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How to Clean Vinyl Floors

Flooring Installation & Care Vinyl Flooring

wf804h_59d3e9c955eafVesdura Vinyl Planks – 6mm WPC Click Lock – UGen Collection / SKU: 15237177

Your vinyl flooring looks great right after installation, and you can keep it in like-new condition with proper and regular maintenance. Fortunately, this material is easy to clean and care for, as long as you do so often. Additionally, vinyl flooring comes in several variations, so you should tailor your maintenance routine to the product you have. With that in mind, here’s a look at cleaning tips that will extend the life of your floors:

How to clean vinyl plank flooring

While many vinyl flooring products are water-resistant, they can become damaged by improper cleaning techniques. That means you’ll need to use low-impact techniques to keep your vinyl plank flooring looking its best. Here are the steps for carefully removing dust, debris, mud and so on:

“Your plank vinyl floors will keep their appearance longer if you regularly sweep them.”

Step 1: Sweep often

Your plank vinyl floors will keep their appearance longer if you regularly sweep them. In fact, you can sweep at the end of every day to remove crumbs that have built up from cooking or dust. This doesn’t have to be a long process, just a quick sweep to get rid of particles that could scratch your floors.

Step 2: Vacuum

On a day when you plan to do a deep clean, start by vacuuming. Set your vacuum to “bare floor” or turn off the beater bar. Doing this ensures the vacuum will gently glide over your vinyl flooring. You can also do a thorough sweep before mopping.

Step 3: Get the correct cleaning solution

While simple soap and water is OK for vinyl flooring, using a vinyl floor cleaner designed for the material will help it last longer and keep its beautiful appearance. As such, you should purchase the right cleaner. Some products come in concentrate form, so you’ll need to mix them with water before mopping. For more information on choosing a cleaning solution, read on.

Vesdura Vinyl Planks - 4mm PVC Loose Lay - Made in America CollectionVesdura Vinyl Planks – 4mm PVC Loose Lay – Made in America Collection
Seneca / 4mm / PVC / Loose Lay SKU: 15274139

Step 4: Check your mop

Make sure the mop you use is in good shape. The sponge should still have its rectangular form and look clean. If you purchase a new sponge for your mop, rinse it thoroughly before use. A dirty sponge can also be cleaned or replaced.

Step 5: Mop

Mop as you normally would using your cleaning solution. Make sure you don’t dump too much liquid on the floor by wringing out the sponge first. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damage.

Step 6: Rinse and dry

Depending on which cleaning solution you use, you may or may not need this step. You can leave some vinyl-safe cleaners on the floor to air dry, while others will instruct you to rinse the floor first. Make sure to read the instructions on your cleaner before reaching this step.

How to clean vinyl tile flooring

Although vinyl tile flooring can look quite different than plank flooring, and you may have had to use a different installation technique, the two are very similar. In fact, you can use the same steps for cleaning a vinyl plank floor when cleaning a vinyl tile floor. Follow the above steps, and remember these tips for cleaning all vinyl flooring:

Reduce water: While many vinyl floors are water-resistant, you should still be conservative with your cleaning liquids. Water can seep between the tile joints and loosen the glue beneath.

Avoid heat: Do not use a steam mop or hot water when cleaning your floor, as heat can warp vinyl. Stick to a hand mop and use warm water.

Vinyl floor cleaning products

Mopping keeps your vinyl floors free of dirt and stains, so you should do the chore regularly. Most of the time, a mixture of water and vinegar does the trick, but you can also clean with a solution formulated for vinyl floors. These products will not damage your floors and will help them look like new.

Many brands manufacture floor cleaners, so just look for a product that indicates it’s safe for use on vinyl. The bottle should say nonabrasive, or carry a similar label. Eco-friendly options are a great choice as well. Remember to check whether the cleaner is a concentrate – if it is, you’ll have to dilute it before use.

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(13) Comments

  1. Pam zimmerman

    You mention using vinegar and water. In the link u gave on February 20, it says not to use vinegar. Wondering if u still recommend it? Thanks, Pam

  2. michelle stanley

    I’m wondering if “simple green” is safe to use on vinyl plank floors. Of course I know it should be diluted. I’ve used this on my tile floors for years and it works great on them.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Michelle,

      We usually recommend the water and vinegar solution, but you can try the Simply Green cleaner. I would suggest trying it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t harm the finish on the floor. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

  3. Claudia

    I bought a squirt bottle of vinyl lamanint floor cleaner for my lvt floors. Should i use terry dust mop or what type mop.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Claudia,

      We usually suggest a microfiber mop but it doesn’t matter. You can use whatever you are comfortable with. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

  4. Larisa

    Hi
    I just had dark laminate slate flooring removed and replaced with Vinyl plank. I have a lot of leftover bulk wood laminate floor cleaner-can I use it on vinyl?
    Thanks!

  5. Rob

    Hello, my wife owns a salon and we have vinyl flooring. She uses a carpet shampooer (rug Doctor) to clean the floors and I can’t help but think she is ruining the floors. I would hate to ruin the floors before we even have them paid off! Please let me know if she is ruining the floors!!? Thank You!

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Rob,

      Thank you for getting in touch! Vinyl floor is water resistant so it should be okay as long as it’s not using high heat to clean the floor. A regular mop cleaning works as well but I can’t 100% guarantee the carpet cleaner won’t ruin the floors. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Dale,

      Thank you for letting us know! The solution should be 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!

  7. John

    Amazing content! This is worth sharing. Many readers will learn and benefit to this as to how to clean vinyl floors appropriately.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi John,

      Thank you! We’re glad to hear you enjoy our articles and can gain some insight! please let us know if you have any questions or concerns at all!

Comments are closed.