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What causes vinyl flooring to fade or turn yellow and how to prevent or repair it

How Do You Handle Discolouring in Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, affordability, and low maintenance. However, one common issue that can occur over time is the yellowing or discoloration of the vinyl. If you’ve noticed that your vinyl flooring looks discoloured or yellowed, you’re not alone. Understanding why this happens and how to address it can help you restore your floors to their original appearance. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of yellowing vinyl flooring, how to fix it, and steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the future.

Why Does My Vinyl Flooring Look Discoloured?

If you’re wondering, “Why does my vinyl flooring look discoloured?” there are several potential reasons. Vinyl flooring can become discoloured or yellow over time due to a variety of factors, ranging from exposure to sunlight and improper cleaning to issues with the subfloor or adhesive.

Common Causes of Yellowing Vinyl Flooring:

  1. Exposure to UV Light:

    • Description: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause vinyl flooring to yellow or fade over time. UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in the vinyl, leading to discoloration.
    • Impact: This type of discoloration is often more noticeable in areas near windows or doors where the floor is exposed to direct sunlight.
  2. Improper Cleaning Products:

    • Description: Using harsh or abrasive cleaning products, such as bleach, ammonia, or wax-based cleaners, can cause vinyl flooring to yellow. These chemicals can break down the protective wear layer, leading to discoloration.
    • Impact: Over time, using the wrong cleaning products can damage the surface of the vinyl, making it more susceptible to yellowing.
  3. Moisture and Mould:

    • Description: Moisture trapped under the vinyl flooring can lead to mould growth, which can cause the floor to appear yellow or discoloured. This is more common in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms or basements.
    • Impact: Mould and mildew not only cause discoloration but can also lead to more serious damage if left unaddressed.
  4. Chemical Reactions with Rubber Backing:

    • Description: Vinyl flooring can react with rubber-backed mats or rugs, causing a chemical reaction that leads to yellowing or discoloration. This reaction is caused by the chemicals in the rubber leaching into the vinyl.
    • Impact: Discoloration from rubber-backed mats is often localized to the area where the mat or rug was placed.
  5. Old or Degraded Adhesive:

    • Description: If the adhesive used to install the vinyl flooring degrades over time, it can cause yellowing or discoloration that seeps through the vinyl.
    • Impact: Adhesive-related discoloration is often uneven and may appear blotchy or patchy.

How to Fix Discoloured Vinyl Floors

If your vinyl flooring has become yellowed or discoloured, there are several methods you can try to restore its original appearance. The success of these methods depends on the cause of the discoloration.

1. Deep Clean with Baking Soda and Water

  • Method: Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the discoloured areas with a soft cloth or sponge, and gently scrub the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

  • Why It Works: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift stains and yellowing caused by dirt or grime without damaging the vinyl surface.

2. Use White Vinegar and Water Solution

  • Method: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the solution onto the discoloured areas and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse with clean water and dry.

  • Why It Works: Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can help break down stains and remove discoloration without damaging the vinyl flooring.

3. Try Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

  • Method: Mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the yellowed areas and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse with clean water and dry.

  • Why It Works: The acidic properties of lemon juice, combined with the mild abrasiveness of baking soda, can help lift stubborn yellow stains from vinyl flooring.

4. Commercial Vinyl Floor Cleaner

  • Method: Use a commercial vinyl floor cleaner designed to remove stains and discoloration. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and rinsing. Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.

  • Why It Works: Commercial vinyl cleaners are formulated to tackle tough stains and yellowing without damaging the flooring.

5. Remove Rubber-Related Discoloration

  • Method: If the discoloration is caused by a reaction with a rubber-backed mat, remove the mat and clean the area with a mixture of baking soda and water or a vinyl-safe cleaner. Avoid using rubber-backed mats in the future.

  • Why It Works: Removing the source of the discoloration and cleaning the affected area can help restore the floor’s appearance.

