How to Clean Discolored Vinyl Flooring
- 1-Using Baking Soda and Water Solution. Baking soda is a home ingredient that is an effective tool in the kitchen to...
- 2-Using Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Detergent. Apple cider vinegar and dish detergent both are effective cleaning...
- 3-Baking soda and Lemon Juice. Lemon juice can clean the yellow stain on the vinyl floor and...
How to clean stained vinyl flooring?
Baking soda, water, dish liquid, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sponge, clean cloth, bucket, and rubbing alcohol. Baking soda is a home ingredient that is an effective tool in the kitchen to clean floors. It’s an abrasive cleaning agent that can clean your stained vinyl floor and restore it. There are two ways to clean vinyl flooring.
How do you prevent discoloration on vinyl floors?
Discoloration on a vinyl floor is a common occurrence. You can prevent staining cases by adhering to several guidelines (such as avoiding rubber pads on vinyl floors) and constantly cleaning up the floor surface with recommended cleaning agents. I’ve been working with floors for over 12 years.
Why does vinyl flooring get discolored?
Well, with time, vinyl flooring gets discolored for a few reasons. Discoloration means core damage to your vinyl floors. Sometimes the discoloration is permanent; sometimes, it’s curable. So what are the solutions? Replacing the vinyl floor? No, you don’t have to replace the vinyl floor.
Can yellowing of vinyl flooring be reversed?
When rubber comes in contact with vinyl, it creates a chemical reaction which causes the discoloration. While many say the yellowing cannot be reversed, there are some methods that have been successful for some. Though linoleum is different from vinyl, when it comes to removing the yellowing, the methods remain the same.

How do you remove discoloration from vinyl flooring?
0:081:13How to Clean Vinyl Flooring With Yellow Buildup - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMinutes after 10 minutes take a damp cloth or rag rub. It off get a fresh cloth.MoreMinutes after 10 minutes take a damp cloth or rag rub. It off get a fresh cloth.
How do you restore yellowed vinyl?
Bleach is a natural whitener and can sometimes remove the yellowing. Mix 1 part bleach with 2 parts water. Apply with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.
How do you rejuvenate vinyl flooring?
One of the best cleansers for vinyl flooring is apple cider vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar helps remove dirt and grime without leaving a buildup of soap or wax. Simply mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water and use a damp mop to clean, rinsing the mop frequently with hot water.
How do you fix discolored linoleum?
The only way to bring back yellowed linoleum is to use a mixture of chlorine bleach with water, letting it set for 30-45 minutes. For mildly yellowed surface this might work; more aged and damaged linoleum may require the use of a dry powder with bleach like Ajax to completely remove the aged and yellowed sealant.
Why has my vinyl flooring gone yellow?
Rubber-backed rugs. Rubber and vinyl produce a chemical reaction that makes your vinyl flooring turn yellow. In technical terms, this yellowing on vinyl flooring is called “antioxidant staining”. The longer it sits there the more stubborn it becomes.
What causes discolored vinyl flooring?
Moisture: Moisture from either underneath or on top can cause discolored stains. Vinyl flooring is water-resistant but not waterproof. So if exposed to moisture for long periods of time, it can stain. Liquid: Spills from liquids, such as juice, water, and milk, can cause stains on vinyl flooring.
Can vinyl flooring be restored?
Vinyl floors are sealed by the manufacturer with a low-gloss, no-wax sealant that gives it shine and luster. After two years, this glow fades even if you use a proper cleaning regimen on your floors. You can restore vinyl flooring by stripping off old buildup and applying a manufacturer-recommended sealant.
Can you use bleach on vinyl floors?
Avoid cleaning a vinyl floor with bleach: It's a harsh cleaner that can lead to corrosion or damage to the vinyl finish. To that end, skip the ammonia and “mop and shine” products, too.
Can you clean vinyl floors with vinegar?
