How do you fix discolored vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring can become discolored over time from general wear and tear, sun exposure, or spills that weren’t properly cleaned up. Discoloration in vinyl can come in many forms – the flooring can become faded, stained, or yellowed. Luckily, there are several methods you can try to restore vinyl floors to their original color and appearance.

What causes vinyl flooring to become discolored?

There are a few common culprits behind vinyl floor discoloration:

• Sun exposure – Vinyl contains plasticizers that can break down over time when exposed to UV rays from the sun. This causes the floor to fade and look dull.
• Improper cleaning – Using harsh cleaners that contain bleaches or abrasives can wear down the top layers of vinyl and lead to fading and discoloration over time.
• Spills and stains – Liquid spills that soak into the vinyl can leave behind discolored spots and stains. Foods, drinks, oils, dyes, and other household chemicals are common staining culprits.
• Heavy traffic areas – High foot traffic zones often show more visible wear, scratches and scuffs that can make the floor appear generally discolored.
• Underlying damage – Damaged layers under the vinyl surface, such as a deteriorating adhesive, can manifest as discoloration on top.

The longer the vinyl flooring is in place, the more likely it is to experience color changes from these factors.

How can you determine the cause of discoloration?

To treat discolored vinyl effectively, it helps to first diagnose what is causing it to appear faded, stained or yellowed. Here are some steps to determine the root of the problem:

1. Inspect where the discoloration is located – Is it near windows and areas of sun exposure or concentrated in high traffic zones? This can help narrow down the culprit.
2. Look for specific stain shapes – Spills and fluids often leave behind ring-shaped stains. These are likely from specific incidents rather than general wear.
3. Wipe with water – Try wiping the area with plain water using a microfiber cloth. If the color changes, it is likely surface level dirt or grime rather than ingrained discoloration.
4. Check under furniture – Move pieces and look underneath for visible differences in color. This indicates whether it is caused by sun exposure.
5. Review your cleaning methods – Using harsh chemicals regularly can contribute to fading over time.

Once you determine the likely causes, you can move forward with targeted treatment methods.

How to remove discoloration from sun exposure

Sun exposure is one of the most common reasons vinyl floors can become discolored and faded. The UV radiation breaks down the flooring over time. Here are some ways to help remove sun-related discoloration:

• Use hydrogen peroxide – Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water and apply to the discolored vinyl. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before wiping away. Repeat as needed.
• Apply lemon juice – The natural acidity in lemon juice can help break down fading from sun exposure. Wipe lemon juice onto the affected area and let sit for 30 minutes before wiping clean.
• Make a baking soda paste – Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Spread onto discolored patches, allow to dry completely, then vacuum up the baking soda.
• Use vinegar – Similarly to lemon juice, white vinegar contains acetic acid to break down buildup that contributes to fading. Apply undiluted vinegar, allow to sit for 15 minutes, then wipe away.
• Sand lightly – For more stubborn sun-fading, very lightly sand the surface with 180-220 grit sandpaper. This removes the top layer so fresh vinyl is exposed.

Be cautious not to over-sand vinyl floors, which can damage the floor further. Always test these solutions in inconspicuous areas first and reapply sun protection afterward, such as curtains or UV-resistant films on windows.

Removing set-in stains and spots

Spills that aren’t cleaned up right away often leave behind stubborn stains on vinyl floors. Removing set-in stains takes a little more effort than surface dirt. Here are some tips:

• Scrub with baking soda – Make a paste of baking soda and water and use a soft bristle brush to scrub stains. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts stains without damaging vinyl.
• Use hydrogen peroxide – This can also help lift stubborn staining, especially from foods, drinks and dyes. Apply peroxide directly to the stain and allow to bubble for 10 minutes before wiping and rinsing.
• Make a cleaning solution – Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1/2 teaspoon dish soap in 2 cups warm water. Use this solution to scrub stain marks.
• Try an oxidizing cleaner – Products like OxiClean use the power of oxygen to lift stains and can be used safely on vinyl floors.
• Spot treat with acetone – For more stubborn oil stains or paints, use a small amount of acetone on a clean cloth to gently rub the stain. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

It may take several rounds of applying these cleaners and letting them soak into the vinyl to see stain results. Thoroughly rinse the floor after stain removal.

