One sharp step in black-soled shoes, a squeak, and there is a dark streak on the floor. The rubber rubs off and practically fuses with the surface. Hallways, office entrances and kitchens collect the most marks, and in autumn and winter street dirt adds to them.
The longer a scuff stays, the harder it is to shift. The right method depends on the floor: what is safe on tiles can spoil parquet. Start with the gentlest option and move to stronger ones only if needed.
What you will need
- A bucket of warm water and mild soap
- Soft cloths and a sponge
- A white pencil eraser or a melamine sponge
- Glass cleaner (for laminate and vinyl)
- WD-40 Smart Straw or WD-40 Multi-Use for tiles, stone and lino
Important: After using WD-40, always wash the floor with cleaner and water: any residue makes it slippery. Do not use WD-40 on wooden floors or parquet; stick to soap and an eraser there.
Step 1
Identify the floor type
Tiles and stone tolerate almost any method. Laminate and vinyl dislike excess water in the joints. Parquet and lacquered floors are the most sensitive to solvents and abrasives. If the mark is fresh and light, strong products are unnecessary.
Step 2
Try soapy water
Large coarse streaks can often be rubbed off with a finger. Wipe the rest with a cloth dipped in warm water and mild soap, pressing firmly. On scratch-resistant surfaces you can use the rough side of a sponge. This method suits both parquet and tiles.
Step 3
Glass cleaner on laminate and vinyl
Alcohol-based glass cleaner dissolves rubber marks well on laminate and vinyl. Spray the mark a few times, wait a couple of minutes and rub with a soft cloth. Avoid this on natural wood, as it can leave stains.
Step 4
Rub out with an eraser
An ordinary white eraser works on any surface. It must be white: a coloured one leaves new marks. A melamine sponge is also effective on laminate, parquet and tiles, but do not use it on lino or lacquered surfaces, because it acts as a fine abrasive.
Step 5
Tackle stubborn marks on tiles, stone and lino with WD-40
Use the WD-40 Smart Straw to apply a thin layer straight onto the mark and leave it for a few minutes. Then wipe with a soft cloth: the rubber softens and lifts easily.
Immediately wash the area with water and floor cleaner to remove the oily residue, then dry it.
Tip: To get fewer marks, put a dense mat by the door and ask guests to change shoes. Stick felt pads on chair and furniture legs: they leave no black marks and do not scratch the floor.
What next
Check the floor after every clean and remove fresh scuffs straight away, when soapy water is enough. A can of WD-40 Multi-Use at home also sorts out squeaky doors and sticker glue.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».