scuff mark from your vinyl floor might work, but it’s not necessary. You could use any of the methods above without losing any results.
Additionally, soap can leave a streaky residue on vinyl floors, as well as catch dirt over time, which results in a dirtier floor than when you first started.
Does Rubber Stain Vinyl Flooring?
Rubber in vinyl flooring undergoes an oxidation reaction over time, which appears as small holes on the floor. This can lead to damage to your flooring over time.
Can you use a Magic Eraser on the Vinyl Floor?
Since Magic Erasers have no chemicals on them, they are safe to use on vinyl flooring. Wet the Magic Eraser, squeeze excess water, and scrub away scuffs.
Read More on Vinyl Flooring
- How to Remove Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring? (Full Guide)
- How to Fix Gaps in Vinyl Plank Flooring? (5 Easy Steps)
- How to Clean Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Beginners Guide)
- How to Clean Pet Urine from Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Best Way!)
- Can you Caulk Around Vinyl Flooring? (All You Need to Know!)
That is a good tip particularly to those new to the
blogosphere. Simple but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!