Many homeowners are drawn to the durability and overall value of vinyl flooring. This material is ideal for use in high-traffic areas and will not easily be damaged when it is exposed to light moisture. However, with regular use, your flooring can get filthy. In addition to dealing with ground-in dirt, you may have to contend with food and beverage stains, scuffs and more. Are you ready to learn how to clean vinyl floors? The good news is that it is easier to do than you may think. 

Dust and other debris can wear down the finish on any flooring material, and this includes durable flooring like vinyl. Because of this, regular cleaning is essential for the long-term care of the floor and for the cleanliness of your home environment. Investing in a doormat and taking off your shoes before entering the home are great ways to reduce the amount of dirt that is tracked into the home. However, you will still need to routinely clean the surface. Are you wondering how to clean vinyl floors?

Depending on the size of the surface area and your preference, you can sweep or vacuum vinyl floors. This should be done before you take any additional steps, such as mopping or scrubbing. Sweeping or vacuuming will remove dust particles, stray hair, dirt, crumbs and more. These are the elements that are most responsible for wearing down the finish on the vinyl flooring. Because of this, consider sweeping or vacuuming the floor every day or two.

There are several store-bought cleaning agents that are designed for safe use on vinyl. A few of the many products that you can use are Pledge Tile & Vinyl Floor Cleaner or Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner. However, you can also make an effective cleanser at home using basic ingredients. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so it can safely remove the gunk on the floor. However, it will not strip the finish off of the vinyl or leave behind a residue like some cleaning products do. To use apple cider vinegar, add a cup of vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Then, mop as usual. If you want to disinfect the floor while you mop, combine a few drops of liquid dish soap to the vinegar and water mixture. If you have a new vinyl floor that you want to keep shiny, a drop or two of baby oil to the vinegar and water mixture will work well. 

Do you need to remove food or beverage stains from the vinyl floor? If you are dealing with stains like ketchup, spaghetti sauce, mustard or even grape juice, baking soda is effective. Mix a small amount of water with an equal amount of baking soda to create a paste. Rub this paste only on the stained area. Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with clean water. Ensure that all of the baking soda is removed. Then, dry the area with a towel. 

For scuffs and tougher stains, a different approach is necessary. A greasy substance like jojoba oil or WD-40 can effectively remove scuffs. After you have rubbed away the scuffs, you will need to use the vinegar and water solution to remove the oil. The oil can make the surface slick and dangerous to walk on, so the oil should be removed immediately.

For the removal of ink stains, dyes and lipstick, apply rubbing alcohol to the dirty area. Acetone nail polish remover can be used to remove nail polish. Mineral spirits are effective at removing paint and marks from crayons and markers. When using rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits or nail polish remover, scrub the vinyl with a soft-bristle brush. Once the stain is removed, you will need to rinse and dry the surface. 

While these are safe and effective ways to clean vinyl flooring, you should be cautious about the potential for damages. For example, do not use a “beater bar” attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Avoid any harsh abrasives, including abrasive cleaning products, steel wool pads and firm-bristle scrubbers. In addition, avoid using “mop and shine” cleaners, ammonia and detergents.

Cleaning a vinyl floor is relatively easy to do compared to cleaning steps for many other types of flooring. Whether you need to tackle your routine cleaning chores or your flooring is marred by scuffs and stains, these steps will get the job done quickly without damaging the floor.