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 lasts for years.

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 dirt out in the first place is a great way to stay proactive with your plank flooring maintenance. Have a floor mat at your door to stop some of the dirt from coming inside and encourage family members to use it. Guests are also more likely to wipe their feet if they see a mat at the entrance.

Another way to keep your floor cleaner from the start is to sweep often. Debris and dirt left on your floor can become harder to clean later. Sweep daily and keep doormats or area rugs handy so less grit, chemicals, and dirt are tracked onto your flooring. Many homeowners also pair these habits with periodic commercial carpet cleaning services to reduce the amount of dust and debris tracked between carpeted and hard-surface areas of the home.

Choose the Right Cleaner

It doesn't always take the most expensive cleaner to get your floors looking like new. 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 dishwashing soap to the mixture before mopping once with the soap mixture and 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 as a natural cleaning solution.

There are also many commercial cleaners available. Choose one specifically made for vinyl plank flooring for the best results.

• 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 important thing to remember is not to use too much water. Oversaturating your floor allows moisture to seep into seams, cracks, and edges where it can weaken the adhesive. Use water sparingly and never pour water directly onto the floor.

It is also crucial to wash away any soap residue. Soap scum attracts dirt, which defeats the purpose of cleaning your floor in the first place.

Another thing to know is that vinyl plank flooring does not need wax. Make sure to use cleaners that are specifically designed for no-wax flooring. If your floor loses some of its shine, use a sealant or polish designed for vinyl floors instead of wax products.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, vacuum beater bars, and ammonia-based products. These can damage your floor over time.

Keeping Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Clean Is Easy

Vinyl plank flooring is one of the easier flooring types to maintain. As long as you keep it swept, avoid oversaturating it, and use the right cleaning products, your floor can last for many years.

Create a simple maintenance routine with daily, weekly, and occasional tasks. For example:

• Daily: Sweep up debris and dirt
• Weekly: Damp mop to remove built-up grime
• As Needed: Clean spills and stains immediately

According to Tarkett :

• Oil, vinegar, or lemon stains should be removed right away as they may discolor the flooring surface.
• Ink, tomato, or blood stains can be removed using diluted alcohol applied directly to the stain for a few minutes without scrubbing.
• Pen and marker stains can be cleaned using a little white spirit on a cloth followed by rinsing with water.
• Rust can be cleaned with an anti-rust sponge and rinsed with water.

If you are planning to deep clean your home before selling or purchasing a property, contact a professional home inspector for guidance.

Alternatively, call (800) 309-6753 or email inquiry@wini.com and one of our experts will contact you promptly.

We are one of the largest networks of home inspectors in the country, and we can help you determine which home inspection services you need and schedule them at your convenience.