Vinyl flooring can be a great, cost effective way to beautify your home. When you know how to keep vinyl floors clean without damaging them maintaining vinyl tile or laminate flooring should be an easy task with the correct cleaning products.

Steps to Keep Vinyl Floors Clean

1. Vacuum or dry mop the vinyl floor regularly to remove dust, dirt, and any hair. Make sure you

clean all places such as behind sofas and along baseboards.

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2. Use a sponge mop with just water for cleaning liquid spills when they happen; wipe up the

mess immediately to prevent permanent stains. Additionally, use a damp mop with plain water

for regular mopping of your vinyl floors periodically.

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3. For tougher stains involving grease or oil, use a mild detergent or cleaner specifically made

for non-glossy surfaces combined with warm water on a sponge mop or cloth and gently scrub

the area before rinsing completely with clean water and wiping it dry with a soft cloth afterward.

Effective Cleaning Solutions

Vinyl flooring can be thoroughly and efficiently cleaned with just one cup of apple cider vinegar

diluted in a gallon of hot water. Use a damp mop, and rinse it frequently with hot water. If the

vinyl requires disinfection, substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar. If you are dealing

with very soiled floors add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the mix.

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To add extra shine to your vinyl surfaces, incorporate a few drops of baby oil into the

vinegar-water solution prior to mopping. Stubborn scuffs can be removed by rubbing them

gently with either WD-40 lubricant or jojoba oil on a towel - but restoring the original sheen

mandates that those lubricants are wiped off completely afterward with the determined

combination of vinegar and water.

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Removing stubborn food stains like grape juice, ketchup, and mustard can be tricky. You should

create a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub the stain until it's clean. Then just be

sure there are traces of baking soda left.

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A soft nylon-bristle brush is also helpful in facilitating removal when used with appropriate

household solvents; for instance, rubbing alcohol for lipstick, hair dye, and ink stains, mineral

spirits for crayon, paint, and marker stains, or acetone-based nail polish remover when dealing

with those dreaded nail polish accidents. Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner, Pledge Multi-Surface

Floor Cleaner, and Armstrong's Once 'n Done No Rinse Floor Cleaner are amazing commercial

cleaners specifically designed to clean vinyl floors.

How To Safely Keep Vinyl Floors Clean

To prevent damage to vinyl flooring, there are several steps one can take. To begin with, place a

good-quality doormat and area rug at doorways to help reduce dirt and dust buildup.

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Additionally, use a sheet of plywood or paneling when moving furniture across the floor – this

will help guard against scuffs and tears in the vinyl. Coasters underneath the feet and legs of

furniture can also protect against permanent indentations.

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It's equally important what not to do when cleaning vinyl flooring; avoid using harsh chemical

cleaners (especially those with ammonia), as these can dull or discolor the finish of your

flooring. Also, be sure to never scrub or scrape your surface with abrasive materials like steel

wool or wire brushes; these products can cause permanent damage.

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When vacuuming, avoid using a beater bar attachment as this can damage the surface.

Additionally, stay away from detergents, abrasive cleaners, paste wax or solvent-based

polishes. When it comes to cleaning solutions, also steer clear of ammonia or ammonia-based

ones as these can break down the material and cause cracks in the flooring. You'll reap years of

beauty from vinyl flooring with the right cleaning routine!

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Learn how to repair vinyl plank flooring here.

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