• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

How To Clean Stuff.net

  • Automotive
  • Fabrics
  • Floors
  • House
  • Kitchen & Bath
  • Misc
  • Outdoors
  • People & Pets
  • Stains
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
Home » Cleaning Guides » Floor & Carpet » Floors » How to Remove a Dye Stain from Linoleum

How to Remove a Dye Stain from Linoleum


Sarah asked, “Anyone know how to get a dye stain out of a lino/vinyl floor please? Help needed!”

Table of Contents:
  1. Removing the Dye Stain
  2. Additional Tips and Advice
  3. Sources

Removing a dye stain from a linoleum floor will depend on finding the right cleaner for the specific type of dye. Select a cleaning solution from the list below and continue working through the list until you find a cleaner that removes the stain well. If the stain is older, it may be impossible to remove, so treat the stain as soon as you can.

Removing the Dye Stain


Always test a cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction.

You Will Need:

  • Mild soap
  • Water
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • White vinegar
  • A cloth
  • Enzyme cleaner
  • White shaving cream
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Baking soda
  • Toothpaste
  • A towel

Steps to Remove the Dye Stain:

  1. It is possible that the stain can be removed simply by washing the area with a few drops of mild soap and water.¹ Use as little water as possible.²
  2. If mild soap doesn’t remove the stain, try using either rubbing alcohol or a diluted vinegar solution of one part white vinegar in two parts water. Moisten a cloth with the solution and wipe the stain until it is gone. Turn the cloth to a fresh area as the stain is transferred to the cloth.
  3. If the dye stain is from something organic, such as a fruit punch drink, a henna-based hair dye or pet vomit, you can try using an enzyme cleaner for hard floors, such as Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner. Follow the instructions on the label of your selected cleaner.
  4. If the dye stain is also a grease stain, such as from a medicine, crayon³ or lipstick, try using white foam shaving cream. Apply the foam to the floor, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse the area clean.⁴
  5. Another option is to try 3% hydrogen peroxide. Pour a little peroxide onto the stain and rub with a cloth until it is gone. Turn the cloth to a fresh area as the stain is transferred to the cloth.
  6. Baking soda can also be effective for removing some dye stains. Mix it with a bit of water to make a paste and rub the stain with the paste on a cloth until it is gone.
  7. If you have white non-gel toothpaste, you can try using that as well. Simply rub it onto the stain, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
  8. Rinse the floor with water once it is clean to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.²
  9. Immediately dry the area with a towel.²

Additional Tips and Advice

  • Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work well on dye stains, however they can cause discoloration of the floor. If you choose to use one, test it on a hidden area of the floor first to look for any adverse reaction.
  • If none of the above cleaners have worked to remove the stain, you can try using acetone nail polish remover. However, use only a small amount and immediately stop using it if you see any discoloration of the floor.

Sources

  1. Stain Removal by Stephanie Zia
  2. How to Clean Practically Anything by Consumer Reports
  3. Natural Stain Removal Secrets by Deborah L. Martin
  4. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning by Mary Findley & Linda Formichelli

Filed Under: Cleaning Guides, Floor & Carpet, Floors Tagged With: dye, linoleum

Was This Guide Helpful?

+52
-13
Rating: +39. From 65 votes.
Please wait...
  • If you would like a response from us, please leave your question in the comment area at the bottom of this page instead of here.

Reader Interactions

Related Posts

How To Remove Urine and Feces Stains From Vinyl Flooring
Is It Safe to Steam Clean Laminate Flooring?
How to Remove Oil from Tile and Grout
How to Remove Ink Stains from Terrazzo

Comments

  1. Janice says

    June 25, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    How do I remove the yellow stain caused by a rubber back throw rug on linoleum?

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      June 25, 2016 at 11:15 pm

      Janice,
      This is the article that you need: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Linoleum.
      Sometimes people use the term “linoleum” for vinyl flooring though. It is vinyl rloors that have chemical reaction when they come in contact with rubber. If your floor is actually vinyl, then this is the article that you need: How to Remove Yellowing from Vinyl Flooring.
      Source: Armstrong – Linoleum vs. Vinyl Flooring

      Reply
  2. Katie says

    June 26, 2018 at 12:08 am

    I wanted to leave this comment and hopefully it can help someone else. So none of these items above really worked at removing a dark blue dye stain on my linoleum floor from my dog food bag. The alcohol and acetone worked best to lighten it, but the blue dye was still very noticeable. So while doing some research on cleaning hair dye from bathtubs I found Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser (gel version) and tried it on my white linoleum floor and it COMPLETELY removed the stain. You just need to leave it on and let it do it’s magic. It does have bleach so you need to be careful using it. When I initially put it on, the stain faded, but nothing happened. After letting it sit for 20-30 minutes the stain was gone. I am beyond ecstatic because I literally tried everything on all the websites I found.

    Reply
  3. Renee says

    September 24, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    I tried a product called Goof Off. It removed about 90% of the red stain.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Featured Guides

Fresh Strawberries

How to Wash Strawberries

How to Properly Clean and Protect Hands from Coronavirus

How to Clean Hair and Dust from a Bathroom Floor

How to Clean Your Toothbrush

Related Posts

How To Remove Urine and Feces Stains From Vinyl Flooring
Is It Safe to Steam Clean Laminate Flooring?
How to Remove Oil from Tile and Grout
How to Remove Ink Stains from Terrazzo

Footer

Cleaning Index

  • Cleaning Blog
  • Automotive
  • Clothing & Fabrics
  • Floor & Carpet
  • House
  • Kitchen & Bath
  • Outdoors
  • People & Pets
  • Things You Own

Site Search

About Us

  • About Us
  • Guest Post Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map

© Copyright 2022 HowToCleanStuff.net · All Rights Reserved ·