If you’ve recently installed vinyl plank flooring—or you’re considering purchasing it—it’s important to learn the recommended cleaning method for this flooring material. As flooring experts at Innovative Kitchen and Flooring Supply, you can rely on us to give you a rundown of the most effective methods and products for cleaning your vinyl plank flooring.
Let’s get into it!
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Simply put, vinyl plank flooring is a cost-effective alternative to authentic hardwood flooring. While vinyl plank flooring is made of synthetic materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), it still offers the same aesthetic appeal as regular hardwood floors. This type of flooring consists of a protective wear layer, a printed layer, and an innermost core layer that can either be stiff or flexible.
Vinyl plank flooring is also known for its water-resistant properties, making it a durable and ideal choice for areas vulnerable to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. Vinyl flooring is also easy to install; some of the possible methods include installing it with vinyl glue and using a click-lock mechanism. With a wide variety of vinyl plank floors to choose from, there’s no need to worry—you’ll definitely find the perfect design that suits your tastes and your home.
Importance of Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
Like any other type of flooring—be it hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring—ensuring your floors stay clean and appealing to the eyes is a homeowner’s top priority. You want to regularly remove dirt, grime, dust, and debris from the surface of your entire floor to prevent scratches and damage. You also want to keep germs from accumulating and potentially leading to health issues. Finally, you want your vinyl plank flooring to look as good as new for as long as possible.
Think of it this way: Your vinyl plank flooring is an investment in the overall beauty and durability of your home. Regularly cleaning your vinyl floors helps maintain its pristine appearance and longevity. Also—who doesn’t want a clean, comfortable house? Ultimately, maintaining various aspects of your home, including your vinyl floor, is just one of the important responsibilities of being a homeowner.
Tools and Cleaning Supplies Needed for Cleaning Your Vinyl Flooring
For cleaning vinyl flooring, here are the tools and cleaning supplies you’ll need:
- Soft broom or vacuum with a soft brush attachment
- Soft towel
- Gloves
- Microfiber mop or mop pad
- Spray bottle
- Baking soda paste
- Bucket of warm water
- Soft-bristled brush or cloth
- Floor polish or sealant (optional)
- Cleaning solutions such as:
- Water and mild soap solution
- Floor cleaners specifically designed for vinyl floors
- Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar and water solution
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
We want to help you maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your floors. So, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to clean vinyl plank flooring:
Step 1: Clear the Area and Sweep or Vacuum the Floors
First things first: Clear out the area you’re going to clean. When moving furniture and objects, you can use furniture pads on furniture legs and chair legs to prevent scratches and dents on the vinyl floors. Once everything’s out of the way, you can get started on sweeping or vacuuming the vinyl flooring to get rid of dust, dirt, grime, and debris.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vinyl-Friendly Cleaning Solution
Next, it’s time to mix a gentle cleaning solution that won’t harm or damage your vinyl flooring. After putting on your gloves, get a bucket of warm water (not hot water) and mix in a few drops of mild soap. Adding too much soap can leave a sticky residue on your vinyl plank floors, so remember to only use an appropriate amount.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops of specially formulated vinyl floor cleaner to a bucket of water and use this as your cleaning solution. Another option is to mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (for disinfection) with water.
Remember to avoid abrasive cleaners with harsh chemicals, ammonia, wax, or bleach. Using these solutions to clean vinyl plank flooring can damage the flooring.
Step 3: Mop the Floor With the Solution
Clean your vinyl plank floors with a microfiber mop or damp cloth dipped in your chosen solution to trap any dirt, dust, grime, oil, stains, and debris. Remember to wring out any excess moisture in the mop head or cloth as too much moisture can lead to water damage.
Make your way through the whole room and don’t forget to go over the corners and hidden spots. As you go, use a separate bucket of water to rinse and clean the mop before dipping it in the solution again. Regularly replace the dirty water to avoid spreading it on the floor.
Step 4: Spot Clean Spills, Scuffs, and Stains
After mopping or wiping surface-level dirt and grime, get ready to roll up your sleeves and spot-clean any stubborn scruffs, spills, and stains that remain on the floor. Gently scrub areas with visible discoloration, spills, and accumulated grime with the solution.
