How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring Without Damaging It

Do you know how to clean vinyl plank flooring to make it last for a long time?

Vinyl plank flooring is one of the best alternatives to wood flooring that looks pretty attractive wherever installed.

You have to properly clean and maintain this flooring so that it can last for a maximum of years as they are durable. Are you worried that how you can maintain the cleanliness of your vinyl floors?

Cleaning vinyl plank flooring is not at all a complicated task. This is what we will discuss in this guide in detail so that you get a better understanding.

We will also discuss a few tips for cleaning and how often you should do this task in order to keep the floors in their original form. Let’s go.

 

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is also known as luxury plank flooring. It has narrow and long strips and is said to be the best alternative to wood floors.

So those who can’t afford hardwood floors often consider this option. They are durable and easy to clean and maintain.

Amazingly, it can withstand moisture and spills and is completely cost-effective even more than vinyl laminate floors.

If you have also installed this flooring then this guide will help you know how you can clean them thoroughly without any damage to the planks.

Tools and Materials Required

Make sure to gather all the necessary tools and materials before starting cleaning because it will save your time. Hence, the tools needed for this purpose include:

• Wet mop
• Warm water
• Vacuum or dust mop
• Commercial vinyl flooring cleaner
• Baking soda
• Liquid dishwashing soap
• Bucket or sink
• Rubbing alcohol
• Distilled white vinegar
• WD-40
• Microfiber clothing cloth

Best Way to Clean Vinyl Plank Floors

Now you have gotten your hands on all the required tools and material, let’s move ahead and discuss the method involved in this process.

 

Step 1. Eliminate the Loose Dirt

It is important to remove loose dirt and debris daily so that it does not damage your floors. If you live in high traffic area then mopping is necessary on daily basis.

It is better not to choose a vacuum cleaner that has a beater bar because it can destroy your floor. Hence, if you want your floors to look attractive all the time then never apply a mop or a vacuum daily.

 

Step 2. Select a Cleaning Solution

It is the most important part of this process because choosing a cleaning solution should be done with extra care.

Always go for that solution that is ideal for your floors. You can find various commercial vinyl floor cleaners available in the market that are also good for these floors.

However, ensure to read the label or ingredients of the solution that you are planning to buy. Ammonia is not good for vinyl floors as it can damage the surface.

You can also make your own cleaning solution with the available products at home.

 

Step 3. Make a Home-Made Cleaning Solution

Take a bucket or a large sink and fill it with warm water. If you are going to clean kitchen floors then go for a liquid dishwashing soap that contains a degreaser so that it can clean cooking debris and messes.

Keep the soap quantity minimal because over-pouring causes film that causes more dust.

If you are going to clean the floors of your bedroom or living areas then distilled vinegar would be helpful in this regard.

Pour 1 cup of vinegar into warm water and you are all set to shine your floors like never before.

 

Step 4. Clean the Soil

Now the solution is ready to be applied so get your hands on a damp mop and start applying on the floors. Start from 1 corner so that you can easily apply the mop everywhere.

Do not forget to rinse your mop because it gets dirty when you applied it to the floors.

Once you are done with the entire space, let the floor dry before putting the furniture back. Vinyl floors are water-resistant so excess water causes damage.

Make sure to keep the quantity of water to a minimum in order to avoid damage. It is the best way to clean vinyl floor planks.

 

Step 5. Clean Tough Stains

You might find it hard to remove tough stains but with the right ingredients, you can do it easily. For food stains, baking soda is the best solution.

Take 1 teaspoon of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda and mix them. Apply this paste to the stained area and let it sit for some time.

After that, take a microfiber cloth and remove the surface. You will notice no stain is left behind.

The grease stains usually occur in kitchen so in order to remove them, take rubbing alcohol and wet a microfiber cloth with that.

Now start applying the cloth on the stain apart in a way that it doesn’t harm the surroundings. It is how you can remove all the tough marks that are making your floor look ugly.

How Often Should You Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Your newly installed vinyl planks can easily last for 10 to 20 years if you regularly clean them. Daily mopping is important in order to remove loose dirt and debris.

For thorough cleaning, follow the above-mentioned tips at least twice a month so that your vinyl floors always look shiny and tidy.

On white vinyl plank flooring, the dust is more visible so never forget to mop them daily.

Tips to Help LVP Flooring Last for Longer Time

There are a few tips that you should follow if you want your vinyl floors to last for long without any wear and tear. Those tips include:

• It is better to put a doormat at the entrance so that no dust and dirt enter your house from the shoes.
• Never drag furniture on the floors because it can severely harm the vinyl planks. Always lift the furniture to avoid major accidents.
• It is also great to put furniture pads under them so that no scratches occur. You can easily find them in the stores.
• Be cautious when it comes to using cleaners. Do not use abrasive and harsh cleaners, stiffed bristle brushes, steel wools, etc. because they provide harm to the surface.
• In the end, avoid using a paste wax or liquid on luxury vinyl floors.

These are a few easy to follow tips that would help you maintain the beauty of your flooring. However, do not forget to regularly clean vinyl flooring so that no dust and dirt enter the floors and become hard to clean.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions that might solve your confusion regarding lvp flooring.

What Is the Best Thing to Clean Vinyl Floors With?

If you are regularly cleaning the vinyl floors, daily mopping would be enough to remove all the dust and grime.

However, if you are doing it once a week or twice a month then you have to thoroughly clean each part. Take the best cleaner that is specially designed for your vinyl floors and apply them as mentioned above.

Can You Use Swiffer on Vinyl Plank Floors?

Yes, they are completely safe for your floors and are often used to remove grease and stains. So you can consider this for floor cleaning.

What Can You Use to Clean the Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors?

Various commercial cleaners are available in the market that is designed for vinyl floor cleaning. However, it is better if you make the solution at home.

Baking Soda, distilled vinegar, and rubbing alcohol is best to remove tough stains from the surface caused by different reasons.

Can I Use Pine Sol on Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Yes, you can use both original and scented Pine sol on your vinyl floors as they are completely safe and effectively deal with the dust and tough stains.

Final Thoughts

Vinyl floors are one of the highly used flooring options because of being cost-effective and durable.

I hope this guide has helped you to clean vinyl plank flooring the right way. regular cleaning is essential in every case be it floors or other products.

If you do not clean them regularly, the dust becomes tough that is hard to vanish. Before applying any solution or cleaner be sure they are completely safe for your floors.

I have mentioned a few easy methods in this regard that will surely help you clear out all the mess and tough stains.

Moreover, you should also follow a few tips mentioned above if you want to get the maximum benefit from your floors.