To remove pen marks from your floor, start by blotting up as much of the ink as possible before treating the stain with a suitable cleaner like rubbing alcohol, wiping gently, and repeating as needed, followed by rinsing and drying.
Dealing with unexpected pen marks on your flooring can be frustrating, but quick action and the right approach can help lift the stain. The method often depends on the type of flooring you have, but some initial steps are universally helpful.
Initial Steps for Pen Stain Removal
Regardless of your floor type, the first step is crucial for preventing the ink from spreading or setting further.
- Blot Immediately: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the fresh ink stain. Do not rub, as this can push the ink deeper into the material. Continue blotting until no more ink transfers onto the cloth.
Cleaning Pen Marks Based on Floor Type
After blotting, you can proceed with a cleaning solution. The provided reference suggests different methods depending on whether you're dealing with standard hard flooring or laminate.
General Hard Floors
For many types of hard flooring surfaces, a specialist cleaner or a common household item can be effective.
- Choose Your Cleaner: Take your designated specialist floor cleaner or a little rubbing alcohol.
- Apply and Wipe: Apply a small amount of the cleaner or rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth. Gently wipe at the stain, working from the outside edge towards the center to avoid spreading.
- Repeat: Repeat the wiping process as necessary until the stain begins to lift.
- Rinse and Dry: Once the stain is gone, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaner or alcohol, and then dry the area completely.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring can be more sensitive to moisture and certain solvents. A different approach is recommended according to the reference.
- Alternative Solutions: Try spraying a little hairspray or make-up remover onto a kitchen towel.
- Wipe Gently: Use the dampened kitchen towel to gently wipe away the pen mark on the laminate flooring. The solvents in these products can help break down the ink.
- Repeat and Clean: You may need to repeat wiping with a fresh part of the towel or a new towel if the stain persists. After the stain is removed, wipe the area with a damp cloth (not soaking wet) to remove residue, and then dry.
By following these steps based on the provided reference, you can effectively tackle pen marks on your floor surfaces. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the flooring finish.