Rust stains can be left on linoleum from a variety of sources, kitchen appliances, metal chairs, and shelving. No matter how the rust stain gets there it is unsightly, and almost impossible to remove. There are many chemical cleaners that will remove the stain but then you have to worry about the cleaner damaging the finish of your flooring. So how do you get those rust stains off of your linoleum without damaging the finish of your floor? Here are some ideas for removing rust stains from your linoleum floor.
Note: Even those these ideas are not suppose to damage the finish of linoleum there is no guarantee that they will not damage your flooring, as all flooring is made differently. It is best to find a hidden spot on your floor to test to make sure that they will not damage you’re the finish of your floor before applying them directly to your rust stains.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is one of those old standbys that work to remove everything. You can pour the rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain, and scrub it with a scrub brush.
Cream of Tartar
Mix one tablespoon of cream of tartar and two tablespoons of water, which will create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, and scrub with a scrub brush. Use a wet rag to wipe off the paste when finished cleaning the stain.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda makes a great abrasive that does not damage the finish of your flooring, and vinegar is that little miracle cleaner that seems to be great for cleaning everything. To use baking soda and vinegar to clean rust stains from your linoleum sprinkle baking soda directly onto the rust stains. Then dampen a rag with vinegar. Use the rag to scrub the stain.
Bar Keeper’s Friend
My grandmother turned me onto Bar Keeper’s Friend when I moved into my house and my kitchen sinks were full of rust stains. Ever since that point I have kept Bar Keeper’s Friend on hand at all times. To use Bar Keeper’s Friend to remove the rust stain from your floor, sprinkle it directly onto the stain and then use a wet rag to rub the scrub the stain.
Another way to use Bar Keeper’s Friend to remove the rust stain is to make a paste of one part Bar Keeper’s Friend and two parts water. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to sit on the stain for two hours. After two hours, use a wet rag to remove the paste.