what causes discolored vinyl flooring

Common Causes of Vinyl Plank Discoloration

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What is vinyl floor discoloration and how does it develop?

Sheet vinyl floor discoloration can develop from above the product surface, below the product surface or within the product itself. With lighter colored material vinyl floor discoloration from both above and below are common. Why Vinyl Floor Discoloration?

What causes yellow stains on vinyl flooring?

Tip:It’s good to note the main cause of yellow stains on your vinyl floor is due to dirt, rubber pads, accumulated/use of excessive chemicals, heat, and direct sunlight. Take precautionary measures to address yellowing before it appears on your flooring. How to Clean a Discolored Vinyl Floor

What causes discoloration of hardwood floors?

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.

Do light colored vinyl floors fade?

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.

How do I restore a discolored vinyl?

Mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of lukewarm water, then add one tablespoon of dish soap. Use a soft bristle brush to scrub the stains off your vinyl floor. Mop the entire floor surface with the apple cider vinegar/dish soap mixture – use a nylon bristle mop for the purpose.

What causes flooring to discolor?

Exposure to light is usually the biggest culprit causing discoloration in hardwood floors. This could be due to exposure to either UV rays or exposure to the light emitted by lightbulbs, especially fluorescent lightbulbs, but there are several other culprits as well.

What can ruin vinyl flooring?

Water from an overly wet mop can destroy the glue bond that holds down the vinyl. This can cause the corners to curl and the vinyl floor to become loose. Never use rolling casters. Rolling casters can damage the surface of your vinyl floor.

How do you fix yellowing 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 I make my vinyl floor look new again?

For routine cleaning, vinyl floors can be swabbed with plain water and a damp mop, or with a product made for vinyl and other hard surfaces. You can also clean vinyl floors with a mix of one gallon water and one cup apple cider or white vinegar.

How do you make vinyl floors look new?

Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Use a damp mop to apply to the floor, rinsing the mop frequently with clean, hot water from another bucket or your sink. For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the water and vinegar mixture.

What should you not put on a vinyl floor?

Do not use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or “mop and shine” products, because these can leave a dull film on the floor. Do not use paste wax or solvent-based polishes. Do not use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions on vinyl flooring; these can break down the material and cause cracks in the flooring.

Will vinegar damage vinyl floors?

Like with hardwood floors, vinegar's acidity will take away the shine and sheen of a no-wax floor, such as vinyl and linoleum.

How long does vinyl flooring last?

10-20 yearsVinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.

Why has my vinyl turned yellow?

When an adhesive that is not recommended by the manufacturer is used or the application is not done properly, the vinyl can get damaged from below. Oils, dirt, and grime migrate through the lowest layers of vinyl and eventually shows up as permanent yellow spots on the flooring.

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.

Why is my linoleum floor turning yellow?

The answer lies in what this type of flooring is made of. Linoleum is a durable and long-lasting floor covering that is made up of raw materials, including linseed oil. When this oil is blocked from sunlight, it begins to oxidize and turns linoleum flooring yellow or different colours overtime.

How do you fix discolored wood floors?

0:232:12Flooring Tips : How to Fix a Faded Hardwood Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd not a polyurethane water-based urethane refresher just like this you're going to take your waterMoreAnd not a polyurethane water-based urethane refresher just like this you're going to take your water-based urethane refresher squirt it on the dull area. Like.

Why is my wood floor turning GREY?

Hardwood floors turn gray after their protective polyurethane coating wears off and they're exposed to moisture. To get the gray out of hardwood floors, you'll need to sand and reseal them. If you want to completely change the color of your hardwood floor, this is a great time to do so.

How do you clean discolored wood floors?

Vinegar & Warm Water Mix 50% water with 50% white distilled vinegar. It's as simple as it sounds. Gently wipe this solution over the dark stain. You might want to take a few passes with this mild solution to get your stain to lighten.

What causes dark stains on wood floors?

Water spills, blood, ink, food spillage, and pet mess (urine, vomit, and poop) causes of stain marks on the wood floors. Poor cleaning and maintenance habits can also leave dark stains on your wood floor.

Why is my vinyl floor discolored?

More About Discoloration in Vinyl Floors. Most of the time, discoloration comes from the top down, meaning that the buildup or soil from foot traffic is affecting the wear layer of the vinyl and not resisting the results of use. Often, scratching or staining can occur this way. It’s the most common way that vinyl floors become discolored ...

Why does rubber discolor?

When discoloring comes up from the substrate, it is generally caused by moisture or chemicals from the adhesive. It can also be caused by a condition called plasticizer migration. This happens when the plasticizers that are added to any rubber material or layers during the manufacturing process. Over a period of time, the plasticizers can migrate out of the rubber into the other vinyl layers.

How long does vinyl flooring last?

When working with vinyl floors, it’s not unheard of to have to deal with discoloration. Ideally, this kind of hard surface floors will last for many years without any kind of problem. Sometimes discoloration pops up and it’s up to a flooring contractor or inspector to figure out what’s going on with the vinyl.

Can vinyl flooring be stained?

It’s the most common way that vinyl floors become discolored or otherwise stained, making it look less than ideal for businesses and residents. However, if flooring inspectors can see discoloring in the lower areas of the embossing and it does not look like soil or a residue buildup, the problem could be from the bottom up.