6. Address Moisture Issues

  • Method: If yellowing is caused by moisture or mould, it’s essential to address the underlying moisture problem. Remove the affected vinyl, dry the subfloor thoroughly, and treat any mould with a mould-killing cleaner before reinstalling the flooring.

  • Why It Works: Addressing moisture issues at the source prevents further damage and discoloration.

Preventing Vinyl Flooring from Yellowing

Preventing yellowing is often easier than fixing it. Here are some steps you can take to protect your vinyl flooring from discoloration:

1. Use UV-Resistant Window Treatments

  • Tip: Install UV-resistant window treatments, such as blinds, curtains, or window films, to reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting your vinyl flooring.

  • Why It Matters: Reducing UV exposure helps prevent the vinyl from fading or yellowing over time.

2. Choose the Right Cleaning Products

  • Tip: Use only mild, pH-neutral cleaners or those specifically designed for vinyl flooring. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or wax-based products that can damage the surface.

  • Why It Matters: The right cleaning products help preserve the protective layer on your vinyl flooring and prevent discoloration.

3. Avoid Rubber-Backed Mats

  • Tip: Use non-rubber-backed mats and rugs on your vinyl flooring to prevent chemical reactions that cause yellowing.

  • Why It Matters: Non-rubber-backed mats protect your floors without causing chemical damage that leads to discoloration.

4. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels

  • Tip: Keep humidity levels consistent in areas with vinyl flooring, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Use dehumidifiers if necessary to control moisture.

  • Why It Matters: Controlling humidity helps prevent mould growth and moisture-related yellowing.

5. Clean Regularly

  • Tip: Regularly clean your vinyl flooring to remove dirt, grime, and potential stains that can lead to discoloration over time.

  • Why It Matters: Routine cleaning helps maintain the appearance and longevity of your vinyl flooring.

Conclusion

Yellowing or discoloration of vinyl flooring can be frustrating, but understanding the causes and solutions can help you restore your floors to their original beauty. Whether it’s caused by UV exposure, improper cleaning products, or moisture, addressing the underlying issue and using the right cleaning methods can make a big difference. By following the prevention tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your vinyl flooring looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.

If your vinyl flooring is already yellowed, don’t worry—there are effective methods to fix the discoloration and restore your floors. Regular maintenance and care will help you avoid these issues in the future and ensure your vinyl flooring remains a durable and attractive choice for your home.

Easipay Carpets can help you get brand new flooring without the high up-front cost – by simply letting you spread the cost of the flooring over time instead. There’s no interest on our plans so you aren’t spending a penny more than you would buying it outright and we include underlay, door trims, carpet grippers and laminate beading for free. Prices start from just £10 per week! 

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Still Got Questions? Here's 10 FAQs!

Vinyl flooring can become discoloured due to UV exposure, improper cleaning products, moisture, chemical reactions with rubber-backed mats, or degraded adhesive.

Try deep cleaning with baking soda and water, a vinegar and water solution, lemon juice and baking soda, or a commercial vinyl floor cleaner to remove yellowing.

Common causes of yellowing include exposure to direct sunlight, harsh cleaning chemicals, moisture or mould, and reactions with rubber-backed mats.

Yes, prolonged exposure to UV rays from sunlight can cause vinyl flooring to fade or yellow over time.

Prevent yellowing by using UV-resistant window treatments, choosing the right cleaning products, avoiding rubber-backed mats, controlling humidity levels, and regular cleaning.

Yes, remove the rubber-backed mat and clean the area with a vinyl-safe cleaner or baking soda and water. Avoid using rubber-backed mats in the future.

Avoid using bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleaners, or wax-based products on vinyl flooring as they can cause discoloration or damage.

Yes, moisture trapped under vinyl flooring can lead to mould growth, which can cause yellowing or discoloration on the surface.

Regularly clean with vinyl-safe products, control moisture, avoid harsh chemicals, and use non-rubber-backed mats to prevent discoloration.

Using UV-resistant treatments, maintaining proper humidity, and choosing high-quality vinyl flooring with a protective coating can help prevent permanent yellowing.

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