Tips On How To Clean Vinyl Floors | by Chafin Communities

Vinyl plank flooring has surged in popularity over the last several years. It is a durable, affordable, and easy to maintain option over hardwood flooring. Here are some simple cleaning tips to keep your floors looking like new. 

By: Colleen Voisin  Date: 9/8/21

Cleaning and Maintenance of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest floorings on the market to clean and maintain. This guide will show you a few ways to clean your flooring depending on your needs. Vinyl is very versatile and you can use natural solutions or stronger cleaners

With continued dust and debris collecting on your floor daily, you run the risk of damage and scuffs. Dirt has sharp edges and can act like sandpaper when it’s tracked around your home. Regular sweeping and dusting of floors will remove any dirt. Even though vinyl is durable, if dirt and grim remain on the floor they can scratch the surface. Therefore it’s best to dry mop and vacuum every day.  

So Why Both Methods?

When it comes to dry mopping, it’s like sweeping but picks up dust, dirt, and crumbs. Unfortunately it pushes the dirt into the cracks and grooves of the planks. Therefore, when you go to a wet mop these particles can get pushed around and leave your surface with scratches. 

Vacuuming allows you to pick up any dirt that falls into the cracks and gaps between the planks. Be sure to set it at the highest settings to avoid the rollers from hitting the floor. However, if your vacuum has a hardwood setting, use that.

Commercial Floor Cleaners

A vinyl floor cleaner is safe to use. But be sure to read the label.  Be sure not to soak the floor with water. Even though vinyl is water-resistant, not all of it is waterproof. Too much water can seep through the crack and cause blemishes or bubbling the vinyl over time.

Avoid using ammonia based cleaning solutions and do not use bleach. Using any highly abrasive cleaners or scrubbers will destroy the surface of vinyl. And any of these solvents will leave a dull film on the floor’s finish.

Natural Floor Cleaner

Mix 1 cup of vinegar (whit or apple cider) into 1 gallon of warm water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant. Add a drop or 2 of dish soap to the mix.  Dip your mop into the mixture and wring it out until the mop is damp and not soaking. Then mop your floor.

Natural Stain Lifter

Combine a tablespoon of baking soda and water to create a paste of a glue like consistency. Apply the paste to the stain with a soft rag and rub gently.  Above all, you may have to repeat this step until the stain disappears.

Removing Scuff Marks

Put a small drop of olive oil on the scuff. Use a melamine sponge or a Mr. Clean magic eraser. These sponges remove small scuffs w/o damaging the finish. Be sure to clean the area with water and vinegar to remove any oil residue. Leaving any oil residue behind can be a slippery hazard.

Preventing Stains

Quickly clean up any spills. The longer a spill sits on the floor the more likely the vinyl will absorb it. Bright colored foods  can wreak havoc on your flooring as well. Ketchup, curry mustard, wine, sports, drinks, juice, and tomato sauce. Use the natural paste of baking soda and water to remove.

Similarly, beauty products can stain as well, like hair dyes and lipsticks. Treat these stains with rubbing alcohol and a soft bristle brush. Any crayons, markers, and paint stains needs to be removed with mineral spirits.

What Not To Use

First, do not use wax on your floors. Wax can build up on the floor and leave a film.

Second, avoid steam cleaning your floors. It’s not meant to withstand steam. Stick to the old fashioned mop (w/o a scrub option) and Swiffer.

Third, do not use mops with a scrubber option as well as no steel wool and do not mop the floors with shine agents in them.

Finally, avoid ammonia or ammonia based solution as they can break down the materials and crack the flooring. 

Preventing Dirt and Damage

Use felt pad protectors on your furniture legs. And avoid furniture with caster wheels as they can crack the flooring.

Put down a good quality door mat and take off shoes after entering your home. Dirt can wear down and degrade the finish of the floor.  

Use a door mat or rug runner on heavier trafficked areas. Protecting these areas will help cut down on wear and tear.

Cleaning Frequency

Finally, remember to daily dry mop and vacuum.  And wet deep cleaning should be performed two times a month.