Quick tips for removing stains from vinyl floors

Removing stains from vinyl flooring can be tricky, but not impossible. Check out these tips and quickly remove stains from your floor.

• Use the mildest method you can to keep the floor clean, including regular vacuuming and sweeping before dirt gets ground in. When the dirt will not come off with a broom or a vacuum, mop with a damp mop that has been dipped in lukewarm water and squeezed half-dry.
• Rub only enough to get the dirt up. For more resistant dirt, prepare a solution of warm water and detergent, apply a small amount to the surface, and wipe away quickly. Rinse with a mop dipped in clean water, making sure to remove all detergent or soap, even if the label doesn't require it.

Some spots and spills on resilient flooring resist routine cleaning. Handle such problems as follows.

• To remove stubborn stains and ground-in soil, use a one to 10 solution of ammonia and water, and scrub the area lightly with a plastic scouring pad. Go over stubborn stains again with extrafine (#0000) steel wool. Wax or polish to bring the floor back to its shine.
• To remove black heel marks from resilient floors, rub the marks with silver polish until they've completely disappeared. An alternative is to use white appliance wax (appliance retailers sell this). Remove any excess silver polish or appliance wax by rubbing the area with a soft, clean cloth.
• To remove chewing gum, put some crushed ice in a small, sealable plastic bag and place the ice directly on top of the gum for a few minutes. Once the gum is brittle, remove the ice and gently pry the gum free with a dull knife.
• Spilled nail polish can be peeled off, if you first let it dry until tacky. Remove the remaining residue with nail-polish remover. However, if you use nail-polish remover, which is a solvent, the area will probably be dulled slightly. Brighten it with floor wax or polish.

Accidents and spills are bound to happen, but that doesn't mean your vinyl floors are ruined. Remember these tips the next time you need to remove a stain from your floor and act quickly for the best results.