Why Is My Vinyl Floor Turning Yellow? Causes and Fixes

Have you ever wondered why your floor is becoming yellow after gazing down at your once-beautiful Luxury Vinyl Tiles? You're not by yourself! This enigmatic issue has been encountered by numerous homeowners in the Vinyl Flooring UK market. Vinyl floors may eventually turn yellow as a result of exposure to sunlight, chemical reactions, or even moisture buildup. We'll identify the cunning perpetrators of this problem and, most importantly, how to resolve it in this article. Whether it's a straightforward cleaning technique or a comprehensive restoration, you'll know just how to keep your vinyl flooring looking as good as the day it was put in. Let's restore that radiance!

Why Does My Vinyl Floor Look Yellow?

Vinyl floors are strong, but they're not free from damage. As time goes on, certain things can make them turn a yellowish color, and you might not expect some of these!

1. Exposure to Sunlight:

We all enjoy some sunshine, but your fancy Vinyl tiles? Not really. Direct sun can change their color over time, mainly where UV light keeps hitting them.

Pro-Tip: If your vinyl floor sees a lot of sunlight, think about putting UV-block film on your windows or laying down some cool rugs to keep it safe.

2. Rubber-backed Mats:

Do you have a rubber-backed doormat? If so, it could be the cause! When rubber reacts with vinyl, it leaves behind yellow stains that are difficult to remove. Nobody wants their floor to look like it's developing a horrible fake tan!

Pro-Tip: To keep your flooring looking new and stain-free, replace rubber-backed mats with felt or vinyl-safe substitutes.

3. Old Cleaning Products & Wax Buildup:

Picking the wrong floor cleaner (those with wax or ammonia) can make your floor look dull and turn it yellow over time. A lot of old-style wax cleaners don't work well with new vinyl floors. They don't make your floors shine; instead, they drop a layer that holds dirt and shifts the color.

Pro-Tip: Always look at the label before using any floor cleaner. Go for pH-neutral or vinyl-made cleaners for top results.

4. Water and Moisture Damage:

Bathrooms and kitchens often get very wet, and if water sits under your vinyl floor, it can cause it to change color. This happens a lot if the layer under the floor was not well sealed when put in.

Pro-Tip: Make sure your vinyl floor is sealed the right way and clean up any spills right away to stop water from building up.

5. Adhesive Chemical Reactions:

If you put down vinyl floors that were stuck with glue, the glue might mix poorly with the floor stuff. This reaction has the potential to colour the floor yellow over time, particularly in older installations that used antiquated adhesives.

Pro-Tip: To prevent chemical reactions, use premium, vinyl-friendly adhesives if your flooring is glued down.

How to Repair Yellowing Vinyl Floors: The Best Rescue Strategy:

Now we know why the floors turn yellow, let's jump to the good part—making it right! Based on how bad the stain is, some ways will do better than others.

1. Vinegar & Baking Soda Magic:

Oh, the do-it-yourself cleaning team! Vinegar and baking soda are excellent for moderate yellow stains.

What You'll Require:

-The baking soda

-White vinegar

-Warm water.

-Microfiber fabric

How to Complete It:

-In a spray bottle, combine equal parts warm water and white vinegar.

-Apply baking soda immediately to the areas that have become yellow.

-Don't worry, it's science; the vinegar mixture will bubble up when sprayed over the baking soda.

-Give it five to ten minutes to sit.

-Wipe clean after carefully cleaning with a microfiber cloth.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide for More Difficult Stains:

The secret weapon for stains that are difficult to remove is hydrogen peroxide.

Things You'll Need:

-Three percent hydrogen peroxide

-A fresh cloth

-Optional plastic wrap

How to Do It:

- Put a clean cloth in hydrogen peroxide.

- Place the cloth on the stained spot and wait for 30-60 minutes.

- Take the cloth off and clean the spot with a wet microfibre cloth.

Pro-Tip: Try it on a small, out of view spot first to be sure it won’t hurt the floor's look!

3. Lemon Juice & Baking Soda:

If you like a natural way, lemon juice and baking soda are great at taking out light stains and making your floor look bright.

You Will Need:

-New lemon juice

-Baking soda

-Soft fabric

The Way to Do It:

-Apply some fresh lemon juice to the areas that have become yellow.

-Add some baking soda on top of the juice.

-Wait for 10-15 minutes.

-Lightly rub and clean it off with a wet cloth.

4. Commercial Cleaners for Vinyl Floors:

A good commercial cleaning can help if home methods aren't working. Choose a vinyl-specific cleaner; stay away from products that contain wax or ammonia. Brands such as Dr. Beckmann, Rejuvenate, and Bona are effective.

Pro-Tip: Prior to using the cleaner all over the floor, always follow the directions and perform a patch test.

How to Stop Yellowing and Maintain the New Look of Your Vinyl:

Let's make sure your floor maintains its previous beauty now that it has returned. Here are some golden principles to prevent yellowing in the future.

✔️ Go for vinyl-safe mats & rugs– keep away from mats with rubber backs that don't go well with vinyl.

✔️ Guard from sun rays– If your floor gets lots of sun, put up shades, blinds, or sun-blocking window film.

✔️ Skip wax cleaners– Use mild, pH-neutral cleaners made for vinyl floors.

✔️ Clean Up Spills Right Away- Vinyl does not like moisture.

✔️ Select the Correct Adhesive- To avoid chemical reactions while putting in new flooring, select glue that is compatible with vinyl.

FAQs:

1. Is it possible to get rid of yellow spots on vinyl flooring with bleach?

I wouldn't suggest it! Bleach exacerbates the issue because it is excessively abrasive and can harm the vinyl's finish. Use kinder substitutes, such as hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.

2. Will the yellowing disappear by itself?

No! Vinyl will not suddenly turn back once it goes yellow. One of the aforementioned techniques must be used to clean it.

3. What if it doesn't work? My vinyl floor—is it ruined?

You may need to think about replacing the damaged flooring if all else fails and the stains are too severe. Try expert vinyl restoration services first, though, since they could save you a lot of money.