There are many problems that cause vinyl flooring to become discoloured from the bottom up. You might be tempted to try to remove the discolouration yourself by applying harsh cleaning agents or scrubbing with a non-approved tool. Unfortunately, the only solution to a discoloured floor is to replace it with clean, dry, and untainted vinyl. Here are a few common causes of vinyl discolouration and how to deal with them.
Laundry detergent
A laundry detergent solution can be used to remove dark stains on vinyl flooring. However, make sure that you rinse thoroughly after applying the solution. If the stain persists, you should call a professional vinyl tile repair company to remove it. In the meantime, you can try using household bleach, which is often marketed as “wood bleach.”
For best results, apply the solution to a hidden area first. Make sure that you use a white cloth, as coloured clothes may stain the vinyl. Always wear rubber gloves when using a cleaning solution on vinyl. If you are cleaning a room with high traffic, you may want to do a test area first. If a cleaning solution is too strong, you can use a mild solution, which may not be effective in high-traffic areas.
The same method applies to removing food stains. Despite the fact that vinyl flooring is more resistant to spills than carpet, it’s easy to get food stains on it. Using a solution of bleach and water will help remove the stubborn stains, and it will also lighten the stain. When using a bleach solution, make sure you read the label carefully. It may not be vinyl-safe, so make sure you check with your local manufacturer first.
Dish soap
If you have dark discolouration on your vinyl flooring, you can use a solution of dish soap and water. This solution will remove grease and dirt from the flooring and leave it looking new again. Dish soap is widely available and does not cause health risks. Its neutral pH level helps to remove stubborn stains without harming your vinyl flooring. Many manufacturers recommend using dish soap to clean their floors.
To get rid of oily traces and scuff marks, you can use WD-40. For deep stains, you may want to lightly sand the floor. For stubborn stains, you may want to use a cleaning solution made specifically for stubborn stains. Dish soap and white vinegar can be mixed to remove stains. Mixing the solution with a soft cloth and applying it to the stained area will help the cleaning process.
Vinegar
You can use vinegar to remove the discolouration on vinyl flooring. This acidic substance is a good disinfectant and cleans the vinyl flooring without leaving any soapy residue. Vinegar can also be used to remove stubborn stains from ink and food. If you’re having trouble removing stains from vinyl flooring, try rubbing alcohol on a cloth and then wipe it away.
A solution of white vinegar and baby oil is also a good idea. White vinegar is acidic and breaks up any buildup on the vinyl flooring. While this is not a magic solution, baby oil adds a shine to the vinyl floor. Vinegar can be used to remove tough stains such as grease, permanent marker, and ink. The mixture is effective at lifting the toughest stains.
Another natural remedy for removing stains from vinyl flooring is baking soda. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of water and allow the mixture to sit on the floor for at least 20 minutes. This solution will lift the stain without damaging the vinyl flooring and should have the same effect as baking soda. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste. Let it sit for several minutes and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Bleach
There are several cleaning solutions for vinyl flooring, including bleach. A solution of one part bleach to two parts water will remove discolouration from your vinyl. You should test the bleach solution on a hidden area first, such as a closet or bathroom floor before using it on the whole floor. After that, you can repeat the process as necessary until you get the desired results. Warning: Bleach is a harsh chemical. Use caution when using it, as it can cause the finish of your flooring to flake off or deteriorate over time.
To remove a rust stain from vinyl flooring, you can use oxalic acid. It is often branded as “wood bleach” and can be applied to the stained area with a clean cloth. After a few minutes, the rust stain should fade away. Another option is to mix one part of bleach with one part vinegar. You can use a small amount of vinegar for every gallon of water.