Vinyl flooring is waterproof, which makes it a low-cost option for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Since the flooring is made of 100-percent polymer materials, it is not going to warp when exposed to excessive moisture like laminate or wood flooring.
How Often to Clean Vinyl Floors
Vinyl floors in high-traffic areas of a home should be swept or vacuumed daily to remove grit that can cause scratches. Spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining that is more difficult to remove and the floors thoroughly mopped weekly.
What You Need
Supplies
Warm waterLiquid dishwashing soap with a degreaserBaking soda (optional)Rubbing alcohol (optional)WD-40 (optional)Distilled white vinegar
Tools
Vacuum, broom or dust mopWet mopBucket or deep sinkMicrofiber cleaning cloths
Instructions
The number of steps can be reduced if you won a vacuum and mop system like the Tineco Floor One S5. The dry/wet vacuum and mop makes quicker work of cleaning any type of hard surface flooring.
Tips to Keep Vinyl Floors Looking Their Best
Do not apply paste or liquid wax to no-wax vinyl flooring. It will build-up and ruin the finish. If a no-wax floor loses its shine, use a commercial sealant made for no-wax flooring to restore the shine. Never use steel wool or a stiff-bristled brush to scrub vinyl flooring. Place a doormat or throw rug at every entrance to catch grit and dirt that can damage floors. Prevent dents from heavy furniture by outfitting tables and chair legs with felt-backed floor protectors. Remove rolling casters from furniture or use a protective mat to prevent scratching. Never drag heavy furniture or appliances across a vinyl floor. Use a sheet of plywood when moving items to prevent scuffs and tears.
Start at one corner of the room leaving yourself an exit point. Rinse and wring your mop frequently as dirt is transferred from the floor to the mop. For even easier cleaning, use a robotic mop like Samsung’s JetBot Mop that takes away all of the effort but leaves vinyl clean and damage-free. Food Stains: To remove dried-on food or discoloration caused by tomato sauce or red wine, mix a paste of baking soda and water (two tablespoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of water). Spread the paste on the stains and then use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub away the food. The mild abrasive action of the baking soda will work wonders. Lipstick, Grease or Ink Stains: Dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol to remove these stains. Start at the outer edge and work toward the center of the stain to prevent the stain from growing larger. Keep moving to a clean section of the cloth as the stain is transferred to prevent smearing. Scuffs: Shoes and furniture can leave scuff marks on vinyl. Simply spray the scuff with a tiny amount of WD-40 and buff the area with a dry microfiber cloth.
