One of the biggest advantages of vinyl plank flooring is that it’s incredibly easy to clean. Compared to other popular flooring options like hardwood or tile, vinyl floors are considerably more durable and moisture-resistant.
But like any other type of flooring, vinyl flooring requires special care to maintain its pristine appearance. Here’s how to clean vinyl floors and extend their lifespan in the process:
Remove Dirt and Debris
Before any wet cleaning, use a soft-bristled broom, a dust mop or a vacuum cleaner to remove surface debris such as dust and hair. If possible, use your vacuum’s hardwood setting to disengage the beater bar and rotating brush, which could scratch your floor.
Remove Stains and Scuffs
If there are stains or scuffs on your floor, you can spot treat them with a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Then, apply a small amount of the resulting paste to a microfiber cloth and work the paste into individual stains or scuffs, as opposed to the whole floor. You can also dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol for highly pigmented stains, like those from pens, markers, lipstick, or paint.
Make a Vinegar and Water Solution
For a deep cleaning, you can mix your own gentle solution using apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar if you want to disinfect the floor. Simply add 1 cup of vinegar to approximately 1 gallon of hot water in a bucket.
If you don’t have vinegar handy, head on over to your local hardware store and pick up a commercial vinyl floor cleaner. These pH-neutral products will come with instructions for mixing with water.
Mop the Floor
Dip a soft microfiber mop or microfiber cloth into the solution and wring out excess water. Then, mop the floor in the same direction as the plank’s grain, while rinsing the mop frequently to avoid using too much water. If your floors still look wet after mopping, dry them with a microfiber towel or a dry soft mop head.
What Not to Use on Vinyl Floor
Since vinyl floors are so easy to clean, it’s crucial to remember what NOT to use on this type of flooring. For example, you never want to use too much water on vinyl, which can bubble, curl or even buckle with excessive water exposure. Harsh cleaning chemicals like ammonia or bleach should be avoided as well, since they can break down the vinyl and cause it to crack. Lastly, while vinyl floors are scratch-resistant, they are not scratch-proof. So, don’t use abrasive cleaning materials to add shine to your floors, as they’re more likely to have the complete opposite effect.
If you’re having trouble maintaining the condition of your floor, the experts at Flohr are here to help. We’ve been installing all sorts of flooring in Austin for more than 20 years, so we’re happy to answer any flooring maintenance questions and assist with any flooring-related needs. We even offer free consultations where we collect measurements and other information to give you an accurate estimate for new flooring. Give us a call to set up yours today.
