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.
Mildew and hard water are the causes of these stains. Another main cause results from exposure to the sun. UV damage can cause the vinyl to change color because of degradation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mold and mildew – Although water-resistant, linoleum flooring is not entirely waterproof. Constant moisture or exposure to liquids will gradually damage the floor and cause mold and mildew growth, which can lead to yellowing.
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.
Generally speaking, vinyl sheet flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while vinyl plank and tile flooring will last 15 to 20 years. The thickness of its wear layer vastly impacts vinyl flooring's lifespan, so pay attention to this detail when purchasing your flooring.
Distilled white vinegar is a natural degreaser, disinfectant, and cleaner that is safe to use on all kinds of surfaces, including vinyl floors. The acidic compounds in white vinegar break down buildup and remove dirt without harming your floor's finish.
Make sure you look at the vinyl in good lighting to see minor scratches on the surface. If a scratch is deep enough to feel with your fingertip, you are likely to hear it during playback. Also, make sure to check on the quality level of the lead-in grooves and the dead wax.
Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays is the leading cause of faded siding. As with a suntan, your vinyl siding will fade (or “burn”) more quickly in the areas that receive the most direct sunlight, which can cause patchy, uneven fading on your exterior.
Your Luxury Vinyl Tile is Impacted By Sunlight
Sun damage is one of the big reasons for floor discoloration. Spots on your luxury vinyl tile that get plenty of exposure to sunlight are likely going to fade over time.
If a laminate floor board in the middle of your floor has become discolored, from moisture or other problems, there's not really any way to fix it. You need to replace it. Luckily, laminate floors come apart much more easily than hardwood floors, since they aren't nailed or glued to the subfloor.
Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely water-proof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture.
The yellow that you describe is not a stain. It's a chemical reaction. What happens with vinyl floor discoloration: as the floor ages, especially if it's had throw rugs over it or rubber-back carpets over it, is it's an oxidation that occurs that changes the color of the vinyl.
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.
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.
Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl.
Learn to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring. Isopropyl alcohol, sold as a disinfectant at drugstores, is a mild solvent. It's the best cleaner for heel marks and works on other tough stains too. You can also use lighter fluid or mineral spirits.
Signs that you need to restore your vinyl flooring
Recoating your vinyl floor will make it look brand new and remove the years of penetrated dirt and grime, removing potentially harmful bacteria from the surface.