Tools and Materials
Materials
- pH Neutral Floor Cleaner
Vinegar (optional)
How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is an alternative to hardwood flooring that mimics wood's appearance and texture with a more affordable price tag. Vinyl flooring is also resilient, easier to maintain and more moisture-resistant than traditional hardwood. Even though its durable and holds up to high foot traffic, kids and pets, proper care and cleaning helps extend its lifespan and keeps it looking its best.
Follow these easy tips to keep your floor in prime condition.
Always follow the flooring manufacturer's instructions for proper care and cleaning. Before using a cleaner or stain remover on your floor, test it in an inconspicuous location to make sure it won't damage the surface.
Figure Out What Works for Your Vinyl Plank Flooring
One of the most important things to remember as you clean your vinyl plank flooring is that your cleaning method can vary greatly by manufacturer. Depending on the flooring brand, different cleaning solutions might be discouraged or recommended. Some versions recommend a pH neutral floor cleaner, while others mention using a homemade cleaner of one cup of vinegar per gallon of water. If you're using a cleaning brush, a soft nylon bristle brush is recommended. Avoid common floor polishes, waxes, abrasive cleaners and soaps.
Clean Scuffed Vinyl Plank Flooring
If your flooring has any stubborn scuffs that aren’t removed by regular mopping, you can use damp microfiber cloth and rub the spot in a circular motion. For more stubborn scuffs, create a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to the area. Rub in a circular motion to remove the scuff then wipe the area clean with a damp microfiber cloth and let it dry.
Vacuum and Sweep Regularly
To maintain clean vinyl floors, and before any wet cleaning, use a broom, dust mop or vacuum to remove surface debris like dust and hair. When vacuuming, use your vacuum's bare floor setting that doesn't engage the beater bar. The bar can damage the surface and finish of your floors leaving them more susceptible to stains, moisture and damage.
Mop Your Vinyl Plank Floors
The best way to clean and maintain vinyl floors is to mop your floors regularly using hot water, the appropriate cleaner for your flooring and a well-wrung mop. When you want to disinfect your floors or do a deep clean, use a steam mop. While not all manufacturers recommend this, many do as long as the mop is used on the lowest setting and the mop head, where the heat is distributed, has a microfiber cover. Gently move the steam mop over the floors without letting it rest in one location too long. Prolonged excessive heat can ruin vinyl flooring. Avoid using spray mops with pre-mixed cleaners that might not be best for vinyl flooring.
Things to Avoid With Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers to clean your vinyl floor.
- Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. These can cause product buildup that may leave a film on your floors and will generally dull their shine over time.
- Only use mat or rugs with nonrubberized backing that are nonstaining.
- Don’t use wax or solvent-based polishes.
- Don’t use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions unless indicated by the manufacturer. Ammonia can break down the vinyl and cause it to crack.
- Don't drench your floors with water when cleaning. Mops should be well-wrung when cleaning to avoid standing water.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, it can warp the flooring.
Easy Ways to Protect Your Vinyl Plank Floors
- Clean your floors regularly to protect against wear and scratching from tracked in dirt and debris.
- Minimize dirt and damage by placing a doormat or area rug in front of entryways in your home. They trap grit and grime that people track in on their shoes.
- Cover the bottom of your furniture legs with felt or rubber pads to help prevent scuff marks, dents, scratches or tears in the vinyl.
- When moving furniture, place an area rug or sheets of cardboard over the floor so you’re not dragging furniture legs against the vinyl. There are also many furniture sliders available that make it easier to move heavy pieces by distributing their weight. These sliders are made of materials that will move against your floors without damaging them.