Cleaning supplies on the floor

How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is not only beautiful, but it resists stains and scuffs and is easy to clean and care for. For this reason, busy families who want the look of natural wood or stone choose vinyl plank flooring for all or part of their homes. Since vinyl is water resistant, it is a favorite in kitchens, basements, or bathrooms where water and moisture are sometimes problematic for other floor coverings. 

If you are considering vinyl plank flooring or already have it in your home, you will find that vinyl is easy to clean, is low maintenance, and stands up well to foot traffic. Summit Flooring Source is your guide through the wide world of flooring in Summit County. Read on to learn more about how to clean vinyl plank flooring to keep your vinyl plank floors beautiful for years to come.

HOW TO CLEAN VINYL PLANK FLOORING: REGULAR CLEANING SCHEDULE

To keep your floors looking their best, one of the most important things to do is to keep them free of dust, sand, and dirt that cause a gritty feel and can damage the floor’s surface. We recommend dry mopping or vacuuming frequently, daily if possible, to keep the debris from the floor. On days when kids or pets track in excess dirt, try to remove it as quickly as possible. Encourage the use of a doormat or removing shoes.

Use a soft-bristled broom for sweeping or a microfiber mop for simple cleanups. Your vacuum can be used with a fluffy roller attachment for hard floors. The vacuum head used for carpeting (beater bar)is not recommended since it can damage the flooring. Sweeping or dry mopping should be done daily, if possible.

For routine mopping, mix equal parts of vinegar and water and mop lightly, being careful to rinse your mop frequently. If you encounter hard-to-remove dirt, add a small amount of liquid dish detergent to the mixture. This can make the floor sticky when dry, so rinse thoroughly. Air dry.

KEEP YOUR VINYL FLOORING CLEAN: HOW TO CLEAN SPILLS FROM VINYL PLANK FLOORING

As with any flooring, it is essential to clean up spills quickly. Though vinyl plank flooring is resistant to moisture and staining, spills left for long periods are harder to remove and, depending on the type of spill, can cause surface damage or discoloration. Never use abrasive cleaners on vinyl plank flooring, opting for a microfiber cloth or soft nylon brush. For stubborn stains, try using a paste made from baking soda and water. If that does not remove the stain, use isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Never use a steam mop or abrasive cleaners to remove spills from vinyl plank flooring.

KEEP VINYL FLOORING LOOKING NEW: HOW TO REMOVE SCUFFS FROM VINYL PLANK FLOORING

Try as we may, some amount of scuffing is inevitable. You can minimize scuffs by removing your shoes or putting felt cushions under furniture. But when scuffs happen, you can remove the marks with a bit of dish soap and water, using a soft cloth or brush to remove any marks. If scuffs persist, apply a lubricant like WD-40 or olive oil to the scuff; remove any oil or lubricant after treatment.

ONGOING CARE FOR VINYL PLANK FLOORING

 Cleaning is essential to keep your vinyl plank flooring beautiful for a long time. It is also important to avoid tracking in gritty or grimy substances that can damage the surface of your floors. Vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean and should be done often, with careful attention taken for scuffs and spills when they happen. Never clean your floors with abrasives, steam, or chemicals that can destroy the surface. Never wax vinyl plank flooring.

ARE YOUR VINYL FLOORS BEYOND CLEANING?

Sometimes after years of use or insufficient care, vinyl plank flooring may lose its luster and need to be replaced. Even though it is resistant to moisture, scuffing, and staining, vinyl floors may be beyond cleaning. If your floors have cracks from moving furniture or appliances over them, moisture gathering in your subfloor, or harsh chemicals have dulled their finish, you may consider replacing your floors. 

Today’s vinyl plank floors are thicker and more durable than vinyl flooring from past decades and offer more selection in styles, colors, and finishes. Summit Flooring Source offers a massive selection of vinyl plank flooring for your home or office.

CONTACT THE COLORADO VINYL PLANK FLOORING EXPERTS TODAY!

Summit Flooring Source can help with all of your flooring needs. Our team of experts can answer your questions and walk you through the options for your home. We offer a wide selection of products and professional installation. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation.

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