If you’re like me, you want your home to look clean and new all the time. And that’s especially true for vinyl floors – they can really make a room look fabulous. Vinyl floors are great for high-traffic areas, but they must be properly cleaned and maintained to look their best. If not, they may start to yellow or lose their shine over time.
So, looking for an easy way to whiten your vinyl floors? Look no further!
I’m here to show you how to whiten and clean them in no time! You can quickly whiten them using some simple techniques I will share in this blog post. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started!
Important
You will find mainly three types of vinyl flooring: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), and Sheet Vinyl. Maintenance and whitening methods may vary according to their type.
So, here I will give some basic ideas for whitening the vinyl floors. But you must need to find out the best suit for your vinyl floor type and act wisely.
However, it actually depends on the type and method and how easily you can remove the yellowness and clean vinyl floors.
Causes of Discolored Vinyl Floors
Before going to the whitening method, you must know the causes for which vinyl floors get discolored or lose their shine. If you know the reasons properly and avoid them, your floors will be as good as new in the coming years. Below, I will share with you some common reasons for which floors get discolored.
1. Food and Liquid Spills
Food stains like tomato sauce, ketchup, fruits, and vegetable juice can cause staining on the vinyl floors. Even liquid spills like tea, coffee, grape juice, red wine, and sugary drink are left too long and dry on the vinyl can cause discoloration. If these are not cleaned immediately, they will result in a permanent stain on the floor.
2. Dirt and Dust
If you don’t clean your vinyl floors, dirt and dust will start to build up on the surface. It will make the floor look dull and yellow over time.
3. UV Light/ Sunlight
Too much sunlight exposure can also cause vinyl floor discoloration. The UV rays from sunlight can fade the color of the floor and make it look yellowish.
4. Wax Build-up
If you use too much wax or polish on your floors, it will result in a wax build-up on the surface. It will make the floor look dull and yellow.
5. Markers and Crayons
If you have kids at home, it’s common to get crayons and marker stains on floors. But if you don’t clean them immediately, they will cause discoloration of the vinyl floors.
6. Adhesive
Adhesive stains from underneath or any furniture can also cause discoloration of vinyl floors.
7. Moisture
A discolored stain on vinyl flooring is frequently the result of moisture from either below or above. Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, but it isn’t waterproof. If it gets wet for lengthy periods, it can stain and lose its shine.
8. Makeup
Makeup can be another common cause of discoloration, especially if you have a light-colored floor. Suppose you accidentally drop your powder compact or foundation bottle. In that case, it can leave a light-colored stain that’s difficult to remove.
There are many other causes, like pets, shoes, and furniture, but these are the most common ones.
So, these are some common reasons your vinyl finish can get discolored. Now that you know the reasons for discoloration let’s move on to the methods of whitening vinyl floors.
Easy Methods to Whiten Vinyl Floors Your Vinyl Floors
There are many ways by which you can clean and whiten your vinyl floors at home itself. Some require special products, while some need only household items that are easily available in every kitchen. Below I will share with you some of the most effective methods.
Use Lemon and Baking Soda
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent, and baking soda is abrasive in nature. They make an effective deep cleaning paste to whiten the vinyl floor when used together.
To prepare the paste:
- Take half a cup of lemon juice and mix it with a quarter cup of baking soda
- Apply this paste to the floor and gently scrub it using a brush or mop
- Let it sit for some time before rinsing it off with plain water. You will see your vinyl floor shining like new
Lifesaving Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another effective cleaning agent that can be used to clean the vinyl floor. It will clean the dirt and grime and whiten the floor.
Take a cup of rubbing alcohol and mix it with equal water.
Apply this solution to the floor using a damp mop or cloth and scrub the floor well. Let it dry before walking on it. You will see your vinyl floors looking much cleaner and brighter.
Try Dish Washing Soap
Dishwashing soap is a mild cleaning agent that can be used to clean the vinyl floors. It will remove all the dirt and grime from the floor and leave it looking clean and bright.
To use this method, take a bucket of hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing soap. You can use Dawn dish soap for this purpose.
Mop the floor with this solution and scrub it well. With some elbow grease, you will be able to whiten the floors. Rinse the floor with clean water and let it dry completely before walking on it.
Look for Vinyl Floor Cleaner
Many commercial floor cleaners available in the market that can be used to clean and whiten the floors. These types of cleaners are specially made for vinyl floors. Some also work amazingly for effective whitening. People use them mainly to deep clean vinyl floors. Before buying, read the label well that it will work for whitening or not. And follow the instructions on the cleaner’s label and use it to clean the floor.
Polish or Sealant is Useful
If your vinyl floor has lost its shine and looks dull, you can use polish or sealant to make it look new again. Polish or sealant will not only give the floor a new lease of life but also protect it from dirt, grime, and scuff marks.
Follow the instructions on the label of the polish or sealant and use it to clean the floor. You will see your vinyl floors looking shiny and new in no time.
These were some of the most effective methods to clean and whiten your vinyl floors. Try these methods, and your floors look as good as new in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Best Cleanser for Vinyl Flooring?
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the best cleaners for vinyl flooring. You can either use it at full strength or dilute it with water, depending on the level of cleaning required.
Simply combine one cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of boiling water and clean. The acidity in the vinegar aids in the removal of filth and grime without leaving a soap or wax build-up. Rinse the mop frequently with boiling water.
Mix a few drops of baby oil with the vinegar and water solution to give your vinyl floor a glossy sheen.
Q: Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Vinyl Floors?
You may need to use a stronger cleaning solution like hydrogen peroxide to remove stubborn stains from vinyl floors. To do this, mix one-part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and apply it to the stained area with a clean microfiber cloth.
Using a soft-bristled brush, you can also use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide directly on the stains. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. You can add some dish soap to the mixture for extra cleaning power.
Q: Will Bleach Hurt Vinyl Flooring?
Bleach is a powerful whitening agent but can also damage your vinyl flooring if not used properly. That’s why I don’t recommend using bleach on your vinyl floors. Instead, try one of the following techniques to whiten your vinyl floors.
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
It is a safe and effective way to clean and whiten your vinyl floors. Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a bucket of warm water. Mop your floor with this vinegar solution and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it with clean water.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural whitening agent you can use on your vinyl floors. Simply mop your floor with a solution of lemon juice and water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it with clean water.
Q: Can You Use Pine-Sol on Vinyl Floors?
Whether an original Pine-Sol or a scented one, it’s safe to use on your vinyl floors. However, make sure to follow the instructions on the back of the bottle. You don’t want to damage your floors by using too much of the product.
It’s a safe cleaner for vinyl floors and acts as a disinfectant due to its formulation. You’ll be able to clean and whiten your floors in no time.
Q: Is Murphy Oil Soap Good for Vinyl Floors?
Murphy’s Oil Soap is an excellent product on your vinyl floors. It is designed to clean without leaving streaks or residue behind. You can find it at most stores that sell cleaning supplies. It’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while using.
Sum It Up
So, these are just some of the ways you can whiten your vinyl floors. Whitening your vinyl floors is easy when you know-how, so don’t hesitate to give it a try! With proper care and maintenance, your vinyl floors will last many years.
I hope this article was helpful. What other tips do you have for cleaning and whitening vinyl floors? Share them in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
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