Vinyl floors are attractive, durable, and long-lasting and can withstand a home’s highest-traffic conditions, but this flooring is certainly not indestructible.
With time, you may notice some discoloration on your vinyl flooring, this doesn’t affect its durability, but it can ruin your floor’s appearance.
This article discusses different methods on how to whiten vinyl floors. Removing discoloration on your vinyl flooring is a fairly straightforward and inexpensive process, and we’ll also be sharing some proper care tips to help you maintain the material’s eye-catching appearance.
Read: What causes yellow stain on vinyl floor
How to Whiten Vinyl Floors
Table of Contents
Baking soda
Baking soda can be used as a natural vinyl floor cleaner, and you probably already have it in your pantry. To whiten your vinyl floor with baking soda, add enough water to some baking soda powder to create a thick paste.
Then apply the paste to the discolored areas of the floor with a soft white cloth and rub gently. Baking soda has an abrasive texture which will help to loosen and lift the discoloration.
When the stain is lifted, wipe the area clean with a separate clean cloth to remove the baking soda residue. Then allow the floor to dry thoroughly afterward.
Read: Best ways to clean vinyl floors
Lemon
If you have lemons lying around the house, they can come in handy in removing vinyl floor discoloration.
Start by using a clean damp cloth to wipe away as much of the stain or discoloration as possible. Then with the lemon cut in half, rub the lemon directly on the stain.
Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping the area with a damp cloth to remove the lemon residue, and use a separate clean cloth to dry the area.
Read: Easy homemade vinyl floor cleaner
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is great for removing discoloration caused by ink and makeup products on vinyl floors.
Simply soak a clean white cloth into rubbing alcohol and rub it over the stained or discolored area to lift the stain. You can repeat this method until all the stains are lifted.
Dish Soap
Creating a mixture of dish soap and water is a good way to clean your vinyl floors and remove any discoloration.
But to achieve an even deeper clean and remove embedded dirt, you can mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of warm water and add a few drops of dish soap to further strengthen the mixture’s stain lifting abilities.
Using a mop with nylon scrub bristles, apply the mixture onto the floor and gently scrub it as you do so to achieve a thoroughly clean floor. Then thoroughly dry the floor afterward.
WD-40
Wd-40 is a great way to whiten your vinyl floor but ensure to test out the product in an inconspicuous area before using.
Dampened a clean with cloth with some wd-40 and rub it over the areas with discoloration. Gently scrub the area in circular motions until the stain is lifted.
Read: Can you use windex on hardwood floor
Rejuvenate Vinyl Floor Cleaner
This is a product specifically designed for vinyl floors; it is a non-toxic cleaner that can be used to remove dirt, grime, stains, and discoloration.
This product does not leave behind any residue and will instantly revamp your floor’s appearance.
To use, simply spray the product over the vinyl floors, then mop and dry the floor thoroughly afterward.
Read: Can you use pine sol on hardwood floor
Causes Vinyl Flooring Discoloration
Here are several stains that can lead to discoloration on vinyl flooring.
Adhesive Stains
When the adhesive from underneath the tiles begins to seep through cracks onto the floor surface, it leaves a stained and discolored appearance on the floors.
Moisture
When there’s moisture present either underneath or on top of your vinyl floor, it can cause discoloration.
Although vinyl flooring is water-resistant, it is not waterproof. So when it is exposed to moisture for long periods of time, discolorations can emerge.
Read: Signs of mold under floor
Liquid
Liquid spills, such as juice, water, and milk, can also cause discoloration on vinyl flooring if left unattended for too long.
Sugary drinks spills can be quite difficult to clean up once they’ve dried, so it is best to clean spills right away.
Read: How to tackle water spill on wood floor
Food and Makeup Stains
Food spills also leave behind stubborn stains, especially greasy and saucy foods. So wipe these up right away. Same goes for makeup, if not immediately cleaned up, can result to floor discoloration.
Conclusion
Although it is perfectly normal for your vinyl flooring to become discolored as it ages over time, proper maintenance and knowing how to whiten vinyl floors will cause it to be a less noticeable issue.
