Removal of common stains from different types of floors
Stains are a part of our everyday lives, especially when we consider the different types of flooring options in our homes. You should know that all floors are at risk of staining, no matter how careful you are. With food and drink spills, children’s activities, pet mess, and foot traffic along with normal wear and tear, your floor will take a beating. There’s no reason for you to worry about these blemishes, though, as long as you’re aware of the many ways you can combat them. Here are some great ideas for removing stains from various flooring options.
Hardwood
• If you have children in your home, you’ve probably already had a case where one of them used permanent marker on your floor. The best remedy for this is to apply some toothpaste to the affected area. The stain can be gently rubbed with a damp cloth for the best result.
• Another common problem with hardwood floors is water stains. They can be easily characterized by a slightly smoky white spot on the soil surface. The first thing to do in such a case is to cover the affected area with a dry, non-abrasive cloth. Next, use a hot iron and go back and forth over the area for 3-5 seconds at a time. Once this is done, use denatured alcohol to dampen a cloth and gently rub the areas where the stain is still showing.
• You can soak a cotton cloth with hydrogen peroxide to treat general stains. All you need to do is place the cloth on the stain for about 2-5 minutes, giving the peroxide time to soak into the wood. This can help lighten any stains.
Vinyl
• Various stubborn marks and scuffs can be removed from vinyl flooring by simply wiping it down with a cotton pad dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
• For stains that can cause discoloration, such as fruit juice, wine, or tomato juice, bleach is the best option. Use a 1:4 bleach to water ratio to dilute the bleaching agent and soak a cloth in the solution before placing it on the stain. Let him sit in his position for at least an hour. Bleach may take a little longer to kick in, but it will surely remove any type of troublesome stain.
• A paste of oxalic acid powder can be made with water to treat rust stains on vinyl floors. Use a damp cloth to rub the paste into the stain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves before handling the solution, as it is highly acidic and can damage bare skin. You should also make sure that the room is well ventilated. Once you are done, rinse the area well with water.
stone and tile
• Flooring professionals have long been using muriatic acid to clean some of the toughest stains on tile and stone floors because it works the best. It is a tough cleaner so users should wear a respirator and rubber gloves while using it. Also, make sure the room is well ventilated. Use a 1:5 muriatic acid to water ratio and dilute the solution. Apply it to the stained area with a toothbrush. You want to make sure that you have cleaned up all the solution once you are done.
• Grout between tiles is very common. A mixture of shaving cream and lemon juice can be put in a spray bottle and sprayed onto the grout. Let stand for at least 5 minutes. With an old toothbrush, the grout can be scrubbed away.
• For gum stuck to a stone or tile floor, try freezing it with an ice cube and gently scrape it off.
Stains on any type of flooring can be any homeowner’s worst nightmare. These summarized tips are sure to cover a wide variety of scenarios, although it’s relatively easier to prevent stains from occurring in the first place.