How to Clean Oil off Vinyl Floors

  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 5-10
What You'll Need
Rag
Water
Sponge
Vinyl cleaner
Paper towels
What You'll Need
Rag
Water
Sponge
Vinyl cleaner
Paper towels

If you have recently spilled oil on your vinyl floors, you do not have to panic. Here are a few materials and steps that you can use to get that oil off the floor quickly and safely.

Step 1 - Use Warm Water

The first thing that you want to do is try warm water. You can either wet the sponge with warm water or use a rag. Wipe down the spot to get as much off as possible without rubbing it in too much. You basically want to try to soak up as much as you can. Use paper towels to make sure that any excess water gets soaked up with the oil as you go along.

Step 2 - Use Vinyl Cleaner

When choosing a vinyl cleaner you may want to first speak with the company or store where you bought your flooring for a recommended brand. Otherwise you can find a generic or other vinyl cleaner at most grocery or general stores. You want to make sure that it is specifically for vinyl instead of a multi-purpose cleaner as you will end up soaking the area and will not want to ruin the floor around the spot that has the oil spill while cleaning. Once you have cleaned the stain off with water as much as possible, you can try using a vinyl cleaner. If it is a spray nozzle then you will just want to spray until you cover the area completely. If you need to pour or squirt, then use about a quarter size and rub it into the area. Let this solution sit and soak for about 15 to 20 minutes depending how big the stain is. Then use a sponge or rag again to wipe off the oil in a circular motion being careful not to spread it any further. Be sure to keep washing off and rinsing the sponge or rag.

Step 3 - Continue with Warm Water and Repeat

Once you have gotten a good amount of the oil out you can use a warm rag again to mop off the spot. You will want to continue these steps until the oil is completely off of the floor. You may need to do it a few times, make sure that each time you use the vinyl cleaner you let it soak long enough and then after you wipe it off you wash the area with warm water.

These steps should help you to remove any oil from your vinyl flooring. You want to keep in mind that if this does not work you can use a sponge that is a little rougher however you do not want to use steel wool or anything that is going to harm the surface of your flooring. The best way, although it may be time consuming, is to continue to soak and wipe off the area until it is completely clean.

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