What causes stains on vinyl floors?

Author: Roselyn Mitchell  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Mould and mildew growth is a common cause of discolouration in vinyl flooring. When moisture accumulates on the surface, it creates the ideal environment for these fungi to grow and spread.

What causes stains on vinyl?

What Causes Vinyl Flooring To Stain. Vinyl flooring will still occasionally get stains, but many of them are avoidable and simple to clean up. Vinyl flooring may become stained by liquid spills like juice or alcohol. If the spill is not cleaned up, the vinyl floor may collect the liquid and develop a noticeable stain.

What can ruin vinyl flooring?

Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solutions. Don't use bleach as an overall vinyl floor cleaner. Keep away from highly abrasive scrubbers or detergents on vinyl. They can damage the floor, causing cracks or scratches.

Does vinyl plank flooring stain easily?

While most know this to be true, remember that vinyl flooring can still encounter stubborn stains that need to be addressed. In this guide, we'll explain more about how to take care of your vinyl floors and keep them looking good and spot-free.

What causes vinyl flooring to discolor?

Discolouration or yellowing of vinyl flooring can be caused by various factors such as high foot traffic, standing furniture or accessories, sunlight exposure, and aging.

How to Remove Gray Stains on Vinyl Floors : Vinyl Flooring

What should you not clean vinyl plank flooring with?

Vinyl Flooring “Don'ts”
  • Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers to clean your vinyl floor.
  • Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. ...
  • Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes.
  • Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions.

Does vinegar ruin vinyl flooring?

3) DIY with Vinegar

If you're like a lot of homeowners, you might be wondering, Does vinegar damage vinyl? Though the acidic substance can wear down porous surfaces like granite and hardwood, we're happy to tell you it's actually really great for cleaning LVT.

Can water ruin vinyl flooring?

Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely water-proof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture. For that reason they are an excellent choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where moisture is around.

What cleaner is best for vinyl floors?

Commercial vinyl floor cleaners are available, but you can make a simple, effective cleaner for vinyl floors by mixing apple cider vinegar with water. The vinegar's acidity removes dirt without leaving a soapy film. Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water.

What are the black marks on vinyl floors?

Stains on a vinyl floor

It may be the adhesive that was used to adhere the vinyl to the concrete, or it could be the result of moisture rising up through the concrete. If the stain is yellow, it's probably an adhesive stain. If it were black, gray, blue or pink, it would indicate mold growth.

How do you make vinyl floors look new again?

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.

What are the red spots on vinyl flooring?

In actuality, these stains are caused by a dye that originates from bacteria. The dye is produced by the actinomycete bacterial genus, Streptomyces. This organism was previously known as "Streptoverticillium reticulum pink stain".

Can you use magic eraser on vinyl floors?

Swipe the Magic Eraser across the scuffs with a steady grasp. In just a few swipes, you should start to see the mark lift away from your ceramic/vinyl floors like, well, magic! Cleaning scuffs on ceramic/vinyl floors is simple.

How do I know if there is water under my vinyl flooring?

Due to their insulative qualities, vinyl tiles rarely get cold, so if you feel cold when you pass over them, it is almost certainly a sign that moisture has entered underneath them. Another obvious sign that the links between the planks and subfloor have come loose due to moisture buildup is movement.

What causes moisture under vinyl flooring?

It's all caused because of the low vapor permeability of the LVF material combined with the building methods that allow for the presence of condensation buildup due to the transfer of humid air from warm to much cooler surfaces such as luxury vinyl flooring.

Can mold grow under vinyl flooring?

Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.

Can I use Swiffer wet on vinyl floors?

Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl.

Can I use Pine Sol on vinyl flooring?

Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner – Yes, Pine Sol on vinyl floors is a fine option; however, use sparingly with water. Do not oversaturate your vinyl floors with too much water, use just enough to disinfect the floors.

Can you use Clorox wipes on vinyl flooring?

Note: Disinfecting wipes that contain bleach are acceptable on vinyl. 7.5 to 9 is the recommended pH for bleach.

Can you use dry Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring?

You can use a dry Swiffer mop pad on vinyl plank flooring products. The dry Swiffer is an excellent way to capture dust and pet hair for a thorough clean. If you use a Swiffer WetJet, you'll need to refer to your product's directions and make sure that the product is waterproof.

Is Mr Clean good to use on vinyl plank flooring?

Mr. Clean Multipurpose Cleaner cuts grease and removes grime. Use this antibacterial cleaner to clean dirt on linoleum as well as bathtubs, floors, tile, and toilets. It is safe for use on glass, laminate, plastic, rubber, tile, and vinyl surfaces.

How often do you need to mop vinyl plank flooring?

The fastest way to damage vinyl plank flooring is through daily negligence. That's why we recommend vacuuming or dry mopping your flooring every day or two. This will scoop up all kinds of debris, dust, and dirt that can cause tiny scratches that dull the appearance of the floor.

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