Floor Care& Maintenance: How To Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is attractive, yet generally less expensive than wood. It is a good choice for homeowners who want style and appeal, without paying a premium. Vinyl plank flooring is durable and holds up well for years. It is important to know how to clean vinyl plank flooring so that it keeps looking nice, and can last for years.

Source: MSI Surfaces

Proactive Cleaning Tips

Here are a few things you can do so that you spend less time cleaning your vinyl plank flooring.

Keep the Dirt Out

Keeping the dirt out in the first place is a start on being proactive with your plank flooring's cleaning. Have a floor mat at your door to stop some of the dirt from coming in and make sure that family members use it. It's a little harder to tell your guests to use the floor mat but if they see it there, most will make sure to wipe their feet.

Another way to keep your floor cleaner from the get-go is to sweep often. Debris and dirt that is left on your floor has the potential to make it harder to clean later. Sweep daily and keep those doormats or area rugs handy so less harmful grit, chemicals, and dirt is brought in onto your floor.

Choose the Right Cleaner

It doesn't always take the most expensive cleaner to get your floors looking like new. In fact, according to Bob Vila:

One of the best cleansers for vinyl flooring is apple cider vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar helps remove dirt and grime without leaving a buildup of soap or wax. Simply mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water and use a damp mop to clean, rinsing the mop frequently with hot water. Substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar if you want to disinfect as you clean. If your floor is especially dirty, try adding a few drops of liquid dish washing soap to the mixture before mopping once with the soap mixture, a second time with vinegar and water. To add shine to your vinyl floor, add a few drops of baby oil to the vinegar and water solution.

For stains you can use a mixture of baking soda and water that is a natural way of cleaning.

As far as commercial cleaners, there are many to choose from. Choose one that is specifically made for vinyl plank flooring for the best results. Here are a few to choose from:

• Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner
• Pledge Tile & Vinyl Floor Cleaner
• Pledge Tile & Vinyl Floor Finish with Future Shine
• Armstrong’s Once ‘n Done Resilient and Ceramic No-Rinse Floor Cleaner
• Armstrong Shinekeeper Polish

The Right Way to Clean

Now that you've taken care of the basics, you can clean your vinyl plank flooring to ensure its longevity and attractiveness. One thing to keep in mind is to not use too much water. Over saturating your floor allows moisture to get into the floor's seams, cracks, and edges where it can cause the glue to be less effective. Use water sparingly and never just pour water onto the floor.

But, do keep in mind that it is crucial that you wash away any soap residue. If you have soap scum on your floor, it attracts dirt so you're defeating the entire purpose of cleaning your floor in the first place.

Another thing to know is that your floor does not need wax. Therefore, it is important to get cleaners that do not have wax in them. In fact, even if your floor loses some of its shine, you can find products that restore the look with a sealant or polish that is specifically for no-wax floors. If you were to use a wax product for your no-wax floor, it won't adhere to the floor well and honestly, it just makes a big mess for you to have to clean.

Don't use abrasive cleaners, don't use a beater bar on your vacuum, and never use ammonia. These are all damaging habits that can ruin your floor over time.

Keeping Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Clean is Easy

Honestly, vinyl plank flooring is one of the easier floors to keep clean. As long as you keep it swept and any debris up, don't over-saturate it, and choose the right products, your floor will last you a very long time. Choose a few things to do daily, weekly, and more. For instance, a daily task is to sweep up debris. A weekly task is to use a damp mop and get rid of some of the built-up dirt and grime. And always take care of stains when they happen so they do not actually become a permanent stain.

According to Tarkett:

- Oil, vinegar or lemon stains: remove right away as they may cause discoloration on the surface of your vinyl flooring

- Ink, tomato or blood stains can be removed by putting very diluted alcohol directly on the stain for a few minutes without scrubbing, then rinse off with water

- Pen and marker stains are easily cleaned by rubbing with a little white spirit on a cloth and rinsing well with water

- Rust should be cleaned with an anti-rust sponge and rinsed off with water

If you are planning to deep clean your home because you are considering selling your home (or you hope to buy a new one), get in touch with a . Alternatively, call (800) 309-6753 or email us at inquiry@wini.com and one of our experts will contact you promptly.

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