How to Clean and Maintain Your Vinyl Floor
By Michelle Sierra,
There are three key areas to clean and maintain your vinyl floor:
1.) Preventive Maintenance:
- Use walk-off mats at all entrances to help absorb moisture and collect soil. To avoid possible discoloration, make sure mats or area rugs do not have latex or rubber backings.
- Take a few extra minutes to remove any embedded grit particles from shoe soles before entering the room.
- Avoid tracking in tar or asphalt from driveways. This can discolor vinyl.
- Prevent permanent scratches and tears by using protective barriers when moving heavy objects. For instance, lay down a sheet of plywood or heavy cardboard as a layer of protection.
- Use floor protectors under tables, chairs, and any other heavy home furnishing. For example, the constant back and forth of a chair from getting up and sitting down at the table. Floor protectors will help avoid permanent damage to vinyl flooring.
2.) Routine Maintenance:
- Daily removal of dirt and dust is essential. This will help prevent particles from abrading the surface of vinyl floors. Therefore, you can avoid scratches and worn appearances by regularly sweeping, dust mopping, and vacuuming. Do not use vacuums with rotating beater bars.
- Wet cleaning periodically is necessary to maintain the floor’s appearance. Always pre-vacuum or dust mop before any wet cleaning. We recommend appropriate neutral pH cleaning agents. Don’t use any abrasive cleaners, as they will leave a dull residue on the surface of the floor. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for the application of damp mopping. If rinsing is needed, use clean water and expedite drying with fans.
3.) Spot and Spill Removal:
- Clean up any spill immediately. Consequently, the longer spilled materials are left, the higher the risk of permanently staining the floor. Soak up wet spills immediately by blotting with plain white cloth towels or paper towels. Afterward, rinse with water and blot dry if necessary. For information on a specific stain, contact us at 888-910-6585.
- Spots that are dried should be removed by gentle agitation and rinsed with water. Blot dry.
- Use neutral pH cleaning products or products formulated for vinyl floor cleaning. Do not use detergents or abrasive cleaners since these products can leave a dull residue.
- Most importantly, do NOT use anything like rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits, as others recommend. Consequently, these cleaning agents can remove the finish! In short, just a tennis ball and some elbow grease are best for scuffs.
A Few DON'Ts Worth Repeating:
- DON'T use everyday home cleaners or bleach-based detergents. As a result, these cleaning agents could cause discoloration and make the floor slippery.
- DON'T use the beater bar on your vacuum because it can visibly damage the floor surface.
- DON'T use a steam mop, as it may damage the surface of the floor.
- DON'T use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or “mop and shine” products. Consequently, they may leave a dull film on your floor.
- DON'T use paste wax or solvent-based polishes.
- DON'T use highly abrasive scrubbing tools.
- DON'T subject the floor to frequent standing water, use in high-moisture areas or flood clean. It can loosen the adhesive as a result.
- DON'T use stiletto heels on your floor. Certainly, they will cause permanent damage.
- DON'T use vinegar, one-step cleaners/polishes, or oil soaps.