How to Remove Wood Stain from Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular floorings and is commonly found in heavy-traffic areas such as the entryway, kitchen and bathroom. Though these floors are durable, some precautions must be taken when removing severe stains such as wood stain. It’s very important to always test the cleaning product first on a leftover piece or a sample from a flooring store to ensure that there is no damage to the surface or coloring of the vinyl. Here are a couple of methods that can be used to remove the difficult wood stain.

You Will Need:

• Select a cleaner:
  • Clear nail polish remover
  • White vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
• Rubber or latex gloves
• Water
• Paper towels or soft cloths

Steps to Remove the Stain:

1. Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals. Protect your hands by wearing rubber or latex gloves.
2. Begin by pouring a small amount of the cleaner onto the stain.
3. Rub the area with a clean, soft cloth.
4. Turn the cloth often as you are wiping.
5. When the stain is removed, wipe again with a fresh, clean cloth.
6. Allow the area to dry completely.
7. Wait at least 30 minutes before walking over the treated area.

You Will Need:

• Bleach
• Rubber or latex gloves
• Water
• Soft cloths
• Bowl large enough to cover stain

Steps to Remove the Stain:

1. Begin by putting on rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands.
2. Soak a soft cloth with bleach.
3. Lay the soaked cloth over the stain.
4. Cover with a bowl turned upside down. It should make a dome over the cloth.
5. Allow this to set for exactly 30 minutes, no longer.
6. Remove the bowl and cloth.
7. Rinse the area with clean water and a fresh cloth.
8. Dry with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry completely.
9. If needed, repeat this process after one hour has passed.
10. Do NOT repeat more than once as the harsh bleach chemicals will damage the vinyl if used too much.

• There is a product called Once ‘n Done that can be used to remove many stains from vinyl flooring. It is readily available at home improvement and flooring stores.
• Floor polishes are also available and can be used to keep floors clean and looking new.
• Some wood stain removers may be safe to use on vinyl flooring. Check the label carefully and if necessary, test on a small area first.
• The yellowed area under the radiator is the result of a chemical reaction that occurs when the materials in the flooring react to the heat from the radiator. Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse this reaction once it has occurred.