How to Clean and Care for Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a common sight in many homes these days and for good reason. Vinyl floors offer a wide variety of designs and styles at prices to fit most budgets, and they are resilient and durable even in the most high-traffic areas.
You can help increase the lifespan of your vinyl flooring, and keep it looking like new by following proven cleaning and care tips.
Keeping It Clean
Whether you choose vinyl sheet flooring or vinyl tiles in a solid colour or elaborate design, a clean floor makes the entire room look better and helps the floor last longer.
Here are some cleaning tips that will keep your vinyl floors looking like they were just installed yesterday:
- Sweep the floor with a soft broom daily so dirt and debris doesn’t get ground into the floor.
- Wipe up stains as soon as possible, using a damp cloth with warm water, or a mild cleanser that is approved for use with your type of vinyl flooring.
- Use a doormat at all entrances, so dirt and chemicals aren’t tracked into the house and onto the floor. Dirt from the outside acts like sandpaper on the floor and chemicals can fade the colour.
- Follow the “no-wax” rules for your vinyl floors because using a wax based cleaner will only leave a film behind. Some people use 1-cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with about 4 liters of hot water and a damp mop or cloth to remove dirt without leaving any buildup.
- Take the word “damp” to heart when using mops and rags on vinyl flooring. If you saturate the floor with a soaking wet mop, the water may leak into the cracks and loosen the glue that holds it down.
- Avoid using abrasive sponges, cloths, cleansers or detergents that may ruin the finish of your floor.
Keeping It Safe
The last thing you want to do is live life tiptoeing around on your vinyl floors. You can still have a good time and live life to the fullest, while maintaining the integrity of the floor, by following these tips:
- Try to keep the room temperature consistent at about 18 degrees Celsius or 65 degrees Fahrenheit for two full days after the floor is installed. This allows it to cure properly and creates a strong bond.
- Apply felt pads to the bottom of all furniture, tables and chairs to prevent them from scratching the floors.
- Lay a sheet of plywood on the vinyl flooring when you are moving appliances or heavy furniture across the floor to prevent scuffs, tears and serious scratches. Create a path with the plywood and move the item across that instead.
- Avoid using rolling casters on your vinyl flooring, where possible, as they can cause damage. Double casters are better, but none are ideal.
- Use floor protectors under large appliances that are in a fixed position, such as your refrigerator or oven, as they may dent the floor. These protectors or “feet” are available at many hardware stores.
- Contact your installation team or vinyl flooring provider if you encounter serious damage and you aren’t sure how to fix it.