How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring

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Vinyl plank flooring is a versatile flooring option. If you are looking for a stylish, attractive flooring option without paying a lot, vinyl flooring is the best. 

It’s easy to install and simple to clean. And the most important thing, you can use it in your kitchens and bathroom also. 

Usually, you can’t use the wood flooring option where moisture is available. But with vinyl plank flooring, you can get the beauty of hardwood floors too at an affordable price and an easy cleaning process. 

The vinyl plank floor is quite durable. You just have to take a little care of it. Want to know about the inexpensive cleaning process of vinyl plank flooring? 

Scroll down and learn more. This guide will tell you how you can clean vinyl plank flooring without hard effort and the do’s and don’t with vinyl plan flooring.

What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Vinyl plank flooring is also known as luxurious vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring is five-time thicker than traditional flooring options. 

This flooring option doesn’t come in the shape of tiles. It comes in long and narrow strips that os easy to install. It is an alternative option of wood at a lower price. 

You will get hundreds of designs and colors of vinyl flooring options. If you can take proper care, it will last for years. The cleaning process of vinyl plank flooring isn’t only easy but also inexpensive. 

The top reason vinyl plank flooring is so popular is that it mimics wood floors but cost less than a wood floor, and it’s also usable in moisture-holding places.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Maintenance

Before we jump into the cleaning process, let’s know some maintenance that will keep the vinyl plank dirt-free and durable. You need to try not to let the dirt comes in.

Place a doormat at the door; it will stop some of the loosened dirt there if you and your family member wipe your feet on the doormat before you enter. Another maintenance is sweeping. 

Try to sweep regularly; it won’t let the dirt become harder and make your cleaning process more manageable. Do soft sweeping every day to keep your vinyl plank floors safe from hardened dirt. 

Don’t forget to dry mop whenever you feel some dirt is there. It may be pet hair, food residue, or something else. Take a mop and take away the dry mop or use a broom to clean the dirt. 

If you want, you can do the vacuuming and clean the dirt in no time. Remember, regular negligence can cause damage to vinyl plank flooring, so never neglect and dirt. 

If there are any wet spills or dry spills, wipe them away immediately to avoid any damage and to save your floor from looking dull and losing its shine. 

Vinyl Plank Flooring Cleaning Process

When you follow a regular maintenance process, the cleaning process will be easier for you. You won’t have to spend a day or a long time after the cleaning process. 

When you do regular cleaning, deep cleaning vinyl flooring once or twice a month is enough to keep your vinyl plank flooring durable. 

We will tell you the deep cleaning process of vinyl plank flooring in a few steps. We will use a homemade or DIY cleaning solution to clean the vinyl plank flooring because chemical-based cleaner can damage this flooring.

Scroll down to know them.

Step one: Make a Solution.

First, you have to make a vinyl plank-friendly cleaner. Let’s make it. You can use white vinegar to make a solution. 

White vinegar is one of the best cleaning agents that is usable on almost all flooring options. It has a little acidic effect, so you have to use it by mixing it with some other ingredients. 

It will be best to mix one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water and a few drops of liquid dish cleaner. Mix them well until the dish liquid dissolves. 

Step two- cleaning vinyl plank flooring

Take a cloth or sponge and dip it into the solution. Vinyl plank flooring is usable in moist places, but that doesn’t mean you can use excessive water to clean it. 

Squeeze the mop well and mop away the floor with it. Use a microfiber cloth or soft dry cloth and wipe away the residue. 

Make sure you used white vinegar or distilled vinegar to clean vinyl floors because only vinegar can leave residue stain on the floor.

Step three-bring back the shine.

If you want your shine to continue, you can use some ingredients for cleaning vinyl floors that can reduce dullness and bring shine. 

Take some jojoba oil in a paper towel and wipe away the floor with it. Or take some essential oil and distilled vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the floor with this solution.

Step four: Remove stain or spot

If there are any food spill spots, you can make a solution of baking soda and water and apply it on the spot.

After a few minutes pass, the paste will absorb the spot, and then you can wipe away the residue with a dampened microfiber cloth. 

So there is no left residue behind. You can also use rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn stains. 

Take some rubbing alcohol in a paper towel, place it on the stain, and leave it for a few minutes. Now rub the area gently and wipe away the residue with a microfiber cloth.

After a few days pass, you can mop away the floor with plain warm water for around one week. It will keep the floor dirt-free and smooth. Don’t forget to sweep daily.

Step five: Removing Scratches

If there are some small scratches, you can use a spot repair kit or vinyl plank floor sealer after washing the floor properly. 

These won’t repair the vinyl plank floor but will hide the mark. Don’t ever do waxing on vinyl plank flooring. 

Waxing is forbidden on vinyl plank flooring. If you drag too much, there will be only scratches. It’s better to remove the vinyl plank with scratches and replace it with a new one. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use a Swiffer on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Yes, you can use a Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring. Swiffer wet jet is good for cleaning activities on luxury vinyl plank flooring. Varieties of Swiffer mops like spray mops, or stick mops, or vacuum cleaners are non-abrasive. These won’t cause any damage to your delicate vinyl plank flooring.  

Is Murphy Oil Soap Safe for Vinyl Floors?

Murphy oil soap is safe for vinyl floors. Murphy oil soap is specially designed to use on wood or non-wood surfaces. So it’s an excellent choice for vinyl floor users. It originated from 98% natural ingredients, so it’s clear and usable on vinyl floors. 

Is White Vinegar Safe for Vinyl Floors?

White vinegar is safe for vinyl floors. Vinegar is one of the best and effective cleaning agents that clean vinyl floors deeply. It doesn’t leave any residue and leave a natural smooth finish. You won’t have to rub or scrub with vinegar, so there is no chance of scratch. 

Does Murphy's Oil Soap Leave a Residue?

No Murphy oil soap doesn’t leave a residue. Murphy oil soap is an oil-based soap that is derived from 98% natural ingredients. It’s very clear and doesn’t leave any residue after cleaning. 

What Do Professionals Use to Clean Vinyl Floors?

Professionals use many things to clean vinyl floors. First, they vacuum the vinyl floors, then they steam clean the floor, and then use a cleaner. Some use natural cleaners, and some use commercial cleaners; each professional has different choices.

Conclusion

Cleaning vinyl plank flooring is effortless if you follow regular maintenance. 

Follow the cleaning process we have told you above and get dirt and spot-free vinyl plank flooring that will last for years. 

We have shared the best way to clean vinyl floors with a homemade cleaner that is damage-free. 

Make sure you don’t do waxing or use any harsh chemical-based cleaner, these will damage the vinyl plank floor, and there will be no option available other than changing the flooring.

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