Let's talk about how you clean your luxury vinyl floor. If you keep your floor clean, it will last longer, but are you really doing it right?
Read on for quick tips that can help you clean your vinyl flooring.
Helpful Floor Cleaning Products and Equipment
So what will you need to clean your luxury vinyl flooring? There are many different cleaning products you can use depending on your personal preference.You'll need something to remove dry dirt and debris (like a dry mop or vacuum) as well as liquid cleaning products for deep cleaning days. Here's a list of optional items you may want to keep to help you clean your vinyl floors:
- Microfiber cloths
- Mop
- Broom
- Vacuum
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Water
- Bucket
- Dishwashing soap
- Vinyl floor cleaner (helpful, but not necessary)
- Sponge
You may find that you like one, all, or none of these items for cleaning your floor. As you adjust to vinyl flooring maintenance, you'll find the products and tools that make the most sense for you and your cleaning workflow.
Remove Debris Daily
If you want your luxury vinyl floor to stay in good condition for as long as possible, you should remove debris daily. That means that you should sweep or vacuum at least once per day.For most people, sweeping is the easier option. If you choose to vacuum instead, make sure there's no abrasive brush scratching the floor. This could cause long-term damage.
You don't have to do a thorough sweep every day. A quick once-over after dinner should suffice. If you notice any obvious dirt or debris, get rid of it before it can cause damage.
Wet Mop Once Per Week
You should aim to mop your luxury vinyl floor at least once per week.Of course, this varies. If the floor is in a room you don't often spend time in, it's okay to wait longer between mopping sessions. If you're there every day, you should try to stick to the once-weekly schedule.
If you have pets or small children, you may even want to mop more often than that. Pets and children spend a lot of time on the floor, both making messes and crawling around. It's in their best interest and the best interest of the floor to increase your cleaning frequency if necessary.
Mop with warm water and a few drops of dish soap (a little goes a long way here). You can also use a cup of white vinegar in a gallon of warm water if you prefer natural methods.
You can use a normal mop, microfiber cloths, or even a sponge if you don't mind spending time on the floor. You can buy a special vinyl floor cleaner, but it's not necessary for most people.
Remove Stuck-on Dirt
So how do you get rid of stuck-on dirt and grime on a vinyl floor?Mix baking soda and water together until they create a paste. Put the paste on the stuck-on dirt, grime, or discoloration. Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully remove the paste and the grime (but try to avoid scratching the floor).
For some stains that are harder to remove, like ink, you can use rubbing alcohol instead. You'll still want to use it with a microfiber cloth for easy cleaning.
If you're struggling to remove a stain, we recommend hiring a professional. Vinyl floors are fairly stain-resistant and durable, but you don't want to accidentally cause any damage.
Quick Cleaning Tips
Let's talk about a few quick tips that can help you clean your luxury vinyl floors (and keep them clean). These small things can totally extend the lifespan of your floor and make your life easier.Wipe Up Spills Quickly
When a spill happens, even if it's water, don't take your time cleaning it up. Get in the habit of wiping up spills as soon as you notice them.Water is unlikely to harm your floor, but you want to get used to cleaning things up right away. If you get too relaxed with water, you may find yourself not cleaning other spills quickly, either.
Even though vinyl is easy to clean and stain-resistant, stains can still happen. Discoloration gets harder to remove the longer the stain has to set.
Use Floor Protectors
Do you have furniture on your vinyl floors? If so, we recommend that you use floor protectors.Not only will floor protectors protect your vinyl floors from scratches and scrapes, but they'll also make it much easier and quieter to move your furniture around.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners or Materials
It's best to avoid harsh chemicals and rough brushes when you're cleaning vinyl. It's durable and strong, but that doesn't mean that it's not going to get damaged with enough wear and tear.Use Rugs and Doormats
If you use rugs, your floors will stay in good condition for longer. Modern rugs are often easy to clean, they make floors more comfortable, and they allow you to add some extra flair to your interior decor.If you choose not to use rugs, it's still a good idea to use doormats and keep shoes outside. The mats will trap outside dirt and keep your floors cleaner for longer.
Keep Your Luxury Vinyl Floor Clean With These Tips
Next time you're ready to clean your luxury vinyl floor, make sure you keep these floor cleaning tips in mind! If you clean your vinyl floor often, it will stay in good condition for longer. Protect your investment by keeping your floors as clean as possible!Are you in need of new luxury vinyl floors? We want to help! Contact us today to get a free in-home floor installation estimate.
