How To Remove Sticky Residue From Vinyl Flooring? (Full Guide)

Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain its attractive appearance, and thus many homes are installing it.

However, going too hard on it while cleaning can damage your precious floor when dealing with tough stains particularly, sticky residues. Like any other type of flooring, removing sticky residue like glue, bubblegum or paint is also a hard task to get off on the vinyl flooring.

Before you remove any sticky residue from vinyl flooring, you should know what you are doing to avoid damaging the vinyl floor.

That’s because vinyl flooring manufacturers do not provide a warranty for this type of failure. With household items available within your reach at home, we can quickly guide you on how to remove sticky residue from vinyl flooring.

How to Remove Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring?

Supplies Needed:

Latex hand gloves
Goggles

Mask
Plastic scraper
Clean Cotton cloth

Nail polish remover (Acetone-based)
Bucket of warm Water
Non-abrasive Sponge

Microfiber cloth
Dish wash liquid

Step 1: Wear Proper Equipment

We strongly advise you to wear latex hand gloves, goggles, and mask when handling cleaning agents. Because some of the above-mentioned cleaning agents may cause skin damage and irritation to your eyes and skin.

Step 2: Peel the Sticky Residue

Take the plastic scraper and apply gentle pressure on the sticky residue to remove as much as you can. Going too hard on the floor will scrap or mar the vinyl floor surface. A plastic scraper can be a debit card or your ATM card provided it is near the reach if other options are not available.

Step 3: Clean with Nail Polish Remover

Take the clean cloth you set aside cloth and damp it in a little amount of nail polish remover. Then gently wipe at the spot with the cloth until the sticky residue softens.

Note: Not all nail polish removers are effective on sticky residue, instead, we recommend you use acetone-based nail polish remover.

If you want to use acetone, make sure to apply the agent on a piece of the area to test its safety on the vinyl surface to avoid damaging the vinyl flooring.

Step 4: Mix Dish Wash Liquid in Warm Water

Take the bucket of warm water, generously add drops of dish wash liquid and mix well until it produces bubbles.

Step 5: Apply the Solution

Dip a dry sponge into the solution, squeeze and use it to mop the sticky spot on the floor while pushing the sponge back and forth with your hands. While moping tries to feel if the hands pass over the residue spot softly.

Step 6: Mop the Floor with Damp Cloth

After cleaning until you achieve the floor softness, rinse away the floor with plain clean water and then wipe away with plain-water dampened clean cloth.

Step 7: Wipe Surface with Microfiber cloth

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe all the moisture to dry the vinyl floor and ensure no moisture is present. Leaving the vinyl floor damp for too long can cause it to start warping and eventually develop gaps.

How to Remove Dried Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring?

Removing dried sticky adhesive like glue, paint, and gum is much harder than a fresh one because it hardened on the surface. Therefore, it would be ideal to follow the tips below. They include:

Step 1: Apply Stripping Solvent

Use stripping solvent to loosen the hardened sticky residue on the floor before scrapping it. Before you start. Stripping solvent can be a glue solvent or any other provided it is friendly with the vinyl flooring.

After applying the solvent, let it sit on the stain for a few minutes according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Step 2: Gently Peel the Sticky Residue

Use a plastic scraper and scrub gently horizontally against the residue and avoid pushing the scrapper downward to avoid damaging the floor surface.

Step 3: Dab the Solvent Over the Stain

If the spot is not soft as you expect, dab the solvent over the stain, allow it to sit for a few more minutes, and then use a scraper to remove the residue until it is soft enough.

Step 4: Wipe Surface with Dry cloth

Once the residue is removed, use a damp clean cloth to clean the work area and remove all traces of the solvent. That’s because when left behind it can damage the floor. Then, dry the surface using a clean microfiber cloth and ensure no moisture is left behind.

Precautions to Take When Removing Sticky Residue from Vinyl flooring

To minimize the risk of damaging the vinyl flooring while removing sticky or hard residue. It would be significant to take the following cautions. They include:

Avoid Using Abrasive Sponge: Do not use an abrasive sponge or pads when cleaning the vinyl floor as it causes scratches on the surface.
Avoid Chemical Bleachers: Do not use chemical bleachers like ammonia because they soften the vinyl floor which further results in warping. Before cleaning, always test the agent on an inconspicuous location to ensure it is appropriate and does not damage the vinyl.
Do not use Hard Brush: Avoid using a brush when cleaning residue because it spreads them on the surface thereby making the cleaning process harder and complex.

Allow ventilation in the room: Open all the windows and doors to improve ventilation in the room because cleaning agents are harmful and can cause suffocation when inhaled.
Read Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions before you use any type of chemical solvent or cleaning agent

FAQs: How to Remove Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring?

Can I Use A Vacuum Cleaner To Remove The Adhesive?

Yes, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove adhesive from your vinyl floor. But it will not be efficient enough for you.

Can I Use Heat To Remove The Adhesive?

No, not at all. The heat will damage your vinyl floor and make it more difficult to remove, rather than solving your problem.

Also, according to Flooristics, when the vinyl flooring is exposed to high temperatures, it can melt or discolor permanently.

How to Remove Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring?

Take a clean cloth and soak it in a small amount of nail polish remover. Then wipe the area with the cloth until the sticky residue has softened. After that, take some warm water and liberally add drops of dish wash liquid and mix well till bubbles form. Then apply this solution and wipe the floor with a dry cloth.

To Conclude

Besides using stripping solvent and nail polish remover, alternatively, you can use baking powder, mineral spirits, and white vinegar to break down the sticky residue on the vinyl floor.

However, nail polish remover is the best as it works thoroughly without causing warping. If the residue is tougher, it would be wise to call in a professional cleaner to work on it.

Read More on Vinyl Floors

How to Remove Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring? (Full Guide)