Introduction
Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice in many homes today due to its durability and affordability. Vinyl flooring comes in various textures, sizes, and patterns, making it versatile and easy to personalize your living space. While it’s easy to install, maintaining and cleaning your vinyl floors can be a challenge without proper knowledge. Having your flooring professionally cleaned regularly is an excellent option, however, learning how to clean and maintain the flooring by yourself can save both your time and money.
Top 5 Tips for Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
Installing vinyl plank flooring in your home requires you to keep it maintained and cleaned. Here are the top tips that will ensure your vinyl flooring remains spotless for longer.
Tip #1: Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly
It’s important to keep your vinyl plank floors clean by sweeping or vacuuming them regularly. Dirt is an abrasive element that wears down the flooring over time and may cause scratches if left to build up. A soft bristle broom or vacuum will help to eliminate any loose dirt, dust, or pet hair that settles on top of the flooring. This step is particularly important to keep in mind when moving furniture as abrasive sediments may cause scratching.
Tip #2: Use a pH-neutral cleaner
Using cleaner that is suitable for vinyl floors is essential if you want a long-lasting vinyl plank flooring. Harsh cleaning products that contain alkaline or acid may damage the floor’s gloss, leaving it dull and faded. It’s important to choose a pH-neutral floor cleaner, or a specifically designed cleaner for vinyl flooring. When selecting your cleaning agent, make sure it doesn’t contain acetone or harsh chemicals.
Tip #3: Avoid using abrasive or sharp objects when cleaning
Abrasives such as steel wool, scrub brushes, or tools with sharp edges can scratch the surface of vinyl floors. These scratches can lead to discolouration and create weakened spots on your flooring. Instead, use a soft cloth, microfiber mop, or a soft scrub pad to clean your flooring. Avoid dragging heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring as this can cause scratches to the surface. Always lift furniture instead of dragging when moving it around.
Tip #4: Use a microfiber mop to clean
When cleaning your vinyl floor, using a microfiber mop is an excellent way to trap dirt and dust on its surface. This method is effective in removing the dirt and grime without leaving any streaks on the flooring surface. Damp mop with a soft microfiber mop is sufficient when regular cleaning is needed. For a deeper clean, go over the floor with a fresh microfiber mop.
Tip #5: Use warm water for tough stains
For stubborn stains and dirt build-up, you don’t have to rely on detergent-based cleaning agents. Simply mixing warm water with your pH-neutral cleaner is an effective way of tackling tough stains. The warm water helps loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to clean. For your safety, please keep the water warm, not hot, to avoid damaging your flooring.
The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your Vinyl Plank Floors
Taking care of your vinyl plank flooring is an essential part of ensuring its longevity and keeping it looking new. Here are some important aspects to maintain your flooring:
How to prevent scratches on your flooring
To avoid scratches on your vinyl plank flooring, it’s best to take preventative measures. One excellent way to do this is to place furniture pads and protective covers on the legs of your tables, chairs, and other pieces of furniture to help cushion it from the floor. Taking off shoes before entering the room can also minimize picking up fine grit, dirt, and rocks underfoot.
How to protect your floors from fading
Fading of your vinyl plank flooring can be caused by extended exposure to sunlight, so it’s important to minimize direct exposure to sunlight by keeping blinds or curtains closed. Alternatively, installing curtains or blinds with UV filtering is a great way to protect your flooring from fading and prevent UV damage to other surfaces in your home.
How to prevent spills from damaging your floors
Spills should always be wiped up immediately to avoid being absorbed into the vinyl plank flooring. If left unattended, the liquid may cause damage to the flooring’s surface and lead to spotting or staining. Use a soft cloth to mop up the spilled liquid as quickly as possible to avoid spreading it around.
Cleaning Hacks for Your Vinyl Plank Flooring
Here are some effective cleaning hacks to give your vinyl plank flooring the extra cleaning it needs:
Use a magic eraser for tough stains
Magic erasers are an effective tool to remove tough stains and scuffs from your vinyl plank flooring. Simply wet the eraser and gently rub against the stain until it disappears. These erasers don’t contain any harsh chemicals but will remove even stubborn stains.
Use baking soda and water for deep cleaning
Baking soda has natural cleaning properties. Mixing baking soda with warm water to form a paste is an excellent way to deep clean your vinyl plank flooring. Apply the paste to the stain or dirty area using a soft bristle brush. Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Use a vinegar and water solution for a natural cleaning option
If you’re looking for a natural cleaning solution, then vinegar and water solution is an excellent choice. Mix a 1:1 ratio of warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then spray the solution onto a soft cloth or mop. Apply the solution gently to the flooring while wiping away dirt and grime. Rinse the mop with clean water, wring it out and remove any excess water before mopping the floor to avoid water damage.
