Let’s admit it – vinyl flooring is ugly. They look cheap and can be a pain to clean and maintain most of the times. However, not all of us can afford to have expensive wood or tile floorings installed so we try to make do with whatever is available.
No one wants to spend a huge chunk of their time scrubbing floors, so how exactly do you properly clean vinyl flooring?
Here are some top tips that will make your life so much easier:
Step 1: Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Keeping your floors clean when they are constantly being stepped on every single day is an impossible feat. However, you can always look for ways that will help prevent dirt and build-up on your floors.
If you think that doormats have no function in the house, they actually do. Doormats receive the majority of your footwear’s dirt and debris so you can keep it from entering the house.
Remember that grit and debris can act like sandpaper which can destroy your vinyl floors. It could also create scrapes on the flooring where dirt sticks, making clean-up an even more daunting task.
It is also a good idea to sweep your floors frequently or use a vacuum cleaner to lift off the dirt before it settles into your flooring. If possible, avoid bringing your shoes in – chemicals coming from the asphalt that sticks to your shoes can cause your vinyl floors to turn yellow.
Step 2: How To Clean Discolored Vinyl Flooring
Before you try to resort to heavy-duty cleaners to remove the discoloration in your vinyl flooring, try to stick to lower impact methods instead.
For starters, sweeping and vacuuming it on a regular basis can already do wonders and minimizes the need for heavy cleaning. When water gets spilled on the floor, wipe it up right away.
If sweeping or vacuuming does not do the trick, try mopping your floor with warm (not hot!) water to remove the dirt. If it still does not do the job, you can try using mild soaps that are designed for vinyl.
Step 3: Best Vinyl Floor Cleaner Uk
Vinyl comes in different types: there is one that requires waxing (usually the older versions) and there is one that does not. To clean up older types of vinyl floors, you can use a combination of warm water and detergent.
Simply apply the mixture with a mop or sponge enough to loosen the dirt on the floor. For floors that do not require waxing, go for specially-designed cleaners and follow the instructions indicated.
For vinyl floors that have accumulated hair spray residue, a simple trick is to mix a small amount of shampoo with warm water and then apply it to the floor. Rinse the floor after mopping to achieve clean results!
Step 4: Take Out All The Soap And Chemicals
No matter what soap and cleaner labels say about not having to rinse it – you should!
Leaving it on the floor will only result in accumulation of residue and the chemicals that come with it may only ruin your vinyl floor over time.
After applying soap and cleaners on your floor, remove all the soap scum to prevent dirt from sticking to it. You do not even have to resort to using soaps and cleaners unless your vinyl floors are already extremely dirty.
When washing the floors, have two mops at hand – one for washing the floors and another for rinsing it.
Step 5: Keep It Dry
We almost always tend to dampen our floors too much when we try to scrub or remove dirt from it. However, doing so can only harm it: water will just find its way through the cracks and seams on the floor.
Eventually, the glue bond that is holding the vinyl to the floor will get destroyed and will cause the floors to curl or even loosen up.
Step 7: Is It Safe to Steam Mop Vinyl Flooring?
Unfortunately, cleaning your vinyl floor with a steam mop is not advisable and most definately not safe.
Steam mops use high tempertures of steam that help remove dirt and bacteria without any chemicals. But the hot steam can damage viynl flooring lifting the planks and adhesive.
Before and After Cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Clean Vinyl Floors With Vinegar
When cleaning your vinyl floors with vinegar you can use white vinegar or apple cider and either one is safe to use. Simply mix one cup of vinegar in a gallon of water and then get on with mopping your floors as usual.
Vinegar is a natural ingredient to use for regular cleaning, its disinfecting but non abrasive. It also help to give your vinyl a shine and helps to get rid of any odors.
How Do You Make Vinyl Floors Shiny?
Sometimes it can be tricky to get your vinyl floors shiny, especially when you natural products like vinegar. You may need a vinyl floor polish to help restore the shine on your floor.
Vinyl floor polish is easy to use, but if you want to wax your vinyl floors, consider hiring a professional since using the wrong wax can cause problems.
Conclusion
No one likes to clean floors and most especially vinyl ones. However, if you follow these simple steps and do some light sweeping, vacuuming and wiping before too much dirt accumulates, you shouldn’t have to worry about ugly floors anymore!
Last Updated on February 24, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
