People that desire clean and brilliant vinyl floors always look for the best way to clean vinyl floors. Vinyl is a resilient kind of flooring which is made from PVC and other diverse compounds.
The combination of these components create different colors and designs. They come in form of floor sheets or tiles and are fixed to the subfloor using a mastic or special adhesive.
Vinyl floors are created to replace rubber floors, they are more durable and not affected by alkaline moisture or oxygen exposure.
Most companies use vinyl as flooring as it is easy to clean and resistant to wear. The price of vinyl varies, and this makes it a possible choice for people on a budget.
Vinyl floors are comfortable to walk on and warmer than tile or wood because a thin layer of foam or felt is placed under the vinyl and this gives the floor more flexibility.
Vinyl floors do not necessarily require high maintenance as it just needs natural cleaning. Vinyl floors are resistant to water and stains, unlike floors such as laminate that will easily be damaged when exposed to water.
Types of Vinyl Floors
Table of Contents
- Plank
- Tile
- Sheet
- Urethane and enhanced urethane
- No wax
Plank
Vinyl planks are largely durable than wooden floors. Vinyl planks have natural looks and soft surfaces.
Vinyl plank is also easy to clean, you do not have to worry about water damage. For deep cleaning, you can use dish soap or vinegar and water.
Tile
Vinyl tiles are cut into squares of different sizes. Often, vinyl tiles and natural stone floors look alike.
While vinyl tiles require easy maintenance, natural stone is highly permeable and should not be cleaned with diverse solutions and products
You can easily replace a damaged or broken tile instead of replacing the entire floor.
Vinyl tiles can be easily cleaned by vacuuming or sweeping to remove dirt and dust. To deep clean, use a mixture of water and vinegar.
Sheets
Sheet vinyl is a single roll which is up to 12 feet wide. Because of the sheet-style, there are few seams.
This makes the sheet vinyl suitable for high-moisture rooms like bathrooms and kitchen. Sheet vinyl is simple to clean and maintain.
Because of the limited number of seams, there are not much hiding places for dust. You might just have to sweep it four times in a week and deep clean when it is needed.
Urethane and Enhanced Urethane
Urethane is just a top layer or coating; it is not a type of flooring. It adds strong protection to the vinyl and it is durable. Urethane will protect the floor from scuff marks and scratches while keeping a glossy finish.
A glossy finish will need regular cleaning to remove dirt and dust, which can cause the floor to look dull.
Enhanced urethane is stronger than the urethane. It is mostly used in high traffic areas and keep your floors safe from tear and wear. Easily maintain the gloss by mopping once in a week.
No Wax
This is also a type of coating instead of a floor type. People who go for this type of coating prefer brilliance over durability, so it is commonly used in areas with less traffic.
The no-wax finish needs more maintenance than urethane. All you are required to do is to sweep and wash the floors frequently, then, apply polish to make it shine.
How to Clean Vinyl Floor
Light Cleaning
This method should be done daily or at most weekly, depending on how busy you are. These are the materials to use:
- Brooms
- Dust mops
- Vacuums
Brooms
Use soft brooms on vinyl floors for a quick sweep. Sweeping helps to remove dust and dirt.
Dust Mops
A dust mop is extremely effective at removing fine particles of hair, dust and dirt. It is easier to use than a broom since you do not have to sweep back and forth, you will just slide it on the floor.
Steam mop works great too and we’ve written a review on the best steam mop you can use to clean vinyl floors.
Vacuums
Ensure you have the right setting to remove the beater bar and keep your floor from scratches. Check out the best vacuum cleaner to use in this case.
Deep Cleaning
This should be done weekly or monthly as mopping too often can dull the finish on the vinyl and it can also weaken the adhesive.
There are commercial vinyl floor cleaners available, but you can make an easy and effective cleaning solution for vinyl floors by mixing water and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar’s acidity takes away dirt without leaving the floor soapy.
Mix one cup of cider vinegar and a gallon of hot water together. Then, apply damp mop immersed in the mixture to the floor, rinsing the mop regularly with clean hot water from another bucket. Add a drop of liquid dish soap for extra cleaning power.
Ensure that you wring your mop well before placing it on the vinyl floor as small amounts of water can penetrate through the seams and edges, if you use an excessive amount. Spin mops are preferable; you can quickly wring out the mop.
Read: Homemade Vinyl Floor Cleaner
Maintaining Your Vinyl Floors
If your floors have a shiny finish, it is important you avoid using abrasive cleaners or bleach. These will likely cause the floor’s surface not to shine.
Also, do not use abrasive tools such as a knife, steel wool, Sharp object, or stiff brush to clean vinyl floors. Soak areas that have stuck substance in a cleaner and remove it with a mild cloth.
Avoid scratches and dull spots in high traffic areas by placing rugs in the busy areas. Place doormats at entrances as this will reduce the dirt, mud, and rocks that come into the house.
Also, wipe spills immediately because liquid can penetrate into the seams and this will cause mold to develop, depending on the spilled item.
Read: How to tackle heavy furniture on vinyl floor
Conclusion
Knowing the best way to clean vinyl floors can be a lifesaver for your beautiful flooring. A well-maintained vinyl floor lasts longer and adds value to your home. It is easy to maintain your vinyl floor by sweeping/vacuuming and mopping when necessary.
Vinyl is water-resistant but not entirely waterproof, so use water with caution. That said, cleaning your floor shouldn’t be a big deal. What method have you used in cleaning your vinyl flooring?