7 Steps to a Spotless Vinyl Plank Floor
Here are easy steps to clean your vinyl plank flooring:
Step 1: Remove debris
before you start cleaning, remove all debris and small particles from the flooring surface. You can use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust, grit, or dirt that may have accumulated.
Step 2: Sweep or vacuum
Sweep and or vacuum your vinyl plank flooring to get rid of any remaining dirt, debris, or hair. This step is important to ensure that all surface dirt has been eliminated and not pushed around during the mopping phase.
Step 3: Mix cleaning solution
Dilute your cleaning agent as per instructions on the bottle. Avoid using it at full strength as it may leave residues that can make your floor sticky. The recommended amount is usually four capfuls of cleaning solution per gallon of warm water.
Step 4: Apply cleaning solution to mop
Pour the diluted cleaning solution over your mop, making sure to wring it out well to avoid soaking your flooring. A damp mop is enough. And always apply the solution evenly to your mop throughout the cleaning process.
Step 5: Mop the floor
Mop the floor using even and gentle pressure from one end of the room to the other, following the manufacturer’s recommendations on cleaning direction. Do not apply excessive pressure while cleaning as it can damage your vinyl plank flooring.
Step 6: Rinse the mop
Rinse the mop with clean water and wring it out thoroughly before usage once more. Always remember to remove any excess water from the mop as the remaining wetness can result in warping or damage to your flooring.
Step 7: Allow the floor to dry
Once done with cleaning, leave your vinyl plank floors to dry thoroughly without walking on them. Wait until it’s entirely dry before moving back your furniture.
The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Vinyl Plank Floors
Understanding the dos and don’ts of cleaning vinyl plank floors can save you money and save your flooring. Here are some important things to consider when maintaining your floors:
Dos: Use a pH-neutral cleaner, wipe up spills immediately, periodically clean with a vinegar and water solution
Using a pH-neutral cleaner, wiping up spills immediately, and periodically cleaning your flooring with a vinegar and water solution are crucial to keeping your floors in good condition.
Don’ts: Use abrasive cleaners, use a steam mop, use excess water
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, steam mops, or using excess water while cleaning as this may damage your vinyl plank flooring.
The Lazy Person’s Guide to Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
Are you the lazy one, do you hate cleaning? Don’t worry; we have you covered; below are cleaning tips for you:
Use a robotic vacuum
With a robotic cleaner, the work will be entirely taken off your hands. Once programmed, it will sweep your vinyl plank floors for you. It’s essential to ensure that your robotic cleaner is compatible with your floors before you purchase it.
Use a spray mop for easy cleaning
A spray mop that allows you to quickly spray on the cleaning solution and then mop it up with no fuss is ideal for lazy cleaners. This option is best for people with light traffic on their vinyl floors.
Quick cleaning tips for busy individuals
If you are tied up with other things and don’t have enough time to give your vinyl plank floors the best cleaning, just follow these simple tips; when you see a spill, immediately blot it away with a wet cloth, and for dry debris or dust, quickly vacuum or sweep the floors to maintain their cleanliness and avoid scratches.
How to Help Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Last: Cleaning and Care Tips
To make your vinyl plank flooring last, you must keep it clean and well-maintained. Here are some tips that will help you achieve this:
How often to clean your floors
When your floor sees light traffic, weekly cleaning should be sufficient. For floors exposed to heavier traffic, you can clean at least twice weekly to keep them clean and last much longer
Tips for minimizing wear and tear
Place floor mats at entrances and exits to cut down on the amount of dirt being tracked inside and protect your flooring against wear and tear.
How to maintain the appearance of your floors
To maintain the appearance of your vinyl plank flooring, try to keep heavy items in one place to lessen damage caused by foot traffic. Clean any spills and stains promptly and ensure proper ventilation, allowing moist air out and fresh air in.
Conclusion
Cleaning and maintaining your vinyl plank flooring are essential to keep your floors looking clean and new. Remember to use a pH-neutral cleaner, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, and clean spills immediately. You can also use vinegar and water or baking soda to deep clean your floors. Finally, make the most of easy cleaning hacks or invest in a robotic vacuum for effortless cleaning. By following our cleaning and maintenance tips for vinyl plank flooring, you’ll maintain your floors’ look and longevity.