How to restore sun-faded vinyl flooring

If vinyl flooring has become extensively faded from sun exposure, more intensive restoration may be needed beyond spot treatments. Here are a few options to return sun-damaged vinyl to its original vibrancy:

• Use a vinyl color restorer – Products like Signature Series Vinyl Color Restorer are designed to rejuvenate and restore color in faded vinyl floors.
• Re-coat with urethane – Applying one or more new coats of a water-based polyurethane floor finish can renew a faded floor’s protective wear layer.
• Resurface – In extreme cases of fading, stripping back layers and resurfacing the vinyl can expose fresh, un-faded material.
• Replace sections – For floors with fading only in high traffic areas, it may be possible to replace individual damaged planks or tiles.
• Full floor replacement – If fading damage is extensive, a full floor replacement may be needed to return to a uniformly colored floor.

Professional resurfacing or replacing sections of vinyl flooring usually provides the most seamless results. Use caution with refinishing to avoid damaging the floor underneath.

Cleaning methods to prevent future discoloration

After restoring vinyl floors, institute some regular care practices to minimize discoloration in the future:

• Vacuum frequently using soft brush attachment and mop often with warm water and pH neutral cleaner.
• Avoid harsh cleansers, scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive brushes that can wear down vinyl over time.
• Immediately wipe up spills when they occur and spot clean as needed.
• Add curtains, blinds or window tints to provide UV protection.
• Rearrange rugs and furniture periodically to minimize uneven wear.
• Reapply floor finish or wax every 1-2 years to maintain protective coating.

Being diligent about regular cleaning and sun protection are the best ways to guard against vinyl discoloration from recurring and extend the attractive lifespan of your flooring.

When to call in a professional

In some cases of severe discoloration, fading, or ingrained staining, home remedies and spot treatments may not be enough to return vinyl to like-new condition. Calling in a professional flooring refinisher is recommended in these situations:

• Discoloration affects large areas of the floor, not just isolated spots
• Fade marks or dark stain lines are visible from furniture placement
• Evidence of damage in the vinyl itself, such as gouges, cracks, or tears
• Failed previous attempts at DIY restoration using store-bought cleaners
• Significant loss of gloss and dull, worn appearance throughout

With the right equipment and experience, professionals can perform more intensive restoration processes like stripping old finish, repairing subsurface damage, and re-coating or resurfacing the entire floor. This provides the most complete fix for severely discolored vinyl flooring.

Vinyl Flooring Discoloration FAQs

Does vinegar damage vinyl floors?

Vinegar is generally considered safe for cleaning vinyl floors. The acetic acid in vinegar can help remove some stains, dirt buildup, and hazing. Use diluted or undiluted white vinegar sparingly and only for spot cleaning. Rinse thoroughly after to avoid any potential erosion to the floor over time with repeated use.

What removes yellow stains from vinyl floors?

Oxidizing cleaners that contain oxygenated compounds, like oxalic or citric acid, work well to remove yellowing stains on vinyl floors without damaging the floor. Hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and baking soda solutions can also help lift yellow discoloration. For best results, allow the cleaning solution to sit for 10-15 minutes before mopping and rinsing.

Does Mr Clean magic eraser work on vinyl floors?

Yes, Magic Erasers can be used to remove some light staining and scuffs on vinyl floors when used gently. The melamine foam abrasive can lift dirt from the surface when wiped carefully. Take care not to rub aggressively, which can cause scratching. Test in an inconspicuous area first.

How do you deep clean old vinyl floors?

To deep clean older vinyl flooring, use a mix of 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup ammonia, and 1/4 cup white vinegar and mop over the entire floor. For stuck-on dirt or stains, let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Reapply floor wax or finish after deep cleaning vinyl floors for shine.

Can I use Clorox wipes on vinyl floors?

It’s generally not recommended to use Clorox or other bleach wipes on vinyl flooring. The bleach in these wipes can damage the vinyl surface over time with repeated use. A better option is using Clorox wipes for spot cleaning walls and surfaces and using a different vinyl-safe cleaning solution on the floors.

Conclusion

Discolored vinyl floors don’t have to be a permanent eyesore. With the right cleaning methods and products, most types of discoloration can be reversed or removed entirely. Mild approaches like baking soda pastes and white vinegar can lift many stains and faded areas. For ingrained, extensive discoloration issues, calling in a professional vinyl floor refinishing service often provides the best resurfacing results. With the proper restoration process and care regime going forward, vinyl floors can be returned to their original like-new color and appearance.