To clean your vinyl floors, you can use a gallon of water mixed with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. This is a very effective solution for removing all sorts of stains from vinyl floors. You'll also need to pour a second bucket of hot clean water mixed with nothing.
How do you clean badly stained vinyl flooring?
Mix one part household bleach with four parts water, soak a rag in it and lay the rag over the stain. Bleach works slowly; you may have to leave the rag in place for an hour or so. Oxalic acid is the solution for stubborn rust stains.
How do I know if my floor is vinyl or linoleum?
On vinyl floors, the pattern is embossed on the surface. Any holes or damage to a vinyl floor will interrupt the pattern and therefore be easily visible. A pattern on a linoleum floor is carried all the way through the material and will still be visible even through holes or other wear and tear on the floor.
How do you restore faded linoleum?
0:475:41How To Clean Linoleum Floors | Remove Buildup - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a squirt of dish soap from that point grab your mop wring it out thoroughly. And just wipe theMoreWith a squirt of dish soap from that point grab your mop wring it out thoroughly. And just wipe the floors off and mop them and then let dry.
How do you remove yellowing from vinyl windows?
The coloring on vinyl is delicate, so don't use anything too harsh that could bleach or further fade the color. Instead, fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar to two parts water. Give your window frames a good dousing, and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes.
How do you get yellow out of white vinyl siding?
Apply mineral spirits to a sponge or cloth.Rub the yellow stain in a circular motion, reapplying mineral spirits as needed.Rinse the area with cool water and allow it to air dry.Apply Soft Scrub to a sponge. ... Rinse the area with water and allow it to air dry.
How do you fix sun damaged vinyl?
1. Rub some baby oil or petroleum jelly onto smaller sunspots. Saturate the area well with a soft rag dipped into either one, and allow to sit on the sunspot for several minutes, then wipe off the excess. In many cases the ultraviolet rays have purged the oil from the vinyl, causing the sunspot.
How do you remove yellowing from white vinyl boat upholstery?
Use 4 tablespoons of ammonia per cup of water. Spray the upholstery evenly and scrub it down with a vinyl and leather scrub brush. A toothbrush can be used to get into crevices. Rinse the ammonia with clean water and pat dry the furniture with clean towels.
How to Prevent Vinyl Flooring Discoloration?
Preventing is better than fixing, so how to prevent vinyl flooring discoloration? Here are a few tips and tricks:
What is the best way to clean vinyl floors?
A natural vinyl floor cleaner that’s probably in your cupboard, baking soda does an excellent job in removing most surface stains. This method is particularly effective for removing discoloration caused by food spills and dirt.
Why is my subfloor discoloring?
A low-quality subfloor can let moisture pass through, which will damage the planks from below.
Why is vinyl discoloration so bad?
Vinyl discoloration mostly happens because of excessive moisture, which leads to the development of mold and mildew.
How to get rid of scuff marks on a scuff?
To remove the scuffs, place some WD-40 on a microfiber cloth and rub it gently over the scuff marks in a circular motion. Continue rubbing until the scuffs are gone, then let it dry. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the spot.
How to get rid of yellow stains on walls?
For instance, a solution of baking soda and water can get rid of yellow stains. Rubbing alcohol can help you remove paint or crayon marks. Lemon juice and dish soap are other helpful allies.
What to use to clean a tile floor?
Mop the entire floor surface with the apple cider vinegar/dish soap mixture – use a nylon bristle mop for the purpose.
How to get rid of discoloration on vinyl floor?
The solution to discoloration is nothing artificial but natural. You can do it in different processes: either using sunlight or sprinkling baking soda. We are avoiding bleach and alcohol, as one is harsh, and one can be expensive for many. But you can use them both on a discolored vinyl floor.
Why is it important to have durable flooring?