What causes yellowing on a floor?

When a floor is washed it is spread and the whole floor can become yellow. Sealed driveways, decks, oil and grease, lawn care products, pattern, and color shape. Geometrical shape is external. Sun tan lotions such as Paba and Oxy with sun blocker will discolor.

How long does it take for vinyl to turn yellow?

A high percentage of vinyl floor discoloration is seen as yellowing, possibly as much as 95% is external. Retardant yellowing can occur in 2 -3 months in low areas. Looks like big freckles in a solid brown or purple. Found near heat registers and sliding glass doors.

Where are tracking stains in a room?

Tracking stains will typically be in the traffic area or work area of a room while the non-traffic areas are not exhibiting the same discoloration. The discoloration will usually be in the top area of the floor and not in the embossed areas (lower areas) such as grout lines. By Terry Weinheimer Leave a Comment.

Can old adhesive be removed from vinyl?

If old adhesive residue is not completely removed from the old floor it may cause yellowing. This will be more of a problem with flex floors and homogeneous vinyl’s than it will be with a felt backed product which acts as a barrier. 80 to 100 percent removal will be required depending upon the product.

Can asphalt drive cause yellowing?

Asphalt tracking – It is the sealer or coating that results in vinyl floor discoloration in the form of yellowing. An asphalt drive without sealer will not cause yellowing. It makes no difference what type of sealer is used. When a floor is washed it is spread and the whole floor can become yellow.

Can vinyl floor be discolored?

Vinyl floor discoloration is a more common occurrence than one might think. Sheet vinyl floor discoloration can develop from above the product surface, below the product surface or within the product itself. With lighter colored material vinyl floor discoloration from both above and below are common.

Can you use resin coated nails on vinyl floors?

While not all resin coated nails will create a vinyl floor discoloration, many will and unless you can be assured that those you are using will not, it is best to stay away from them. Many manufacturers recommend that instead you use non-coated ring-shank or spiral-shank nails.

What causes stains on vinyl flooring?

Liquid: Spills from liquids, such as juice, water, and milk, can cause stains on vinyl flooring. Water can stain if left for too long, and sugary drinks are harder to clean up once they’ve dried. Always clean spills right away. Food: Many foods leave behind stubborn stains, especially things like tomatoes or fruit spills.

How long does it take for vinyl flooring to turn yellow?

Vinyl flooring ages over time, so a yellow discoloration is expected after a few years. If you maintain the floors, though, this shouldn’t be a noticeable issue. To prevent yellow stains, here are the main thing you should avoid:

What Is Vinyl Flooring Made Of?

Vinyl flooring is made from a synthetic material: polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It has other compounds involved to change the color, flexibility, hardness and sheen.

How to remove baking soda from a sandpaper?

Mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste. Use a soft white cloth to rub the paste over stains, especially stubborn ones. Rub gently. The baking soda is abrasive so it will help to loosen and lift the stains. Wipe with a separate clean cloth to remove baking soda residue.

How to get rid of vinyl stains?

Wipe away as much of the stain or discoloration as possible with a clean damp cloth. Cut a lemon in half. Rub one half of the lemon directly on the stain.

What is the best product to clean vinyl floors?

If you’d rather go with a product specifically designed for vinyl floors, we recommend Rejuvenate Vinyl Floor Cleaner.

What can stain a floor?

Food: Many foods leave behind stubborn stains, especially things like tomatoes or fruit spills. Clean these up right away. Makeup: Makeup can stain floors if not cleaned up immediately. Crayons and markers: Crayons and markers are tough to clean if left for too long.

Why is my vinyl floor yellow?

Chemical reactions of rubber and vinyl cause the vinyl floor to yellow. It’s called antioxidant staining. The more time passes, the more stubborn the yellow stains become.

What is the best way to clean stained vinyl flooring?

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 to whiten yellowed linoleum?

Yes, you can whiten yellowed linoleum. Take three parts of warm water and one part of bleach in a spray bottle, stir well and spray on the yellowed linoleum. Leave it to sit for 30-45 minutes . Now rub gently with a bristle brush. If the yellowed linoleum isn’t yet fully cleaner, spray the solution again and repeat the process.

How to make a thick paste with baking soda?

Take some baking soda and water in a bowl. Mix them well and form a thick paste.

What is the best flooring to replace hardwood?

Vinyl flooring is the best alternative to hardwood when you are on a smaller budget. It is incredible, has a sleek surface, is durable, and is easy to care for.

How to get yellow spots off of a sandpaper?

Sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area and make sure the area is fully covered with baking soda powder. If there is any gap, the area will be left yellow.

How long does it take for a yellow stain to absorb?

Apply the paste on the yellow stain and leave it for fifteen minutes to absorb the yellow color.

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 Prevent Vinyl Flooring Discoloration?

Preventing is better than fixing, so how to prevent vinyl flooring discoloration? Here are a few tips and tricks:

Why is my subfloor discoloring?

A low-quality subfloor can let moisture pass through, which will damage the planks from below.

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.

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 stains out of wood floors?

All you have to do is deep a clean cloth into rubbing alcohol and rub it vigorously over the stain. Repeat as needed and wipe with plain water when you’re done. Dry the floors with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent further discoloration.

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 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.

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.

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.