Things You'll Need
Broom or vacuum cleaner
Baking soda
Small bowl
Washcloth or plastic scrubber
A throw rug is usually intended to protect a vinyl floor, so the appearance of an ugly stain under the throw rug is an unwelcome surprise. When the rubber backing on the throw rug gets warm, the resulting chemical reaction can leave an unsightly stain that will be clearly visible on the vinyl flooring. Throw rugs located in direct sunlight are especially problematic. Although the stain is most often yellow, the color of the stain will vary. Stains caused by throw rugs are sometimes impossible to remove, but a simple fix may resolve the problem.
Step 1
Remove the throw rug from the stained area. Sweep or vacuum any loose dirt.
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Step 2
Make a paste of warm water and baking soda. Place baking soda in a small bowl, then add enough warm water to make a paste with the approximate consistency of toothpaste. The amount of baking soda needed will depend on the size and severity of the stain.
Step 3
Wipe the baking soda paste over the stained area. Allow the baking soda paste to remain on the stain for several hours, or overnight.
Step 4
Scrub the stain, using a washcloth or a plastic scrubber and warm water. Rinse the baking soda from the stain. Repeat, if necessary.
Tip
You may need to cover the stain with a larger throw rug if stain removal techniques don't work. Prevent yellow stains by using throw rugs with a nonrubber backing, or rugs marked as "nonstaining" or "colorfast." Alternatively, save the rug for "company only" and leave your vinyl floor bare the rest of the time.
Rubber-backed throw rugs should always be avoided in sunny areas in front of windows.
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