# Removing small recent latex paint spills and smudges from vinyl floor tile

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-small-recent-latex-paint-spills-and-smudges-from-vinyl-floor-tile/667666>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 31, 2013, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-small-recent-latex-paint-spills-and-smudges-from-vinyl-floor-tile/667666 "2013-08-31T16:07:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-small-recent-latex-paint-spills-and-smudges-from-vinyl-floor-tile/667666/1 "2013-08-31T16:07:41Z")

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We have lots of smallish spots where latex paint got on the vinyl floor tile during indoor wall painting. It’s been there now for anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Most of it is thin, having been tracked around, though some is thick drips and spills.

How can I get it up?

What I’ve tried in the past, and tips I’ve gotten recently, include:

Soaking and scrubbing with soapy water.  
Rubbing alcohol.  
Look for specialized removers at Home Depot.  
Try peeling it up with masking tape (this isn’t working even a little bit).

Any other suggestions?  
Thanks!

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**Author:** ![aNewLeaf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ac91a4/32.png) [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-small-recent-latex-paint-spills-and-smudges-from-vinyl-floor-tile/667666/2 "2013-08-31T16:28:32Z")

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Soapy water and a washcloth or a little scrub pad. Fresh latex won’t stick to vinyl well- a thumbnail might be all you need.

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**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-small-recent-latex-paint-spills-and-smudges-from-vinyl-floor-tile/667666/3 "2013-08-31T16:37:20Z")

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You can also try a putty knife: no sharp edge to gouge the vinyl like a razor blade. After you scrape off the worst of it, try a sponge with Bon Ami or Bartender’s Friend scouring powder to remove the rest. Do NOT use a scouring pad or steel wool, as even the finest powders will scratch a surface if not used properly.

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**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-small-recent-latex-paint-spills-and-smudges-from-vinyl-floor-tile/667666/4 "2013-08-31T18:28:09Z")

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Goof Off brand latex paint remover has worked for me in the past.

[http://goofoff.barradmin.com/stain-solution-center](http://goofoff.barradmin.com/stain-solution-center)

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**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-small-recent-latex-paint-spills-and-smudges-from-vinyl-floor-tile/667666/5 "2013-08-31T19:38:40Z")

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> [@aNewLeaf](#):
>
> Soapy water and a washcloth or a little scrub pad. Fresh latex won’t stick to vinyl well- a thumbnail might be all you need.

That’s what I would have used; if there are too many to chase them down, a scrubbing pad (the ones for handwashing dishes, but not the ones that are wire).

As one of my TAs said he had to tell someone every year, “sometimes the best solvent is a bit of elbow grease”.