Learning how to remove rust stains from vinyl flooring can help you save money and maintain a clean and up kept look throughout your home. From basic home remedies to store bought concoctions, there are a few different ways to conquer pesky rustiness without having to replace your flooring.

Understanding Vinyl Flooring and Its Vulnerability

Rust stains can be unsightly, and also very difficult to remove, due to the composition of the vinyl itself. Vinyl is a synthetic material created out of chlorine and ethylene. In layman’s terms, it is a very durable plastic that was manufactured to substitute for metal flooring. It is cheaper to purchase, easier to install, and unfortunately can be susceptible to rust stains when the room’s continual oxygen flow combines with the vinyl to produce oxidation.

How to Remove Rust Stains From Vinyl Flooring

You can either create your own cleaning solution or purchase a professional formulation. If you decide to make your own, you’ll need to have vinegar, baking soda, and a cloth that can get damaged. Spread some baking soda over the rust stain. This is rough in texture and able to lift rust stains out of their resting place. After the baking soda has had some time to settle, wet your rag with vinegar and rub over the stained surface. Rinse and repeat until the stain has faded away. Once the rust is gone, be sure to do one final rinse and wipe with clean water, as vinegar can be very odorous and unwelcoming in a home.

If you would like to purchase a convenient remover, use a 5% oxalic acid solution, found in powder form at hardware stores. It is sometimes also available at pool and/or marine supply shops. You will need to leave the acid on the stain for at least five minutes, and you can spray a standard household cleaner over the acid to help with the removal. Keep in mind that oxalic acid is extremely poisonous, so purchase only a small amount, or keep the remainder up high out of reach of young children. Oxalic acid can also be found in wood bleach. If you choose to purchase this, (again from your local home store), then pour it onto the rust stain and then cover it with a bowl or bucket to trap the fumes, which can be harmful to inhale. Allow the bleach to soak the vinyl for approximately one hour before rinsing.

What to Avoid

When removing your rust, try to avoid chlorinated floor cleansers. This will further staining and can cause irreversible damage. Using regular bleach on vinyl can also cause issues, especially if the floor is colored, as it can create white splotches that cannot be undone. In fact, one of the only types of bleach that can be used is the above mentioned wood bleach. Chlorine bleach will actually set rust into your flooring, as it contains oxidizers. Using this type of standard bleach will discolor your floor’s design or cause yellow staining.

Commercialized products such as Ultra One Rust Remover or cleaner/degreaser can sometimes help with your rust removal. You can also try Bar Keepers Friend Lime & Rust Remover, which is specially designed to remove tough stains that often work against common cleaning methods. Finally, Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser Powder, a commercial heavy cleanser, can often lift rust damage out of your floor. While all of these are great products, they are also packed with powerful chemicals and if you have the proper resources, it is smart to ask someone who has a similar floor to see if they have ever resolved a rust issue. You can also ask professionals at your local home store who are equipped to answer such questions as you are shopping for the above items.

You can avoid rust stains altogether by properly caring for and preparing your floor with appropriate finishes and treatments if they are available for your specific flooring choice. Try to avoid using metal nails to install your flooring, as these an easily rust. Also, try not to splash a lot of water on your floor. Keep the faucet flow low whenever possible to prevent water droplets from hitting the ground, and reroute rain-soaked coats and shoes through a different area of the house when possible.