How to Get Rubbing Alcohol Stains Off Vinyl Floors

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Things You'll Need

  • Clean white cloths

  • Water

  • Mineral Spirits

  • Vinyl floor cleaner

A quick wash and rinse with some rubbing alcohol will remove a large number of stains from vinyl flooring. However, soaking the surface in alcohol can result in a new stain. If you are facing a new stain resulting from a spill or oversaturation, other chemicals and cleaners can remove the alcohol stain and return your floor to its regular look.

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Step 1

Blot up as much rubbing alcohol as you can with clean paper towels or clean white cloths. If the stain is fresh, you should be able to remove a lot of alcohol from the floor by blotting.

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Step 2

Dampen your clean white cloth or paper towels with clean warm water and continue to blot at the stain. The water may dissolve some of the alcohol, making it easy to blot up. Blot up excess water and alcohol as you go.

Step 3

Dampen a clean white cloth with mineral spirits and blot onto the stain to dissolve the alcohol. Allow the spirits to work on the stain for two to three minutes and then blot up the spirits and alcohol with a clean white cloth.

Step 4

Clean the floor with specialty vinyl floor cleaner if the stain persists. If you are unsure about what types of cleaners are safe for your floors, consult your manufacturer. Follow all specific product instructions for cleaning.

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Step 5

Rinse the newly cleaned area with clean, cool water and dry it thoroughly to remove residual cleaner and alcohol and to prevent water spots or stains.

Tip

Acetone may also remove rubbing alcohol, but it can also dissolve some finishes on vinyl floors. You may need to apply a floor polish after cleaning to restore the floor to its proper look.

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