Not just durable, flooring is essential to enhance the look of the whole house. If you have chosen a flooring that hasn’t impressed you much, do know that you have to live with it for the next few decades. So, not just durability, even the look matters in case of flooring. And the most important reason for that is you cannot change the flooring easily, and no one does it ever unless they have too much money, time, and energy to waste. So, now we know why people want to spend so much on the floors.
What are the different types of flooring?
When we are talking about flooring, then there are dozens. You have hardwood, engineered hardwood, tile, mosaic, marble, linoleum, vinyl, and so much more. Even the different types of flooring have varieties. So, you have too many options to choose from. Choosing the flooring is not going to be an easy task for you.
Can you clean discolored vinyl flooring?
You can either try always to keep it ultra-clean and dry to slow the process or clean it when discolored. And the later is what you can do better. Do whatever, discoloration of vinyl flooring is a given. You can wipe and clean the dry, muddy footprints. You can scrub the oily stain and rub the tea spilled with solutions. But if discolored, cleaning it is tough.
Can you use vinyl flooring outside?
Except for the outdoors, you can use vinyl flooring in every part of your house. Be it the kitchen, bathroom, living room, basement, bedrooms, everywhere. They last well, they resist well, and they are easy to clean. If you keep the vinyl flooring away from the sunlight, it is not going to lose its sheen or fade soon. Heavy sunlight is bad for every possible floor. And it damages the vinyl flooring the same way.
Can you replace a floor?
You can repaint your walls, change your furniture. You can work on the shelves and counters, but you cannot replace the floor. If, by any chance, you have to, it will be like starting something from scratch and will cost you even more than the first time. Both, in terms of bucks and energy.
Can sunlight fade vinyl flooring?
We have earlier mentioned that sunlight starts fading the vinyl floor. But if discolored, you can use the very sunlight to bring back the color to the flooring. You can move the rugs, open the windows to bring the flooring in touch with the sunlight, but then it might not be that effective.
What is discoloration on vinyl flooring?
Vinyl floor discoloration is a form of damage to the core flooring surface that can be pretty difficult to deal with. It appears as yellow, brown stains on the floor’s surface. Floor discoloration appears between door slides, under heavy kitchen appliances, and (although rarely) on exposed surfaces.
Why is my vinyl floor discoloring?
Incorrect installation of the vinyl floor is a significant reason behind floor discoloration. Some people might incorrectly apply (or use poor) quality substrates that allow for moisture to accumulate under the vinyl layer causing damage from below.
What are the Causes of Vinyl Plank Discoloration?
There’s a couple of reasons why floor discolorations occur. Understanding the cause of discoloration can help you find a remedy with ease. Here are a few reasons why vinyl floor discolors:
What is the best way to clean a floor?
1. Cleaning the Floor With Baking Soda. Baking soda is an excellent cleaning accessory, especially when you are dealing with tough floor surface stains. The abrasive qualities of the baking soda make it a valuable addition to your cleaning collection. Besides, the process is easy and straightforward.
Why is my pet's feeding plate discolored?
In areas where you have pets’ feeding plate, it’s prone to discoloration as a result of leftover spills that are left unattended for some time. In addition, kids and or even adult accidental spills are unavoidable on your floor.
How to shine a LVP?
Tip: You can give your floor surface an extra shine by adding a small amount of jojoba oil into the cleaning mixture. Commercial cleaning product like Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner will leave your LVP-LVT shiny and residue-free
Why is my floor discolored?
Discoloration mainly occurs due to the presence of water moisture that may encourage the growth of mold and mildew under the surface. Continued exposure to humidity accelerates the growth of mold and mildew, which can eventually result in floor discoloration if not dealt with at the earliest stage.
What is the best way to clean textured vinyl flooring?
Weekly cleaning can be made with mild cleaning products. The best way to clean textured vinyl flooring is by using green solutions. The list of safe cleaners includes: dish soap; baby shampoo; mild detergents. However, the scum makes the surface sticky. It will collect dirt.
What is the best liquid to clean vinyl flooring?
