How to Deal with 3 Common Vinyl Flooring Problems
When it comes to installing new flooring, vinyl flooring is a popular option for many homeowners. It’s economical and lasts for a long time if it’s properly maintained and looked after.
The lower cost to install vinyl flooring is one of its many advantages, but there are also several problems that can occur if it’s not cared for. Scratches can happen easily that will make the floor look dull. The corners of the floor can also start to peel with age. This looks unattractive and can require the floor to be replaced if it’s not fixed in a timely manner. To keep your vinyl floors looking sharp, just follow this easy maintenance guide.
Discoloration and Stains
There are also many problems that can occur with vinyl flooring. This material is prone to discoloration and stains, especially from spills. The food or drink can easily absorb into the floor, making it hard to get out. If you have chosen vinyl flooring for your kitchen, you need to be especially mindful of food and drink stains. The best way to avoid discoloration is by immediately cleaning up anything that spills on the floor. Don’t let it have time to soak into the floor and cause permanent discoloration. Get out any excess liquid or food right away, and then use a clean, damp rag to wipe up anything that’s left.
The floor can get discolored for other reasons as well. The sun will quickly change your vinyl flooring to an unpleasant color, so try to keep the shades drawn when the sun is strongest. While it’s not always possible when you’re at home and want to enjoy the light, at least make sure the room is shaded when you’re at work or away. Heating vents can also change the color of the flooring, so try to keep them away from the floor if possible. Being aware of these factors will keep your floor beautiful.
Scratches
When using vinyl flooring in the kitchen and other high-traffic areas of your home, another common problem you have to be mindful of is scratches. There are a variety of items that can scratch up the floor and cause it to look dull. Dirt that gets dragged in from outside can scratch the floor, so make sure to clean your floors on a daily basis. This may involve taking the time to sweep the dirt out with a broom each day, followed by a deeper cleaning each week. Have guests take off their shoes when they enter your house to prevent dirt from coming in. High heels can also easily damage the flooring.
If your floor already has scratches, there are some tricks you can try to fix it. You’ll want to fix them before they get worse. To begin, mix warm water and a small amount of dishwashing soap together in a bucket. Soak a sponge in the mixture and start cleaning the tile that’s scratched. You’ll need to get out all the dirt from inside the scratches and have it completely clean. Let the tile dry off all the way before continuing. Don’t let anyone else around the now clean tiles.
After the floor is clean and dry, you’ll need to sand the scratches. This will be done very lightly so the scratches can be removed without ruining the rest of the tile. It’s important to not rub it too hard, as you’ll ruin it. Take a medium grit sandpaper to rub the scratch in a straight line. Most of the scratch should come out with this. After that, use a finer sandpaper that you’ll move in a circular motion around the scratch. Take a fresh sponge to wash the area again.
The final step will be waxing the tile once it’s dry. Get a car rubbing compound that’s high quality and put a small amount on a cloth. Softly rub the cloth in a circle around the area you previously sanded. This should result in the tile looking shiny after you’ve buffed it. Make sure the compound hasn’t gone beyond the scratch, and wipe it off if so. Take a clean cloth once more to wipe the area and review what you’ve done. The scratch should be gone after this.
Peeling and Cracking
Another problem vinyl floors have is peeling as the years go on. This is usually due to the adhesive around the corners wearing out and starting to curl. This can look unattractive and lead to dirt getting underneath the flooring. The problem will also get worse if it’s not fixed.
If just a few corners have started peeling, you should be able to fix it without having to replace the entire floor. Put aluminum foil over the tile and heat it up with an iron. This allows the tile to become flexible and makes the adhesive softer. Clean, sand, and wax scratches when you see them so they don’t become worse. Your floors will last longer when you maintain them.
After this, you’ll peel the corners of the tile back so you can put on the new adhesive. Make sure to put only a thin layer of adhesive on the tile as too much can give the tile a ripple effect. After that, use a rolling pin to press the edges of the tile down and make any extra adhesive come out. Carefully wipe excessive adhesive with a damp cloth. Put wax paper over the tile, and then place heavy books on top of it. Leave it on overnight so there is time for the adhesive to fully dry.
Fixing Vinyl Flooring Issues Early will Save you Money
Vinyl flooring is a great way to improve the look of your home and have the material last for a long time. As long as you keep the floor in good condition, you’ll love the durability of it. Fix scratches as you see them before they get too big. If the corners start peeling, put on new adhesive before it gets worse. Maintaining vinyl flooring on a regular basis will prevent you from having to replace them completely. This will save you thousands of dollars down the line.
While it takes time to care for your floors, it’s more than worth it if you want to have them last for years to come. You can spend time enjoying your home instead of worrying about the floors.
