Vinyl Floor Is Stained

Problem: Spill on the floor has resulted in stain, or has potential to stain.

Background: The most effective way to eliminate stains on rein forced vinyl or solid vinyl floor tile is to blot or wipe up spills as soon as possible after they occur. Most spills can be removed with a clean cloth or paper towel dampened with a commercial cleaner or detergent, especially if the floor has a protective coating. However, if certain sub stances are overlooked or remain on floor for an extended time, the specific procedures listed below may re move or help minimize the stain.

 

What to do: For tar, asphalt, grease, oil, wax, chewing gum, or crayon stains, use procedures A, B, F, G. For ink, lipstick, mustard, catsup, iodine, Mercurochrome, Merthiolate, or alcoholic beverages, use A, B, C, C. For oil-based paint, varnish, or shoe polish, use A, B, D, G. For nail polish, lacquer or airplane glue, use A, B, E, C. For lye, drain cleaners, or detergent concentrates, use A, B, G. For rust, use B, C.

Procedure A: Blot stain with a clean white absorbent cloth or paper towel, then remove dry or hardened substance with a stiff putty knife or plastic spatula.

Procedure B: Wash the stain with an absorbent cloth or sponge dampened with undiluted commercial cleaner. For heavy residue, scrub with a synthetic scrub pad (like those used for non-stick pans) wetted with cleaner.

Procedure C: Rub the stain with a cloth wetted with rubbing alcohol, rotating the cloth. Don’t walk on the area for 30 minutes. If the stain persists, repeat using liquid chlorine laundry bleach.

Procedure D: Rub the stain with a cloth wetted with turpentine. Don’t walk on the area for 30 minutes.

Procedure E: Same as Procedure D, except wet the cloth with nail polish remover.

Procedure F: Same as Procedure D, except wet a cloth with lighter fluid.

Procedure C: Rinse the treated area with water, allow it to dry, and apply the floor finish you use regularly.

Special advice: Use these procedures in the order they are given for each type of stain. They may be repeated if you experience difficulty in removing a stain. Be cautious when working with alcohol, turpentine, lighter fluid, or nail polish remover. These solvents are highly flammable; do not smoke or use them in the vicinity of an open flame, and provide adequate ventilation for your work area.

Helpful hint: For floors damaged by scrapes or indentations, see Resilient Floor Is Damaged. A permanently stained or damaged tile may be removed and replaced with a spare tile. If 1 or 2 tiles need replacement and spares aren’t avail able, consider exchanging a damaged tile with one located in a closet or beneath an appliance or piece of furniture.