Vinyl floors are relatively easy to clean and care for. But when paint spills or splatters on them, many homeowners find themselves panicking, wondering how to get rid of the stains.
If this sounds like you, read on, as we have prepared a guide that explains in detail how to remove paint from vinyl floor. Whether it is water-based, oil-based, or dried paint, this post lays out step-by-step instructions that will get you eliminating the stain in a jiffy.
Table of Contents
Materials Needed to Remove Paint From Vinyl Floor
The majority of the materials listed here can be used on all water-based, oil-based, and dried paint stains. Some, however, will work best on oil-based and dried paint.
- Mild detergent: Any dishwashing liquid or laundry soap will get the job done. Just make sure it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, as these may damage the floor.
- Clean pieces of clothing: You could use these or paper towels.
- Shredded paper: This will absorb excess paint. However, you will only need it if the spillage is large.
- Water: Use cold water.
- Bucket: You can use the normal cleaning bucket or any large container.
- Rubbing alcohol: Excellent for removing stubborn paint.
- Steel wool (for oil-based paint): You can buy this from any grocery store.
- Liquid wax (for oil-based paint): Buy this from your local car shop. You can also get it in supermarkets.
- Plastic scraper/razor (for dried paint): If the paint has dried up, you will need one of these to scrape it off.
- Paint remover (for dried paint): Use turpentine or nail polish remover like acetone. If you use nail polish remover, however, you will need to test it on a small area of the floor before use to make sure it will not ruin the vinyl.
How to Remove Water-Based Paint From Vinyl Floor
A water-based paint contains filler, binder, and pigments, all dissolved in water. Examples include latex paint and acrylic paint and each can easily be cleaned off the floor using the following simple steps.
Step 1: Remove Excess Paint
Using a dry, soft piece of clothing, wipe up as much of the spilled paint as possible. If there is too much of it, try covering with shredded paper first; it will help absorb the paint so it can be easy for you to wipe off.
Step 2: Wipe Off the Rest of the Paint With a Wet Towel
Once you have removed excess spillage, dip a clean towel in water, squeeze excess water, and use the towel to remove the remaining spilled paint.
Rub the towel over the stained spot until you have removed as much paint as possible. If the spillage is large, you may have to change the water or the clothing. Note that you could also use damp paper towels for this step.
Step 3: Use a Solution of Water and Mild Detergent
Put clean water in a bucket and add a few drops of mild detergent. Next, soak a soft cloth in the solution, then rub it over the blemished spot. This will help get rid of the remaining paint.
Step 4: Rub With Alcohol
If the paint is still there even after cleaning with detergent, try rubbing with alcohol. Simply pour several drops of rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and rub gently over the stain.
If the paint doesn’t come off, place the cloth over the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, rub the area again and rinse with clean water. Now, pat it dry with paper towels.
Note that sometimes the stain may not completely come off on the first attempt. In such a situation, do not be afraid to repeat the process until all the paint is gone. Just make sure you are not using alcohol all the time, as you could end up bleaching the floor. Use water and mild detergent instead.
How to Remove Oil-Based Paint From Vinyl Floor
Oil-based paint is made from an organic solvent, typically mineral turpentine. Because it dries much slower than water-based paint, cleaning it off the floor is also much easier. Here is how to do it.
Step 1: Get Rid of Excess Paint
Just like with water-based paint stains, the first thing you need to do to remove oil-based paint is wiping up the excess with a clean, soft cloth.
Simply dip the cloth in clean water, then use it to scoop up and wipe the paint. Do this until no more paint can be removed with the clothing.
Step 2: Use Rubbing Alcohol
Once most of the paint is gone, pour rubbing alcohol onto a fresh piece of clothing, then place the clothing on the stained area. If the spot is large, you may need to use multiple pieces of clothing.
Wait for about 10 minutes for the alcohol in the clothing to work on the area, then wipe everything off with a cloth dipped in clean water.
Step 3: Use Liquid Wax and Steel Wool
If the stain is still giving you a hard time, try scrubbing it gently with steel wool dipped in liquid wax. Make sure, however, that the steel wool is superfine to avoid scratching the floor.
Step 4: Clean the Spot With Mild Soap
After you have removed the paint, prepare a solution of water and mild soap and use it to clean the area. You can use a clean cloth or mop to rub over the spot. Once done, allow the area to dry, then apply a thin coat of wax to restore its shine.
How to Remove Dried Paint From Vinyl Floor
Fresh paint stains are easy to clean. However, once dry, getting rid of them becomes more difficult. But you can still remove them if you have the right tools and are following the right procedure.
Step 1: Scrape Off the Paint
Grab a plastic scrapper and try scraping the dried paint off the floor. You could also use a plastic spoon or spatula for the job. If none of these works, try razor; just make sure you are using it carefully to avoid cutting and ruining the vinyl.
Step 2: Use Paint Remover
Pour several drops of paint remover on a clean cloth to dampen it. Then, rub the cloth over the stain until all the paint has loosened up or has been removed. For stubborn stains, add more paint remover and keep rubbing until you are satisfied with the results.
Step 3: Clean the Area
Mix water with mild detergent and use the mixture to clean the area with a piece of cloth. Then rinse with clean water. This step will help get rid of any residue chemicals. Pat the spot with a dry cloth or paper towel or leave it to air dry.
As you can see, you can generally remove paint from your vinyl floor using simple products available in your home. Here is a short video that shows you how to use some of the products we have explained above and several other stain cleaning agents you can buy from your local supermarket.
Extra Tips for Removing Paint From Vinyl Floor
- When cleaning your vinyl floor, use only mild cleaners and a soft mop. Avoid using abrasive detergents or scrubbers, as these may damage the floor. Also, do not use products that contain ammonia. Ammonia is corrosive to vinyl and can ruin your floor.
- If possible, clean the paint when it is still fresh; it will be much easier to get rid of it than when the paint is left to dry.
- Before you start, make sure to find out whether the paint is water-based or oil-based; it will help you figure out the most appropriate way to remove it from your vinyl. You can always find this information on the can the paint came in.
- Do not mix paint removal chemicals or cleaners; the resulting solution could ruin your floor and the fumes could be deadly.
- Before you use any product, first test it on an inconspicuous spot to determine whether it is suitable for vinyl.
- When using chemical products, always wear protective gear like masks, gloves, and eyewear, and make sure the room is well-ventilated. Accidentally ingesting or inhaling cleaning products can be dangerous. Also, if these chemicals come into contact with your eyes, make sure to immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water.
- Use only cold water to clean paint off your vinyl floor. While warm water may help get rid of the stain faster, it may result in sudden expansion of the vinyl, causing it to warp.
The Takeaway
Removing paint from vinyl floor is not hard at all especially if you know what type of paint it is. For the most part, you can be able to get rid of paint stains using just water, mild detergent, and a piece of clothing. But for this to work, you have to act when the paint is still relatively fresh. Once the paint has dried, getting it off your floor will require much more extra work.