How to Fix Dull RV Tile Floors After Carpet Cleaning Damage

Short Answer

The dull areas on your 2015 Newmar BayStar's tile floor were likely caused by chemical overspray or cleaning solution residue from the carpet cleaning process that has etched or left a film on your tile surface. Since your Bona Hard Surface Floor Polish isn't adhering to these areas, you'll need to strip away any residue or damaged finish first, then reapply a proper floor finish. This is a common issue when carpet cleaning chemicals drift onto adjacent tile surfaces.

Understanding the Problem

Carpet cleaning companies use powerful extraction chemicals and high-temperature steam that can easily drift onto nearby surfaces. Your tile floor likely had a factory-applied or previously-applied protective coating that gave it that nice shine. The carpet cleaning chemicals - typically containing alkaline detergents, surfactants, or acidic rinse agents - can either strip this protective layer or leave behind a residue that prevents new polish from bonding properly.

The fact that your Bona polish is creating blotchy areas rather than restoring shine confirms that there's either chemical residue blocking adhesion or the original finish has been chemically etched. In RVs like your 2015 BayStar, manufacturers often use vinyl composite tile (VCT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, both of which rely on protective topcoats for their shine and durability.

This type of damage is unfortunately common after professional carpet cleaning in RVs due to the close proximity of different flooring materials. The good news is that it's typically repairable with the right approach and materials.

What You'll Need

For stripping and refinishing your tile floor, you'll need several specific products. Purchase a commercial floor stripper like Zep Commercial Floor Stripper ($12-15 per gallon) or Armstrong New Beginning Floor Stripper ($15-18 per gallon). You'll also need a pH-neutral floor cleaner for the final cleaning step.

For application tools, get a mop bucket, synthetic sponge mop (not cotton), rubber gloves, and knee pads for detailed work. You'll need non-abrasive scrubbing pads or plastic scrapers for stubborn areas, plus plenty of clean microfiber cloths for drying.

For refinishing, skip the Bona product for now and use a commercial-grade floor finish designed for VCT or vinyl floors. Brands like Armstrong Shine Keeper ($25-30 per gallon) or Zep Commercial Floor Finish ($20-25 per gallon) work well in RV applications. You'll also want a clean synthetic mop specifically for applying the finish.

Safety equipment includes proper ventilation (fans or open windows), rubber gloves, and eye protection. The entire project should cost $60-80 in materials and take 4-6 hours over two days to complete properly.

How to Fix It

Start by thoroughly ventilating your RV and protecting adjacent surfaces with plastic sheeting. Mix your floor stripper according to label directions - typically 1 part stripper to 4 parts warm water for initial cleaning. Apply the stripper solution generously to the affected areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down residues and damaged finish.

Scrub the dulled areas with your non-abrasive scrubbing pad, working in small sections. Pay special attention to the transition areas where carpet meets tile, as this is likely where the heaviest chemical contact occurred. The old finish and residue should start lifting away. For stubborn spots, apply undiluted stripper (ensure adequate ventilation and avoid skin contact) and let it work longer before scrubbing.

Once you've stripped the affected areas, thoroughly rinse with clean water and a clean mop. Change your rinse water frequently to avoid redepositing residue. After rinsing, clean the entire tile area with pH-neutral cleaner to ensure all stripper residue is removed. Allow the floor to dry completely - this may take 2-4 hours in an RV.

Apply your new floor finish using a clean synthetic mop in thin, even coats. Work systematically from the far end toward your exit point. Most products require 2-3 thin coats for proper protection and shine, with 2-4 hours drying time between coats. Avoid walking on the floor during the curing process, which typically takes 6-12 hours for full hardness.

Leave It to the Experts

If the stripping and refinishing process seems too involved, or if you discover the tile itself has been permanently damaged, consider hiring a professional floor restoration service that specializes in RV or commercial flooring. Many carpet cleaning companies that caused the original problem will actually pay for professional floor restoration if you document the damage and contact them promptly.

Professional floor restoration typically costs $3-5 per square foot but includes proper chemical stripping, surface preparation, and commercial-grade finishing that should last 2-3 years in RV applications. They also have access to industrial equipment and products not readily available to consumers.

For future carpet cleaning appointments, specifically request that technicians mask or protect your tile flooring edges with plastic sheeting and painter's tape. Most reputable companies will do this automatically, but it's worth confirming beforehand. You might also consider having tile and carpet cleaned by different specialists to avoid cross-contamination issues in your 2015 BayStar's compact floor plan.