How to Clean Vinyl Floors

02 Jul.,2024

 

How to Clean Vinyl Floors

Vinyl floors are known for their durability and ease of care, requiring little work to keep them clean. Of course, like any flooring, vinyl floors need regular care and cleaning to keep them looking their best.

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This guide covers everything you need to know to keep vinyl floors clean and well-maintained, including the cleaning agents, tools, and techniques to avoid using on vinyl floors to prevent costly, irreversible damage.

What Are Vinyl Floors?

Vinyl plank flooring is fabricated from plastics like acrylic and PVC and constructed in tightly compressed layers that include padding, a water- and dent-proof layer, a printed layer that gives the planking its design, and a protective coating to prevent scratches and staining.

Vinyl is a popular alternative to hardwood floors because it is more affordable, durable, and easier to install while still offering a similar look to the classic warmth of hardwood. Vinyl flooring is similar to laminate in terms of price and ease of installation, but vinyl floors are more durable because they are made from synthetic materials, as opposed to laminate flooring, which has a wood-based core overlaid with a printed design.

Vinyl flooring should be dry-mopped or vacuumed daily or weekly and&#;when a deeper cleaning is needed&#;damp-mopped with a pH-neutral cleaning agent formulated for use on vinyl or with a mild solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water mixed with two to three drops of dish soap.

How Often to Clean Vinyl Floors

There is no hard and fast rule about how often to clean vinyl floors. Like any other material, the frequency with which to dry-mop, sweep, or damp-mop depends on how highly trafficked the floors are and factors like the makeup of your household. If you have kids or pets, you probably need to clean the floors more frequently.

A general guideline is to sweep, dry-mop, or vacuum highly trafficked vinyl flooring at least once a week. Busy households, especially during inclement weather, may find that vinyl floors need to be swept, dry-mopped, or vacuumed daily or every other day to keep the floors free of crumbs, dirt, dust, hair, and other soils. This is especially true in high-traffic spaces like the entryway, kitchen, and primary bathroom(s). Less frequently used rooms may only need to be swept, dry-mopped, or vacuumed every other week or monthly.

For a deeper cleaning, vinyl floors should be damp-mopped with a microfiber mop. High-traffic rooms can be damp-mopped weekly or every other week. Rooms that see less foot traffic may only need to be damp-mopped monthly. Regular sweeping, dry-mopping, or vacuuming reduces the frequency with which vinyl floors need to be damp-mopped.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Vinyl Floors

Before cleaning vinyl floors for the first time, consult the manufacturer&#;s instructions for guidance on which cleaning agents and tools are recommended and what to avoid to prevent damage to the floors. If the manufacturer&#;s instructions are unavailable, these general tips can serve as a guide. 

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Excessive water is a no-no: Vinyl flooring is water-resistant but not waterproof, and it doesn&#;t like to be soaked with water. Exposure to too much water can cause the vinyl to bubble, curl, or buckle, creating a dangerous (and unattractive!) uneven floor. Vinyl floors should be cleaned with a dry or damp cloth or mop. Don&#;t let water or liquid cleaning agents puddle on the floor. Never clean a vinyl floor with a steam mop. 

Don&#;t use ammonia or bleach: Harsh cleaning agents like ammonia and bleach and any products that contain these ingredients should not be used to clean vinyl floors.

Avoid abrasives: Vinyl floors are known for being scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. To prevent scratches that leave vinyl floors looking dull and damaged, don&#;t use abrasive cleaning agents or tools on this type of flooring material.

Skip string and steam mops: Vinyl floors don&#;t like to be saturated with water and should be damp-mopped at most. Because of that, string mops and steam mops are not recommended for use on vinyl floors, as they can cause pooling that leads to water damage. 

Mind your vacuum settings: Vacuums should be set to the floor setting to prevent scratches.

No paste wax, please: Paste wax polishes should not be used on vinyl flooring. The wax creates a film that leaves the floors looking dull and dirty and builds up over time.

What is the Best Mop for Vinyl Floors?

Frequently Asked Questions

Vinyl is a popular choice for high-traffic living spaces, including kitchens, lounges, hallways, and bathrooms.

What is the Best Way to Clean Vinyl Floors?

Cleaning luxury vinyl flooring should be kept simple using the right products as part of a regular routine. The best mops paired with the proper cleaner keep floors smooth and shiny with no tackiness or waxy residue.

The best way to clean vinyl flooring is to first use a vacuum or broom to remove dust before mopping. Then clean with a microfiber pad mop to collect dust, dirt, and grime. To keep luxury vinyl flooring bright and beautiful use a  recommended vinyl cleaner.

Is a Steam Mop Good for Vinyl Flooring?

Any mop with a microfiber cloth or built-in sprayer can be used on vinyl flooring, including LVT and LVP vinyl. However, steam cleaners should not be used on vinyl. The heat and moisture can penetrate the inner layers and damage surfaces. This can disrupt the overall appearance of the planks, especially grained vinyl, and cause disfiguration of the structure.

What Floors Should Not Be Steam Mopped?

Steam cleaners are excellent for hygienically cleaning tile flooring, linoleum, and water-resistant laminate. But they should not be used for non-waterproof laminate, vinyl flooring, wood floor, polished concrete floors, or hardwood. The steam and heat can penetrate the wood, disrupt the finish, and seep into the gaps between planks, causing bending.

Using steam cleaners on these floors can also void warranties. It&#;s best to use a spray mop or a microfiber pad mop to clean these floors without damaging the surface or structure. Some hardwood flooring can be steam mopped, provided the temperature is lowered and its use is recommended by the manufacturer. Sealed and unsealed concrete floors can also be steam mopped.

How Do You Care for Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl gets dirty and dusty easily, especially in high-traffic areas. But all vinyl flooring, including sheet and luxury vinyl, is easy to clean and maintain. Routine vacuuming or sweeping with a soft brush or broom is best for removing dust.

To remove dirt and grime build-ups, use a spray mop or a mop with a microfiber cloth pad for gentle cleaning. Don&#;t use a steam cleaner or soak luxury vinyl flooring with string mops.

Are Steam Mops Safe for Luxury Vinyl Floors?

Generally, no, steam mops are not safe for use on luxury vinyl floors. Excessive heat can damage vinyl surfaces and impact the shine of planks. Even when temperatures are lowered, steam can penetrate gaps in the planks and make surfaces uneven.

Simple cleaners that don&#;t use heat or steam are best for luxury vinyl. Vacuuming, sweeping, and cleaning with a microfiber pad mop is best.

How Do I Keep My Vinyl Floor Shiny and Clean?

To keep your vinyl floor shiny and clean, stick to a regular cleaning routine. And avoid using any products with detergents, wax, ammonia, or abrasives. Vinyl floors should be cleaned routinely with the right cleaner and a spray mop to keep it looking nice. However, flooring that hasn&#;t been cleaned for several months or years will benefit from something more powerful.

Some of the best cleaners for vinyl floors are Squeaky Cleaner, Coretec Encore, and Bona Pro. These cleaners remove serious grime and bring out the natural shine of vinyl flooring.They come available in concentrate form or in spray bottles.

Summary

Cleaning vinyl is quick and easy with a great mop and effective cleaner. But remember to be mindful of the products used to prolong the lifespan of your flooring. Stick to simple cleaning products and non-abrasive cleaners. Don&#;t use anything with too much heat or moisture, like string mops and steamers.

To keep floors clean, shiny, and dust-free, vacuum weekly and mop vinyl floors at least once a month. Our best mops for vinyl flooring are the WOCA Spray Mop and the Bona Premium microfiber Mop.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Pvc Vinyl Flooring Factory.