Laminate flooring is an alternative to more expensive hardwood and it has a reputation for being particularly durable and stain-resistant. Laminate floors can receive rust stains if an item is stored for a long time and the floor isn't regularly cleaned. Fortunately removing the rust stain requires little effort or cost, provided you have the right materials to do the job efficiently without damaging the floor surface.

  • Laminate flooring is an alternative to more expensive hardwood and it has a reputation for being particularly durable and stain-resistant.
  • Fortunately removing the rust stain requires little effort or cost, provided you have the right materials to do the job efficiently without damaging the floor surface.

Prepare your floor for scrubbing. Dampen a soft sponge with warm water and rub the stained floor in gentle, circular motions to remove any surface dust or dirt.

Pour 1/4 cup of cream of tartar powder into a large plastic container. Add 2 tbsp of fresh or bottled lemon juice. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until you have a paste. If the paste is too dry, add additional lemon juice; if the paste is too watery, add additional cream of tartar until you have a spreadable consistency.

Use a spoon or sponge to apply a layer of the paste into the rust stain on the floor. The paste should completely cover the stain and be thick enough so that you can barely see the rust through the paste. Let the paste soak into the stain for 30 minutes.

  • Use a spoon or sponge to apply a layer of the paste into the rust stain on the floor.

Apply the abrasive scrubbing sponge to the paste and scrub the floor in gentle, circular motions to work the paste into the rust and lift the rust off the floor. Stop scrubbing once you remove the rust.

Dampen a clean washcloth with warm water and wipe away both the paste and the rust with the cloth. Dry the floor with a towel or paper towel.

TIP

If the rust stain does not lift after 30 minutes, prepare a second paste and let it sit for 30 more minutes.

WARNING

Do not attempt to clean a laminate floor with abrasive chemical cleaners, soap detergents, scouring brushes, steel wool, wire brushes or steam cleaners; all of these items strip laminate floors of their protective coating and increase the likelihood of stains.