How to Clean Vinyl Floors: Easy Tips for Keeping Them Looking Great

How to Clean Vinyl Floors: Easy Tips for Keeping Them Looking Great

Vinyl floors are considered to be one of the most common types of floors in homes and companies because it has a modern and at the same time a very practical appearance. Vinyl flooring can pretty much fit any room: it can be deep embossed to provide a modern sophisticated look or be textured to reproduce the look of natural materials like wood. However, even fighting concrete requires certain attentiveness in order to look like it does on the picture. Well, it makes me wonder how should I clean them properly if not correctly? Below, we take our gaze at some basic steps to try and certain things to leave alone.

Order FREE LVT Samples

What’s the Best Way to Clean Vinyl Floors?

To keep your vinyl floors sparkling, you don’t need anything too fancy. One of the best ways to clean them is with a gentle solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Dish soap helps break down grease and grime, while warm water ensures a streak-free shine. Simply mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water, grab a soft mop, and get to work.

If you want something a bit more specific, you can use a cleaner made especially for vinyl floors. These are often formulated to clean without damaging the surface, but be careful with any cleaner that’s too harsh or contains strong chemicals.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Vinyl Floors?

While vinyl flooring is pretty tough, there are a few things you should definitely stay away from.

  1. Harsh Chemicals: Avoid any cleaning products that contain ammonia, bleach, or other abrasive ingredients. These can strip the protective layer of your vinyl, causing discolouration or damage over time.

  2. Wax: Applying wax might seem like a good idea for a shiny finish, but it can build up, creating a slippery surface and attracting dirt. It’s best to skip the wax.

  3. Steam Cleaners: While steam mops work wonders on some surfaces, they’re not great for vinyl. The heat can cause the vinyl to warp, and too much moisture can lead to peeling or discolouration.

  4. Scrubbing Pads: Stay away from rough scrubbers like steel wool. They can scratch and scuff the surface, which is hard to fix and can make your floors look worse.

How Can You Make Vinyl Floors Look New Again?

Over time, vinyl floors can start to lose their shine due to dirt, oils, or general wear. Here’s how to bring them back to life:

  1. Stick to a Cleaning Routine: Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps prevent dirt and dust from scratching the surface. Wiping down the floor with a damp mop and mild cleaner will keep it looking fresh.

  2. Deep Clean: Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to give your floors a deeper clean. Use warm water mixed with a small amount of dish soap, and follow up with a rinse of clean water to remove any leftover soap. This will leave your floors looking bright and clean.

  3. Buffing: If your floors look a little dull, try buffing them lightly with a microfiber cloth or soft pad. This can help remove any streaks and restore some shine without the need for harsh chemicals.

  4. Professional Cleaning: If your vinyl floors are heavily stained or have suffered from years of wear, a professional clean might be the best option. Experts can restore your floors and remove tough stains without damaging the material.

    Order FREE LVT Samples

Is Vinegar and Water a Good Solution for Cleaning Vinyl Floors?

You’ve probably heard about using vinegar for cleaning all sorts of things, but is it a good choice for vinyl floors? The short answer is: yes, but with some caution.

A diluted vinegar solution (about one cup of vinegar to a gallon of water) can help clean and disinfect your floors. The acidity of vinegar can break down dirt and grime, leaving your floors fresh and shiny. However, using vinegar too often might wear down the finish over time, so it’s best to reserve it for occasional deep cleaning. After using the vinegar solution, always follow up with a clean water rinse to prevent any leftover acidity from damaging the floor.

Vinyl floors are an excellent option for those wanting attractive, cheap floors that are incredibly simple to maintain. As with any floor, some simple maintenance tips should followed to maintain the beauty of the vinyl floors for as long as possible and it will not cost a lot of money. A little of regular cleaning, sometimes deep cleaning and a tiny bit of care may go a long way. Therefore, no matter whether you are engaged in cleaning after a working week or carrying out some gorgeous polishing of the floors, it will be useful for you to know these simple tips to make your vinyl floors look as much as possible terrific.

At UK Flooring Depot, we are always focused on providing top of the range flooring to our clients and it will delight you to know how to take proper care of your floors to ensure they last as long as is maximumly possible. Happy cleaning!

Back to blog