Getting Scuff Marks out of Linoleum Floors

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

23 Apr 2009 06:48 PM

No matter what you do, there are just some shoes that leave scuff marks on the floor. While we usually don't wear shoes in the house, there are still times when scuff marks on the linoleum kitchen floor due happy. My husband, for example, wears "indoor shoes" that tend to scuff, and of course whenever there is company over, we can get marks.

There are a couple of solutions that we have found to get the scuff marks off of the floor. The best way so far has been to use a handheld steamer. Using the steam with a cloth has been the easiest way to get the black marks off of the floor.

Another method we have tried is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This also gets the scuff marks off of the floor, although it can dull the floor as well, so it must be used with caution. Test it first in a small out of the way spot.

A brush with stiff bristles, a regular floor soap and some elbow grease will get those marks off the floor. It doesn't require as much prep time as using the handheld steamer, but it will require some more physical effort.

If the scuff marks are really embedded in the floor or if you feel that the floor never really gets clean, you can always strip the wax off of the surface and then reseal the floor. Doing this isn't as hard as it sounds. Simply mop the floor as clean as you can get it, using very hot water and dish soap. Next, use vinegar (half vinegar to half water) and mop again. Now that the floor is clean, use a floor polish to seal it. Look for an acylic-based polish that is made just for these types of floors.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Tashi (1013) 28 Apr 2009 12:44 PM

I don't have this problem on my floors at home. However, I have a white purse that has some nasty scuff marks on it. I've been trying a bunch of things, with no luck. But at least I haven't ruined it yet! It's vinyl, and not expensive, so it's really no big deal if it becomes a lost cause. I will try my small handheld steamer, and maybe even the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (both, with extreme caution). I heard from a gentleman who works at a local hardware store, that rubbing alcohol may work (for my purse), but have yet to try that method. I'll let you know if the steamer or Eraser work for me! Thanks for the tips!

Andrea Hermitt (5512) 25 Aug 2009 07:30 AM

On my hardwood floors if there is a scuffmark, I take off my shoe and rub my big toe across it, kinda like a built in scrub brush. It comes right up. Strange, but it works.