How to Revive Old Vinyl Tile
Restoring an old vinyl tile floor allows you to give a bathroom or kitchen a facelift without spending a fortune. Revive your old vinyl by stripping away years of dirt, wax and polish and adding a new protective finish. Expect to spend a few hours restoring your floor, particularly if years of buildup are in place. Once you restore the vinyl, clean up spills promptly to maintain the new look. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Remove furniture and throw rugs from the room. Sweep the floor to pick up any dust or debris. Use a dustpan to get rid of dirt you sweep up.
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Fill a bucket about halfway to the top with warm water. Add a cup of ammonia. This amount does not have to be precise; use more ammonia if needed for dirtier floors.
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Immerse the mop in the ammonia solution. Begin to mop the vinyl tile, starting with the area furthest from the room entrance. Cover a small area at a time and dip the mop in the ammonia solution as needed.
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As you work, use a toothbrush to clean the grime from between the tiles and from any grooves or chips in the tile surface.
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Work your way out of the room and allow the tile to dry. The drying time will depend on the size of the room and the available ventilation. Dump the ammonia mixture down the drain.
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Fill the bucket with warm water. Mop the tile with plain water, beginning at the corner farthest from the entrance. Work your way out of the room. Allow the floor to dry.
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Use a clean mop to apply a finish specifically designed for vinyl tile. Many of these can be squirted directly onto the floor and spread around with a mop, but follow the manufacturer's directions to properly apply the sealant. Apply sealer to all the tile and allow the floor to dry before using. Maintain the finish by mopping with a soft, dry mop as needed and cleaning up spills promptly.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have a broom, vacuum the floor to pick up excess dirt before mopping.
Open windows and doors in the room you are cleaning to help disperse the ammonia odor.
Use vinegar in place of ammonia if you don't like the strong smell. The floor will still get clean; you'll just need to do more scrubbing.
Don't use household or bar soap on vinyl tile; it will leave a dull, waxy finish that you'll have to work to remove.
Don't use abrasive cleansers on vinyl tile; it will create grooves in the surface that will collect dirt.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
