How to Bring an Old Vinyl Tile Floor Back to Shine

Things You'll Need

Broom
Dustpan
Scrub brush
Bleach
White vinegar
5-gallon bucket
Sponge mop
Fans
Sponge
Lemon juice

Tip

Wear rubber gloves when working with bleach to prevent possible skin irritation.

Warning

Never mix bleach with ammonia or products containing ammonia. The resulting fumes are toxic.

Vinyl tiles are available in various colors, designs and styles.

Vinyl tile is a popular flooring option for both residential and commercial properties because it is inexpensive, durable and easy to install. With proper care, vinyl tiles will last a lifetime. However, as the tiles age, they may become dingy or dull and lose their shine. Fortunately, you can restore the shine of old vinyl tiles with the help of a few inexpensive household items. However, you must thoroughly clean the tiles before you can restore their shine.

Step 1

Sweep the floor with a broom as you normally would. Sweep the debris into a dustpan.

Step 2

Clean the grout by scrubbing it with a scrub brush saturated in a solution of equal parts bleach and water. The bleach will brighten the grout and remove any mold or mildew that may be growing on it.

Step 3

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a 5-gallon bucket. Scrub the vinyl tiles with a sponge mop saturated in the mixture. Begin at the area of the flooring furthest away from the entrance and work toward it.

Step 4

Allow the vinyl tiles to air dry. Place fans near the tiles to speed up the drying process.

Step 5

Dampen a sponge with lemon juice. Wipe the clean vinyl tiles with the saturated sponge. Continue dampening the sponge with lemon juice and wiping the tiles until you have treated all the tiles. Allow the lemon juice to dry on the tiles. The lemon juice will cause the vinyl tiles to shine and will fill the room with a pleasant citrus aroma.