Vinyl flooring is rather sturdy and can withstand almost anything you throw. Thanks to its waterproof qualities, it is also reasonably easy to take care of. Still, there are many ways to clean LVP flooring, as well as various cleaning agents and remedies to make the floor shine. In this article, we will explain how to clean vinyl plank flooring in all ways possible. Read our recommendations about cleaning vinyl plank floors before flooring installation
Features of vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is made of 100% synthetic materials. It has a sturdy PVC core and protective coating, which prevents scratches and UV damage. Though vinyl flooring is rather thin, it can survive much more damage than hardwood or laminate. Because of that, it is also frequently chosen for commercial use.
Most vinyl floorings are also waterproof, which puts them high above wooden floors in terms of reliability. It can be easily put in bathrooms and hallways, or any other “wet” room. And those vinyl floors that are not completely waterproof are still water-resistant because there is no way water can damage them.
All mentioned features make maintaining and cleaning vinyl plank floors rather easy. They don’t need any special care or regular restoration. With regular vacuuming and wet cleaning, they will remain clean and tidy even under heavy use.
Which cleaning products can damage vinyl flooring?
Even though the vinyl floor is a tough nut, some things can damage them, which you can do during cleaning. So, here are the things you should never do when cleaning vinyl floors:
- Soak them too much: vinyl floors are waterproof, but soaking them may have a negative effect over time. If water finds its way underneath the flooring, it can ruin the adhesive attaching vinyl to the base.
- Use abrasive cleaners and tools: if you want your floor to remain glossy, avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners. Harsh tools, like metal scraps, are also to be avoided.
- Use ammonia-based cleaners: they shorten the vinyl lifespan and, thus, are not recommended.
- Steam mop: high temperatures don’t mix well with vinyl, so it’s better to avoid steam moping it. The results can be curves, bending, and a ruined adhesive layer.
If you want to know how to clean vinyl plank flooring, remember the mentioned methods and never use them. They can compromise its appearance and lead to early floor replacements. Always carefully read the component lists of cleaning agents or ask shop consultants for advice.
Vinyl Floor Maintenance: The main tips
Now that you know what you should avoid doing, let’s talk about how to clean vinyl plank flooring correctly. To keep your flooring clean and tidy in general, you’ll need to perform dry cleaning about once a week. Here is what you should do:
- Start with sweeping. Remove dust, food crumbs, and other debris with a soft broom or a dust mop. The latest is preferable as it is better at catching dust and doesn’t scratch the surface of the floor.
- Vacuum the floor: use a vacuum cleaner to finish the job and remove all remaining dust. Remove or turn off any attachments, like beater bars, as they can damage vinyl floors.
This is a way how to clean luxury vinyl flooring for usual maintenance. To find tips for more specific cleaning, read on.
How to clean stains
The best way to deal with stains is to remove spillage right away before it sinks in. But if the moment was lost, and there is already a stain, there are a couple of ways how to wash vinyl plank floors to remove it. Here, we will go from light ones to more extreme ones.
1. Baking Soda
A one-to-one paste-like solution of baking soda with water deals perfectly with stains from food and beverages. Just apply the said mix to the stain using a clean cloth and wipe it off after some time.
2. Rubbing Alcohol
Ink, paint, or nail polish marks can be removed with rubbing alcohol or acetone-free nail polish. It dissolves such stains fast and with no traces. Just apply it with a clean cloth and rub gently until the stain is gone.
3. Laundry Detergent
This option is potentially harmful to the vinyl flooring, so only use it as a last resort, especially for stubborn stains. Take powdered laundry detergent and mix it with water to create a paste. Then, apply it to the stain and leave it there for a while. After that, remove the paste with a nylon brush and rinse the area from any remains. Wear gloves and ventilate the room while doing it.
How to remove scuffs
Scuff marks may seem permanent, but, in reality, they can be easily removed from vinyl flooring. Try buffing them with baby or jojoba oil, WD-40, or rubbing alcohol. If the scuff isn’t too serious, it will disappear in no time. If this doesn’t help, the scratch might be deep enough to penetrate the protective layer. Unfortunately, this means that the vinyl plank has to be removed.
How to make vinyl plank floors shine
Many people wonder, “How do you make vinyl floors shiny?” Fortunately, there is an easy way to do it. Try cleaning your vinyl flooring with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. They both do a good job cleaning vinyl flooring, disinfecting them, and also giving them a shiny look. Just mix a glass of vinegar with a gallon of water and mop the floor like during regular cleaning.
If it doesn’t give the desired effect, you can try a special vinyl polish. Clean the floor thoroughly and then apply polish according to the instruction.
Conclusion
Vinyl floors are sturdy, water-resistant, easy to maintain, and have many more impressive advantages. Dry-clean them regularly using dust mops and vacuum cleaners, and give them occasional wet cleaning to keep them clean and glossy. Avoid abrasive cleaning agents and tools to preserve your flooring for longer. Now, you know how to clean vinyl floors and deal with all kinds of stains and scuffs.