Removing Rubber Heel Marks from Floors

You just clean your floor and someone walks across it, leaving a trail of ugly black rubber marks. If you have ever spent a frustrating time on your knees trying to scrub and remove rubber marks from your floor, there are easier ways to erase the mess. Put away the abrasives that can scratch the floor and try one of these methods to quickly remove rubber marks.

A pencil eraser may remove them. If not, try a commercial concentrated household cleaner containing petroleum solvent, or a solvent-based cleaner. On resilient flooring, wash with detergent and water and rinse to remove any solvent residue.

Cautions: When working with any chemicals, carefully read and follow the label directions for using that chemical, any cautions on safe use! With solvents, be very careful to ventilation, and no flame or spark in the area!

The first time you use any procedure on any floor, test it first on an out-of-the-way part of the floor to be it does not damage the flooring or finish.

Notes: If steel wool is suggested, use fine grade, 000 grade.

Scouring powder will help remove many stains, but can also permanently scratch the floor. If you decide to use it, use a mild type, and be very careful about rubbing too much.

Concentrated liquid commercial household cleaners, rubbed onto a stubborn spot, may remove it as well as scouring powders without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well. Do not use on wood floors.

Do not use water solutions or cleaners which have to be rinsed off with water, on wood floors. Use a solvent solvent-based cleaning wax.

After removing a stain, rinse the area thoroughly, dry completely, and, if floor finish has been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or wax.