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Do you have linoleum flooring? If so, you probably want to know how to get rust off linoleum and restore your flooring to new condition. The good news is that you can often do it yourself without hiring a cleaning service.
If you’ve got Lino or linoleum flooring, make sure it is not just PVC flooring. In that case, you’ll want to take out the rust using a rust remover made for plastic.
Tip: Using a magic eraser
For many types of household stains, including rust on linoleum, you may be surprised that it comes off by rubbing on it with a dampened magic eraser. This method requires elbow grease, but it is a simple one.
Although linoleum is a durable, easy-to-clean flooring material, it can still get stained over time. Luckily, removing rust stains from linoleum can be an easy task. Read on to learn how to easily get these rust stains off your linoleum floor.
How to Get Rust off Linoleum
Things You Will Need
You can save a lot of time down the line by preparing all the necessary things beforehand. Here’s what you will need for this simple DIY project:
- Cleaning solution
- Bucket or large bowl
- Buffing cloth
- Soft brush
- Rubber gloves
Choose the Right Solution
With so many different types of linoleum available on the market and the number of uses to which they can be made for, so it can be tricky to choose the right rust remover. It’s useful to know that linoleum is made of a mix of natural materials like wood, limestone, cork, and linseed oil.
With this in mind, you will have two options:
1. You may buy a commercial cleaner to remove rust off natural floor materials, or
2. Use a homemade cleaning solution
Method 1: How to Get Rust off Linoleum Floors with Homemade Remedies
If you’re willing to make your own solution, this method is right for you. Homemade remedies can fade most rust stains off linoleum floors.
They can save you money, time, and effort in the process because this is the most affordable and simplest way to solve the rust problem. The following are the best homemade solutions for removing rust from linoleum.
Cleaning vinegar
Vinegar is one of the best natural solutions for cleaning the house. In addition to flooring, you can use it to clean your windows, shower, kitchen, bath, sink, countertops, walls, toilets, garbage disposal, and more. Vinegar is so amazing. It can clean anything!
This eco-friendly method for preventing and removing rust stains is much cheaper than buying expensive commercial cleaning products. Even so, you need to know to use vinegar the right way.
Step 1
To have access to the entire area, remove furniture and obstacles for complete cleaning.
Step 2
Put down some tarps or towels to protect the surrounding areas. Wear old clothes you do not care about.
Step 3
Take some vinegar as well as a dry, clean rag and a bowl of water.
Step 4
Clean your floor by spreading some vinegar (mix it with baking soda to get better results) on the stained area. Dampen a rag or towel with vinegar and thoroughly coat stains with your solution.
Step 5
Wait for about 15 minutes before scrubbing rust spots with a soft bristle brush or wet towel.
Step 6
Rinse with water and repeat the entire process till you get the rust stains off linoleum flooring. Allow your floor to dry after washing it with water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great way to clean your dirty floor that is both non-toxic and biodegradable. Together with vinegar, it can help get rid of stains and odors, thereby making your floor clean and shiny again.
If you’ve ever asked how to remove rust stains from linoleum floors without using any harmful chemicals or spending a fortune on expensive cleaners, then you’ll love this cheap, natural cleaning technique.
Step 1
To get the rust off your floor, simply apply baking soda – it’s best to combine it with vinegar – by spreading a thin layer over the stained surface.
Step 2
Rub over rust stains with a wet cleaning cloth. We recommend wetting it with vinegar. Use a soft brush to scrub the area if needed.
Step 3
Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with water to make the stubborn stains fade away.
Step 4
Then wipe thoroughly with clean water. Vinegar is very odorous, so you may need to wash and rinse several times.
Lemon Juice (with Vinegar)
Lemon juice can also help remove rust stains from the floor and carpet as well. This simple yet effective natural cleaning solution can be used even for tough stains when combined with vinegar. Mix lemon juice and vinegar in equal proportion for the best results.
Step 1
Grab a soft brush or towel, lemon juice, and a bucket of water. That’s all you will need for this rust removing process.
Step 2
Apply this homemade solution to the stained area. Wait for 10-15 minutes before moving to the next step.
Step 3
Scrub the surface with either a brush or a towel. If you opt for a brush, choose one with soft bristles to avoid damaging your floor. You can also use a sponge, but it’s not as effective as a brush.
Step 4
Then rinse the floor with water (make sure it is clean) and allow it to dry.
Step 5
You may have to repeat this process a few times.
Method 2: Get Rust Stains off Linoleum with Commercial Cleaning Products
If homemade cleaners didn’t work, then you will have to jump to commercial stain removers. Check the ingredients before throwing a cleaning product in the cart. Most of them contain oxalic acid.
NOTE: While oxalic acid solutions are great at removing rust stains, they are very poisonous and should be kept away from children. Consider putting on safety glasses and a pair of rubber gloves, along with other safety precautions, while working with harsh chemical cleaners.
Step-by-Step Instructions
No matter what cleaning product you choose, follow these simple steps to remove rust stains from linoleum flooring.
Step 1
You are advised to use one that contains oxalic acid. Make a 5 percent solution by mixing it with water. Apply the cleaner over the rust stains.
Step 2
Once it’s ready, rub the area using a cleaning towel soaked in the acid. Remember to wear gloves. Allow the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes. Check in 1-minute intervals because of the cleaning solution’s bleaching properties. You may have to wait longer for deeper stains.
Step 3
Cover the spot with an appropriate container to prevent acid vapors from escaping. Ventilate your room or working area while you work with this strong cleaning product.
Step 4
Rinse the area with water and dry it with a rag. Repeat the process if needed.
FAQs About How to Get Rust off Linoleum
Does Bleach Harm Linoleum Floors?
Regular household bleach isn’t recommended for linoleum floors. However, the cleaning solution consisting of alternative types of bleach, such as oxygen bleach and oxalic acid, can be efficient at removing rust from linoleum. Don’t use too much of these alternative bleaches, though. While the powerful chemical makes it easy to clean floors, it may cause itching or burns in those who have sensitive skin.
How Do You Remove Rust Stain from Linoleum Using Vinegar?
Vinegar-based cleaners work well for linoleum and vinyl flooring. Spray the rust stain with the vinegar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Use a buffing cloth and rub on the rust stain thoroughly. Then clean the floor with a damp cloth to make it look new.
Takeaway
Rust on linoleum can be too noticeable for your liking and must be removed. If you are wondering how it’s done, follow these tips on how to get rust off linoleum and your flooring will be free of rusty stains.
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