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Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability and easy maintenance. To clean vinyl plank flooring, follow these simple steps:
1. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
3. Dip a mop or soft cloth into the soapy water and wring out any excess liquid.
4. Gently mop the vinyl plank flooring, being careful not to saturate the floor.
5. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for vinyl flooring.
6. Rinse the floor with clean water to remove any soap residue.
7. Dry the floor with a clean towel or allow it to air dry.
By following these steps regularly, you can keep your vinyl plank flooring looking clean and beautiful for years to come.
Vinyl plank flooring is a versatile option for those who want the look of wood without the hassle of construction, renovation, or the high cost of wood floors. While vinyl flooring may seem difficult to care for, there are simple ways to clean and maintain it. Cleaning vinyl floors, even those with grooves, is easier than you think.
Advantages of Vinyl Planking
One of the main reasons people choose vinyl over wood is because it provides the same aesthetic appeal at a lower cost. Vinyl floors can be installed in various areas of the home, such as bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms, without the risk of warping. Additionally, vinyl flooring is easier to maintain, especially if you have children or pets.
Maintaining Your Floor
Prior to cleaning your vinyl plank flooring, it’s important to properly maintain it. To prevent scratches, avoid placing any materials that could potentially damage the floor on its surface. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will help remove dirt, small stones, and dust that can scratch the floor.
For daily cleaning, use a mild cleanser specifically designed for vinyl floors. If using a commercial cleaner, choose one that is gentle. Before wet cleaning, make sure to vacuum or dry mop the floor. This will ensure an effective cleaning process.
What to Avoid
When dealing with vinyl floors, there are a few things you should avoid doing. When spot cleaning, avoid scrubbing the floor too vigorously, as this can remove its shine. Never use abrasive scrubbers or a knife to scrape off dried substances. When wet cleaning, avoid using excessive amounts of water, as it can damage the vinyl underneath. Most importantly, never use ammonia or bleach to clean your vinyl floor.
Additional Tips for Vinyl Flooring
If you have heavy furniture, chairs, or tables, it is recommended to use protective pads underneath the legs to prevent scratches. However, make sure to use felt pads instead of vinyl ones, as rubber bottoms can stain the floor. To minimize the amount of dirt and dust brought inside, place doormats at all entrances.
This will make cleaning easier and reduce the risk of scratching the floor. Keep hot items such as space heaters, ashes, or coals away from the vinyl flooring. Avoid cleaning vinyl floors with abrasive powders, black soap, acetone, solvents, wax, varnish, oil-based products, or steam cleaners, as these can cause severe damage. Using appropriate cleaning products will help maintain the longevity of the floor.
Thoroughly Cleaning Your Floor
Whether you have a meticulous parent coming over or simply enjoy having a spotless house, sometimes giving your vinyl floor a deep clean is exactly what you need. To achieve this, you can mix a vinegar solution with a tablespoon of dish soap. While there are cleaning products specifically designed for vinyl planks, it’s important to use something non-abrasive.
This method will help eliminate any stubborn dirt that you may have missed while spot treating your floor. When using this solution, all you need is a soft cloth or nylon-bristle brush. If you encounter scuffs, try using a small amount of jojoba oil or WD-40 with the cloth. The oil or WD-40 should be able to remove any scuff marks.
If the cleanser and vinegar solution are unable to remove deep stains from your vinyl flooring, you can try using a baking soda paste. However, be cautious not to scrub too hard and ensure that all the baking soda is thoroughly removed, as it can be slightly abrasive. After cleaning, always rinse with clean water to ensure there is no residue left behind.
Creating Your Own Vinegar Solution
If you prefer to use a vinegar solution instead of a store-bought cleaner, you can easily make it at home. Fill a bucket three-fourths of the way with warm water and add a cup of vinegar.
Many people opt for vinegar as a cleaning solution for their vinyl floors because it is a common household item and does not contain harsh chemicals. Its slightly acidic formula does not cause long-term damage and is an ideal cleaner for vinyl surfaces.
Tackling Stains
Dealing with stains on vinyl floors can sometimes feel like a life-or-death situation, but there are various hacks you can use to prevent stubborn stains from damaging your floor. As soon as a stain appears, spot clean it using a cleanser, water, and a cloth.
If you spill oil, vinegar, or lemon on the floor, it is crucial to clean it up immediately as these substances can discolor the vinyl surface. For ink, pasta sauce, or bloodstains, dilute some alcohol in water and apply the solution to the stain. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse the stain without scrubbing the area.
To remove pen or marker stains, use a cloth soaked in a little mineral spirits, then rinse with water. Mineral spirits, also known as white spirit, mineral turpentine, turpentine substitute, petroleum spirits, solvent naphtha, Varsol, and Stoddard solvent, is a clear liquid derived from petroleum. If you encounter rust stains, use an anti-rust sponge and rinse the area thoroughly with water, being careful not to scrub too harshly.
Vinyl Tile With Grout Lines
Many contractors choose to install vinyl tiles with grout lines because they resemble real tiles. The advantage of vinyl tiles is that they are easier to clean compared to genuine tiles. When cleaning vinyl tile with grout, start by sweeping or vacuuming the tiles. Only mop the floor when it requires refreshing.
Although grout tiles are resistant to water, it is not waterproof, so it is important not to saturate the floor with water. To thoroughly clean the grout and remove any dirt that the mop may have missed, scrub it with a toothbrush and warm water. This will give the grout a fresh and new appearance.
Maintaining Vinyl Floors
When consumers purchase vinyl floors, they are usually “no-wax” tiles, meaning they do not require waxing. All that is needed to maintain their shiny appearance is regular washing. However, if you have older tiles, you may need to wax the floor to preserve their luster. When purchasing wax, ensure that it is specifically formulated for vinyl floors and carefully follow the provided instructions.
