Removing Rubber Stains from Kitchen Floors

It is common for rubber to cause stains, scuffs, and spots up on the floor in your kitchen. These stains can appear for various reasons, such as moving furniture or from the bottom of a shoe dragging and leaving a mark. The question is, how can you get rid of these annoying, ugly spots without damaging your floor even more?

Rubber stains can vary depending on what caused them. Some rubber stains can be removed with scraping or scrubbing. Others are not so easily cleaned, and might require some more serious work. You should take into consideration the types of tools you will use to clean the stains and marks, since you don't want to use anything that is too abrasive enough to scratch or otherwise harm your kitchen floor. If you do use something abrasive, take extra care when cleaning.

If you end up with stains and marks from rubber on your kitchen floor, try the following methods to remove the rubber stains.

• Scuff marks. For scuff marks made by sneakers or shoes, all you will probably need to do is use something to scrub the mark off. A cloth or sponge might be enough for the job. One idea is to use a tennis ball to easily remove the marks. Use a little soap if needed after you've removed the mark. If you're lucky, small rubber marks will simply come off the floor with a rub of your sneaker. Only use your sneaker if the bottom is white, or else it will only make the problem worse.
• Serious stains. For a more serious stain, use a little lemon oil to protect the floor and try to remove the mark with steel wool. You will need to be especially careful if you do this, since you don't want to scratch the floor. You will probably want to mop the floor to remove the oil when you are done.
• Toothpaste. Toothpaste may be able to help you remove rubber stains. Scrub toothpaste onto the mark until it fades away and wipe the residue off with a wet paper towel.
• Baking soda. Baking soda can be an effective cleaner. Mix with water to form a paste, then scrub it onto the mark.
• WD-40. WD-40 might be useful on some stains. Using a cloth, wipe WD 40 onto the mark.

When cleaning your kitchen floor, remember to test any cleaning solutions on a hidden area. This will allow you to be sure that the cleaner will not have any harmful effects. When moving furniture, take care not to drag it across the floor. Also, don't wear dark-soled shoes in the kitchen to prevent scuff marks.