Sun exposure, improper cleaning and wax and residue buildup can leave your vinyl or linoleum flooring covered with a yellow layer or yellow stains. Properly cleaning your floor and rinsing all of the soap residue will be enough to remove the yellowing. Ammonia or baking soda will dissolve thicker buildups, waxes and stains. Routinely cleaning the linoleum or vinyl and rinsing it free of soap buildup will help prevent yellow floors.
Commercially Sold Cleaners
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Step 1
Sweep the floor with a broom to remove dirt, dust and residue.
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Step 2
Fill a bucket with a capful of a commercially sold all-purpose mop solution with 1 gallon of warm water.
Step 3
Dip a mop in the soapy water. Mop the entire surface.
Step 4
Rinse the mop bucket. Refill it with cool water. Re-mop the floor to remove soap residue. Do not leave soap residue sitting on vinyl or linoleum, or it could cause further yellowing. Allow the floor to air-dry.
Ammonia
Step 1
Sweep and mop the floor as detailed in Section 1. This removes most of the buildup and residue, ensuring that simple dirts and buildup are not the cause of the yellowing. This also cleans the floor, allowing the ammonia to work into the yellowing tiles, rather than first cutting through a layer of grime and buildup that could have been removed by mopping the floor.
Step 2
Fill a mop bucket with equal parts of household ammonia and water.
Step 3
Dip a scrubbing brush in the ammonia solution. Scrub the mixture into any yellow spots or stains. Allow the ammonia to dry on the stain. Ammonia works into and dissolves any residue and waxes that can cause the floor to look yellow.
Step 4
Dampen a soft cloth with cool water. Wring the cloth. Wipe away the ammonia solution from the ground. Repeat the process until the stain has lifted.
Baking Soda
Step 1
Sweep and mop the floor as detailed in Section 1.
Step 2
Combine equal parts water and baking soda in a bowl. Mix the ingredients to form a paste.
Step 3
Rub the paste into the yellow vinyl and linoleum stains, using a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. Allow the mixture to dry on the stain.
Step 4
Dampen a soft cloth with cool water. Wring the cloth. Wipe away the paste from the ground. Repeat the process until the stain has lifted.