Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: cheryl j on 10/11/2011 18:16:25
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It is a ring left by a tree stump.( The tree stump was being used as a stand for a wash bowl)
The light brown ring is I assume some kind of plant tannin. I've tried bleach and other oxidizing agents, bases, acids, soaps, organic solvents. No luck. But I must say, its good quality flooring because I havent wrecked it yet.
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Take an indelible marker and make it look like this
[diagram=651_0]
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I can think of just one possible alternative treatment: activated charcoal powder (high surface area) in an alcohol/water mix (solvent for both water-loving and oil-loving substances -- 80/20 methylated spirit/water mix is where I would start) to try to remove the stain by competitive adsorption. When finished try to gently flush the mixture away with water; any scrubbing might scratch the vinyl surface.
If this fails, then:
The sort of washstand you describe sounds like a rural cabin, in a part of a room where no running water supply and/or drainage is available. Alternatively it might be in an elegant mansion decorated with a "period" feel to it (but compromised just a little by the presence of a vinyl floor covering).
My aesthetic sensibility is probably fairly limited, but I think that I would deal with case 1 above by ignoring and accepting the mark, or with case 2 by acquiring a small Persian carpet (or a small piece of cotton carpet) with tastefully appropriate pattern to use as a throw-down rug over that section of floor.
The tanning process is designed to be indelible and irreversible. Any chemical treatment more drastic than those you have already tried runs a greatly increased risk of damaging the vinyl in ways that will not be nearly so aesthetically acceptable.
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xylene is the best/nastiest solvent i can think of= use Xylene experimentally per drop to melt & blend the colours of the existing floor= just guessing
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You run the risk of damage to the surface with any solvent, so try them on a spot which is out of sight first.
The best household cleaner we have found for a host of purposes is called 'Bar Keepers Friend' (http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/). Which one might suit your purpose, though, I don't know.
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I have a stain on my vinyl floor
Cheryl, I know there is a solvent called Muriatic acid that does a serious cleaning between the cracks of ceramic times. It actually smokes when cleaning when you pour it on the surface. As far as vinyl goes, My guess if you apply it you would want to clean it off quickly and definitely have good ventilation. Job done I am sure! :) If not appropriate, I tried to help anyway right? :) It does work though. Have a great day!!
Wade
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wood alcohol?