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, kid activities, pet messes, and foot traffic along with regular wear and tear, your floor will take a beating. However, there is no reason for you to worry about these spots as long as you know 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 have probably already faced a case where one of them has used a 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 stain on the floor surface. The first thing to do in such a case is to cover the affected area with a dry, non-abrasive cloth. Then use a hot iron and flick the area back and forth for 3-5 seconds at a time. Once you’ve done this, use denatured alcohol to dampen a cloth and gently rub the areas where the stain is still visible.

• You can soak a cotton cloth in hydrogen peroxide to treat general stains. All you need to do is place the cloth on the stains for about 2 to 5 minutes, allowing time for the peroxide to soak into the wood. This can help whiten any stains.

Vinyl

• Various stubborn marks and scratches can be removed from vinyl flooring simply by wiping them with a cotton cloth using isopropyl alcohol.

• For stains that can result in discoloration, such as fruit juice, wine, or tomato juice, bleach is the best option. Use a 1: 4 bleach / water ratio to dilute the bleaching agent and soak a cloth in the solution before placing it on the stain. Let it sit in position for at least an hour. Bleach may take a little longer to work, but it is sure to remove any pesky stains.

• A powdered oxalic acid paste can be made with water to treat rust stains on vinyl floors. Use a damp cloth to rub the paste over the stain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves before handling the solution, as it is very acidic and can damage your bare skin. You also need to make sure that the room is well ventilated. Once you’re 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 best. It is a heavy duty cleaner, so users should wear a respirator and rubber gloves while using it. Also, make sure the room is well ventilated. Use a muriatic acid to water ratio of 1: 5 and dilute the solution. Apply it to the stained area with a toothbrush. You need to make sure that you have cleaned up all of the solution once you are done.

• Grout between tiles is very common. A mixture of shaving cream and lemon juice can be put into a spray bottle and sprayed on the grout. Let stand for at least 5 minutes. With an old toothbrush, you can scrub the grout.

• For gum stuck to a stone or tile floor, try freezing it with an ice cube and gently scraping it off.

Stains from any type of floor can be any homeowner’s worst nightmare. These tips outlined are sure to cover a wide variety of scenarios, although it is relatively easier to prevent smudging from occurring in the first place.