Does Vinyl Flooring Fade In The Sun? (6 Ways To Prevent From Fading)

Today, vinyl floors are among the most durable and water-resistant flooring options. But a question that most people with vinyl floors or vinyl-floor enthusiasts ask now and then, especially when they want to install it in their homes, does the vinyl flooring fade in the sun.

The sun’s ultraviolet rays harm you and most of your property. Generally, exposure to the sun can cause so many colorful things to get discolored, and your vinyl floor is no exception. When your vinyl flooring is exposed to the sunlight, it will get discolored, and its impressive shiny look will disappear. Therefore, yes, your vinyl floor will fade in the sun. It may not fade after one-time exposure, but constant exposure to the sunlight will cause your vinyl flooring to fade.

However, other factors may also cause your beautiful vinyl flooring to fade apart from sunlight.

It is not advisable to install vinyl floors outdoors or in spots with sunlight exposure. Because of all the sources that can cause your vinyl flooring to fade, sunlight is the primary source.

A waxy surface comes with vinyl flooring, making it shiny and beautiful. Your vinyl flooring may sometimes fade even if you install it inside your house. However, you can install vinyl flooring outdoors if the area is not exposed to direct sunlight.

The fading indoors may be caused by factors such as the cleaning methods. High temperatures are not suitable for vinyl flooring. Therefore, cleaning them using a steam mop or steam cleaners will likely fade and lose their waxy, shiny layer.

Further, some detergents or cleaners with chemical contents may cause discoloring to your excellent vinyl flooring. Therefore, you will need to use the correct cleaners when cleaning the vinyl floors in your home.

There are different shades of vinyl flooring. Dark color options do not fade quickly compared to light color options when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, when installing vinyl flooring in your home, you should opt for the dark-colored ones since they will last longer than light-colored ones after constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

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How To Prevent Your Vinyl Flooring from Fading?

Cleaning and maintaining your vinyl flooring is pretty easy compared to hardwood floors. You will need extra care for your vinyl floors to last a long time. Constant maintenance can provide extra care. Here are some of the ways that you can use to prevent your vinyl flooring from fading.

Exterior Windows Covering

The windows are one of the most significant sources of sunlight inside your house.

It would be best to cover your windows to block harsh UV rays and ensure they do not reach your vinyl floor. The most effective form of protection is an awning made of sheets, which must be installed on your window’s exterior.

As a further precaution, you should install your awning on the sheets of your window facing the sun’s direction. It will prevent UV rays from reaching your vinyl flooring.

Invest in Dark Curtains

Another excellent and one of the most convenient ways that you can use to prevent the sun and its harsh UV rays from messing up your luxury vinyl flooring is by the use of shades or blackout curtains.

A set of curtains with roman and roller shades will completely block sunlight from entering and discoloring your luxury vinyl floor. Another advantage of having dark shades or curtains in your house is that it will ensure you have a dark room for deep sleep.

Also See: Buying blackout curtains? Here’s what you should know first!

Invest in Good Cleaning Products

Your impressive vinyl flooring may become discolored due to sunlight and the wrong cleaners you use when cleaning your house.

It’s important to keep vinyl plank flooring from fading by never using bleach cleaners. In addition, you shouldn’t use cleaners that contain bleach.

The best way to keep luxury vinyl planks from fading is to clean them with the right cleaners. Bleach is harsh and could damage the flooring and cause spotting. You’ll need to look for specially designed cleaners for vinyl plank flooring to avoid damage and spotting.

Must See: How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Beginners Guide)

Use rugs

In most cases, the exposed parts are likely to be affected by the harsh UV rays and get discolored in the process.

The most effective way to prevent direct sunlight or harsh UV rays from getting to these spots is by laying down rugs. It may be challenging for some people to use this method since they cannot put rugs anywhere inside their homes.

When placing rugs on sun-exposed vinyl floors, you may need to change the decor of your house since it is sensible to use rugs under the bed, in doorways, or around the living room.

To protect your vinyl floor from fading and getting discolored, it is recommended that you use a large rug under your sitting.

Move Your Furniture

It may seem strange, but moving furniture around from time to time can also prevent luxury vinyl plank flooring from discoloring. Moving furniture around can make the fading less noticeable since your floor will fade evenly instead of having spots around your house that are less faded. In addition, it can change the look and feel of your room, which can be refreshing for your home.

Must See: 5 Best Ways to Protect Vinyl Flooring From Heavy Furniture (Must-Try!)

UV Inhibitors

Another method that you can use to protect your vinyl floors from sunlight and fading is by using UV inhibitor finishes. The use of UV inhibitors is also the most popular.

Generally, most people refinish their floors either once or twice a year. There are finishers with UV inhibitors in them that you can use while refinishing your vinyl floors.

However, using UV inhibitors is not a permanent solution to blocking constant UV rays despite them increasing your floor’s lifetime and preventing them from discoloring. When exposed to high temperatures, vinyl flooring tends to absorb much moisture, which may lead to fading.

Vinyl Floor Maintenance and Fading Prevention Tips

Mop Your Floor Using Vinegar: Vinegar mopping is an excellent option for removing bacteria and viruses from your vinyl floor and leaving it shiny. You should vinegar mop your vinyl floor at least twice a week.
Don’t Use Steam Cleaners: Hot temperatures are excellent for removing stubborn stains and germs. However, they are not great for vinyl floors since they are likely to ruin the shiny, waxy layer leaving your floor discolored. When you want to get rid of the stubborn dirt and stains from your vinyl flooring, you can use baking soda and water instead of steam cleaners.

Conclusion: Does Vinyl Flooring Fade in the Sun?

The vinyl floor has a waxy layer that is glossy. This shiny, waxy surface on your vinyl floor can easily be affected by harmful rays emanating from sunlight leading to them becoming discolored.

If you want the vinyl floors in your house to stay shiny, you should have an excellent maintenance routine. With the tips and ways to prevent your vinyl floor from fading, as stated above, you will have a beautiful vinyl floor in your home.

Additionally, installing vinyl flooring outside your house is not advisable because it can quickly fade and have an awkward appearance because of the harsh UV rays from the sun.

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Does Vinyl Flooring Fade in the Sun? (6 Ways to Prevent From Fading)