How to Remove Scuffs From Vinyl Tile Floors

Scraping shoes, furniture tips and other rubbery items across a vinyl floor can leave scuff marks. A swipe or two with a damp sponge may clean marks made from dirt, but those composed of tar or rubber are harder to remove. The trick is to find cleaners and cleaning tools that are both effective on the scuff mark and safe for your floor's finish. Try the gentlest method first, then work your way up to harsher methods if necessary.

Pencil with eraser
Felt cloth
Sponge
Vinyl floor cleaner
Pail
Water
Rubbing alcohol
Scouring powder, nonscratching
Steel wool, number 000
Vinyl floor wax

Instructions

- 1
  "Erase" the scuff mark with a pencil eraser.
- 2
  Try to scrape the scuff off with your fingernail.
- 3
  Buff away the remaining scuff with a felt cloth.
- 4
  Apply vinyl floor cleaner to a sponge or mix a concentrated cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Scrub the scuff with the nonabrasive side of the sponge. Rinse the sponge thoroughly.
- 5
  Saturate a corner of the sponge with rubbing alcohol. Hold the saturated part of the sponge on the scuff mark for a few moments to allow the alcohol to penetrate. Rub the scuff forcefully. Rinse the sponge thoroughly.
- 6
  Apply scouring powder to the sponge. Work the powder over the scuff with increasing pressure until it's apparent that the powder isn't working.
- 7
  Rub the scuff with fine steel wool, beginning with light pressure and working up, until any remaining scuff mark is gone.
- 8
  Apply floor wax to the scrubbed section of flooring if scrubbing removed the vinyl's finish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

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