How to Remove Black Rubber Scuff Marks from Plastic

Megster said, “How can black rubber stains be removed from a white plastic kitchen chair? Tried vinegar, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and a kitchen cleanser. HELP!”

You Will Need:

• An eraser
• WD-40
• A cloth
• Dish liquid
• Water
• Baking soda
• Toothpaste
• Turpentine
• Lighter fluid

Steps to Remove the Scuff Marks:

1. One of the easiest ways to remove rubber marks is with an eraser. Use a white or artgum eraser, not a pink eraser.¹
2. Spray some WD-40 on a cloth, then use the cloth to rub off the scuff marks. Once the stain is gone, wash the area with dish liquid to remove any residue from the WD-40. ¹
3. Mix some baking soda with water to make a paste. Rub the paste on the stain with a cloth, then wipe it off. Be careful not to rub the area too hard though, as baking soda is a mild abrasive.²
4. Toothpaste is another great cleaning solution for removing scuff marks from plastic. Use a white non-gel toothpaste, preferably one that contains baking soda.³
5. Another option is to use turpentine⁴ or lighter fluid. Pour some of the cleaner on a cloth and wipe off the stain. Rinse the area well afterward to remove any residue from the cleaners.⁵

• Ventilate the area well when working with strong chemicals, such as WD-40 or lighter fluid.¹
• After putting lighter fluid on a cloth, it is best to discard the cloth in an outdoor trash can.⁵
• If you want to try removing the marks with a commercial cleaner, a citrus-based one is a good choice.⁶

1. Extraordinary Uses For Ordinary Things by Reader’s Digest
2. Baking Soda by Vicky Lansky
3. Haley’s Hints by Graham and Rosemary Haley
4. 10,001 Hints & Tips for the Home by Reader’s Digest
5. The Queen of Clean’s Complete Cleaning Guide by Linda Cobb
6. How To Clean Practically Anything by Consumer Reports