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How to remove stains from vinyl flooring

Last Modified: 10 February 2025
6 min read
How to remove stain from vinyl flooring

Vinyl sheet flooring can withstand a lot of abuse, which is why it is used in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, entryway, and bathroom. Research shows that vinyl flooring has outperformed all other products in the UK floor coverings market. Even though these floors are known for their resilience and durability, you need to take proper precautions when getting stains out of vinyl flooring.

The best part about vinyl flooring is that it’s extremely easy to clean; for stubborn stains, all you need is a damp mop and a mixture of warm water and vinyl cleaner.

How to clean vinyl flooring to prevent stains

  1. Wipe spills using plain water as soon as they appear to prevent stains.
  2. First, dry mop or vacuum the floor to remove hair, dust, and dirt.
  3. Then, move on to a damp mop and a mixture of warm water and vinyl cleaner. While there are many commercial vinyl floor cleaners available on the market, you can easily create a simple and effective cleaner at home by mixing hot water and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar is used to remove the dirt build-up without leaving a soapy film on the floor.
  4. When using the DIY cleaner, make sure to rinse your mop frequently with hot, clean water.
  5. You can add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the mixture for some extra cleaning power. For a deep cleaning session, mop the floors first with the dishwashing soap mixture and then with the vinegar and water mixture.
  6. Remove stains from acidic substances like wine, fruit juice or tomato sauce with a paste of water and baking soda. Use a soft towel to lift the stain. Then clean the baking soda residue with water and vinegar.
  7. Use rubbing alcohol and a soft-bristle brush for tough stains from ink, paints or lipsticks. Make sure not to use abrasive brushes; they can easily scratch the floor.
Stain on vinyl floor
A stain on sheet vinyl isn’t the end of the world!

How to clean stains from vinyl flooring

No matter how clean you try to keep your room, accidents are bound to happen, and you’ll likely be left with stains on your vinyl flooring. If you’re wanting to clean stained vinyl floors, try these methods to get those stubborn marks out.

  • Vinyl floor cleaner – Many home stores will sell commercial floor cleaners specially designed to remove stains from vinyl flooring without damage. Always follow the instructions for use on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly.
  • Isopropyl alcohol – When cleaning tough stains such as grease stains or dye, add a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cloth and rub the stain out slowly. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry as soon as possible.
  • Baking soda paste – If you can’t buy a specialised product, try this home solution. Mix water with baking soda and apply the paste to the stained area of your floor. Scrub gently with a sponge or cloth, then rinse with water and dry immediately. 
  • White vinegar and water – For another home solution, try mixing water with white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub with a cloth before rinsing and drying.

How to get stains out of linoleum

Linoleum is a more porous material than vinyl, and as such, it may require a bit more elbow grease to get rid of stubborn stains and marks. Here are some tips on how to remove stains from linoleum:

  • For light stains, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the affected area. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
  • For more stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
  • For oil-based stains, such as grease or motor oil, use a degreasing cleaner or rubbing alcohol to dissolve the stain. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
  • For rust stains, mix lemon juice and cream of tartar into a paste and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
  • Specialised linoleum cleaners, like this HG Vinyl Cleaner, are also available for stain removal

How to remove paint from vinyl flooring

To get a paint stain out of vinyl flooring, the process depends on the type of paint and how long it has been on the floor. Here are some tips:

  • For wet paint, use a damp cloth to blot up as much of the paint as possible. Use a commercial paint thinner or rubbing alcohol to dissolve the paint, being careful not to scrub too hard and damage the floor.
  • For dry paint, use a plastic scraper or credit card to gently scrape away the paint. Use a commercial paint remover or rubbing alcohol to dissolve any remaining paint, being careful not to scrub too hard and damage the floor.
  • Rinse the floor with clean water and dry it with a towel.

How to remove vinyl floor

If all else has failed and you can’t get a stain out of your vinyl flooring, you may need to remove your floor and replace it with a new one. Here are some general steps to follow when removing your flooring:

  • Start by removing any baseboards or trim around the edges of the room.
  • Use a utility knife to cut the vinyl flooring into manageable sections.
  • Pry up each section of vinyl flooring using a pry bar or scraper.
  • Use a floor scraper or buffer to remove any remaining adhesive or glue.
  • Sand down any rough spots or bumps in the subfloor.
  • Clean the subfloor with a commercial cleaner or a mixture of warm water and vinegar.
  • Let the subfloor dry completely before installing new flooring.

Common causes of vinyl stains

A number of household items can cause stains to your vinyl flooring. Here are some of the most common causes of linoleum and vinyl floor stains.

  • Oily and greasy foods
  • Water spills
  • Dyes from coloured drinks, hair dyes, ink, etc
  • Reactions from harsh cleaning chemicals
  • Mould and mildew

Keep these substances away from your vinyl floors to keep them looking their best, and be sure to maintain your flooring properly to prevent dirt and mould buildup – if not, you’ll want to have a read of our guide on how to repair vinyl flooring.

Looking for the right vinyl flooring for your home? Flooring King’s range has options to suit any home. Browse our range of categories for vinyl, with a variety of colours, patterns, and finishes available. Whether you’re looking for luxury vinyl tiles, or laminate flooring, you’ll find the perfect flooring option for you. Get in touch with us to see how we can help you renovate your floors!

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Karl Batson
Karl Batson
Head of Operations
I have 5 years experience in the flooring industry and plenty more experience in managing operations of businesses. I have a great desire and passion for ensuring all operations from top to bottom run as they should. The flooring industry brings many challenges within my job role that I thrive on and with our vast range of brands and products every day is an exciting day.
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