So, the best is to use the liquids recommended by the flooring manufacturers. For example, rejuvenate vinyl floor cleaner is highly efficient. Its formula is pH neutral. Additionally, the solution protects and seals the tiles or planks.
How to Whiten Yellowed Vinyl?
What else can be used to get rid of spots and scuff? There are several well-known solutions. For example:
How long does vinyl flooring last?
The flooring lasts for many years, looking as good as after the installation. Within the California Code of Regulations, it is mentioned as one of the resilient flooring types. However, excessive heat and direct sunshine can discolor the surface. Deep cleaning can leave a bleach stain on the vinyl floor.
Why is my vinyl floor purple?
Purple stain on vinyl floor looks terrible. Especially if the covering was initially white. It can be a sign of fungus or mildew forming. However, it possible outdoors only. Humidity indoors is not so high, even in a bathroom. So, the best is to use the liquids recommended by the flooring manufacturers.
How to get rid of dirt and grime on floor?
So, dissolve a cup of white vinegar into a gallon of clean water. Apple cider vinegar can be used instead. It helps you to get rid of grime and dirt. If you’ve prepared the solution: dip a mop; wring it; clean the floor; rinse the cloth or sponge off and proceed with mopping.
What are the pros and cons of vinyl flooring?
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Floors. The covering is often selected by young and new homeowners. It can be compared to linoleum. Vinyl is: versatile; stain-resistant; cost-efficient. The material is quite affordable.
What Causes Discolored Vinyl Flooring?
Discoloration on vinyl flooring can be caused by general stains. This includes the following:
What to use to keep vinyl floors shiny?
Preserve the finish: If you want to keep the shining finish on your vinyl flooring, you should use a vinyl cleaner, such as the Rejuvenate Vinyl Floor Cleaner.
What Is Vinyl Flooring Made Of?
Vinyl flooring is comprised of a man-made substance called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Other chemicals are used to alter the color, flexibility, hardness, and shine.
Why is my vinyl flooring yellow?
Because vinyl flooring deteriorates with time, a yellow discoloration is to be expected after a few years. However, if you keep the floors in good condition, this should not be a problem. Here are the major things to avoid in order to avoid yellow stains:
Why is my tile flooring discoloured?
Glue stains: The adhesive from behind the tiles is leaking through and causing the flooring to seem discoloured.
How to make thick paste?
To produce a thick paste, combine baking soda and water.
What is vinyl sheet?
Vinyl sheet is the primary component of vinyl flooring. Before rolling the vinyl into a thin sheet, it is suspended in a liquid. It is then dried using heat and air to make the sheet strong and robust.
Is vinyl flooring water resistant?
More so, it is also straightforward to clean without any hassle. The vinyl flooring is water-resistant and also very durable. As a result, most of the household uses such flooring, especially in the kitchen.
Is it safe to use commercial sanitizer on vinyl flooring?
While choosing the cleaning solution, you must check the description or ask the buyer to know whether or not it is safe for vinyl flooring.
Why is my vinyl flooring discoloring?
The discoloration happens for a number of reasons, especially if rubber mats are used on them. If the vinyl flooring can't be replaced right away, there are a few tips for removing the stain and increasing the longevity of the vinyl floor. Advertisement.
How to get rid of stains on a tile floor?
Make sure that the floor has been cleaned and then pour some alcohol over a washcloth. Rub the washcloth over the stain using a circular motion until it begins to fade.
How to get yellow stains out of carpet?
If the yellow discoloration is still visible on the floor after mopping, try adding more bleach to the solution or mopping with the solution regularly . If the stain has faded after a few cleanings, continue to use bleach and water regularly until the stain is completely gone.
Can you use lighter colored vinyl floors?
However, lighter-colored vinyl floors can eventually take on a faded, almost yellow, color. These stains can be a bit unsightly and can make the floor seem as if it's worn out or dirty, even after it has been cleaned.