Only use a microfiber towel or cloth when you spot clean. Never use cleaning tools like steel wool and other types of abrasive scrubbers as they can damage the protective coating of the vinyl floors.
Step 5: Deep Clean Stubborn Spots
Sometimes, even spot-cleaning the floor isn’t enough. If you find any stubborn stains, grime, or dirt still clinging to your flooring even after mopping and spot cleaning, it’s time to move on to deep cleaning.
You can use pure, undiluted cleaning solution for these stubborn scuffs, as well as baking soda paste. You can also use rubbing alcohol to remove ink, marker/crayon, water, and nail polish stains. Additionally, it works well on adhesive and grease residue. These methods allow you to achieve deeper cleaning.
Step 6: Rinse the Floor
After deep cleaning tough, stubborn spots, you’re ready to rinse the solution from the floor. Get a bucket of clean water and dip your mop in it. Make sure to remove any remaining residue and clean the floors thoroughly. Rinse and repeat until you’ve achieved a clean vinyl plank flooring that meets your standards.
Step 7: Dry the Floor
Run your dry mop or cloth over wet spots and areas. Even though vinyl flooring is moisture-resistant, you should still dry it because any moisture or water droplets left can result in slippery floors. If your mop or cloth becomes too wet, replace them with dry ones until the floor is completely dry.
Step 8: Apply Floor Polish or Sealant
For the final (and optional) step, you can apply a floor polish or sealant to your flooring, giving it a pristine look and protecting it from wear and tear. With a clean piece of cloth or mop, apply the floor polish or sealant evenly across the flooring. Do this in small sections so you don’t miss any spots. Afterward, let it dry for a few hours before returning your furniture to its rightful place.
While this step is optional, we highly recommend doing this once or twice a year to restore your flooring’s shine and extend its lifespan.
How to Maintain and Keep Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Clean
Maintain clean vinyl floors by setting and following a regular cleaning routine. Sweep and mop frequently to clean up any debris, spots, or spills you find as soon as possible to prevent staining and dirt accumulation. Remember—proper maintenance of your vinyl plank flooring will give your home a lasting sense of cleanliness and comfort. Years will go by and you’ll still have vinyl flooring that looks as good as the day you installed it!
How Often to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring
We recommend sweeping or vacuuming your vinyl plank flooring every day to remove surface dirt and dust. You can mop or wipe your flooring with a gentle cleaning solution weekly or twice a week to prevent grime and dirt accumulation.
However, the frequency of your cleaning ultimately depends on how much foot traffic or activity happens on your flooring, so feel free to adjust your cleaning schedule to meet your household’s specific needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing how to clean vinyl plank flooring isn’t enough. You should also avoid certain tools, solutions, and materials that can cause damage to it:
- Abrasive cleaners
- Steam cleaning
- Steel wool
- Hot water
- Harsh cleaners
- Intense heat
FAQs
Can I use a steam mop on vinyl plank flooring?
Avoid using steam mops on your vinyl floors as they can cause warping and buckling due to excessive heat.
How do I clean luxury vinyl plank flooring and luxury vinyl tile?
Vinyl tiles and luxury vinyl plank flooring can be cleaned in the same way you would clean ordinary vinyl plank flooring. Use a gentle, vinyl-friendly cleaning solution, or a water and mild soap solution to clean your luxury vinyl plank floors and vinyl tiles. Scrub stubborn stains with a soft, damp cloth. Finally, dry the flooring with a dry mop.
Which cleaning products should I use on vinyl plank flooring?
You can use a mild vinyl floor cleaner. Alternatively, you can make a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
Will vinegar damage vinyl flooring?
Yes. Using concentrated, undiluted vinegar on your vinyl floors will damage it over time. Since it’s acidic, it can weaken the protective wear layer of the vinyl plank flooring, leading to issues such as discoloration and dulling.
If you want to use vinegar to clean your vinyl flooring, make sure you dilute it with water and make a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. This way, your vinyl flooring is safe from damage.
What’s the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring?
The best way to clean vinyl plank flooring is by using a mild solution (dish soap and water) or a specially formulated vinyl cleaner. Consider applying floor polish after cleaning for that extra shine and to lengthen its overall lifespan.
