How to Remove Tire Marks from Tile

Table of Contents:

You Will Need
Steps to Remove the Tire Marks
Additional Tips

Dannielle said, “Can anyone tell me what kind of cleaner I could use to get my wheelchair tire stains out of my tiled flooring?”

Any type of tire can leave scuff marks on tile – wheelchair tires, bicycle tires, the flat from your car that you removed and set on some tile. Luckily, they can be removed with products you probably have around the house. Choose one of the methods below, then see the Additional Tips section for more suggestions and ideas.

You Will Need:

A tennis ball or
An eraser or
A solvent (choose one):
- Mineral spirits
- WD-40
- Gasoline
A cloth

Steps to Remove the Tire Marks:

An easy way to remove scuff marks caused by tires is simply to rub them away using a tennis ball. The stains will usually buff right off.
An eraser is also an easy way to remove tire marks if preferred. Art gum erasers work best, but any eraser can work. Do not use a pink eraser as it may leave stains.
Another method that works well for removing tire marks, especially stubborn ones, is a solvent. Use one of the solvents listed above and put it on a cloth. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection while working with dangerous solvents like mineral spirits, and always ventilate the area when working with a chemical.
Rub the cloth on a hidden area of the floor to be sure it is safe for your specific tile.
If safe, rub the marks with the cloth.
If the marks are especially stubborn, lay the cloth over them to soak for a few minutes, then continue rubbing them away.
After the marks are gone, wash the floor thoroughly to remove any residue from the solvent.
Wash the cloth thoroughly as well, and hang it to air dry after every wash until you are sure the solvent is fully removed as both are flammable.

Additional Tips:

A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can also be effective for removing tire marks from tile, however it is a good idea to test it in a small hidden area first as well.
If you are in a wheelchair and scrubbing the floor with a tennis ball is difficult, cut a small slit in the tennis ball so it can be attached on the top end of a broomstick for easier use.
If tire marks are a regular problem for your wheelchair, consider using wheelchair tire covers.