Maintaining the appearance and health of your vinyl plank flooring can be tough. Although vinyl plank flooring is durable, attractive and long-lasting despite a home’s traffic, this floor is also destructible if not properly cared for. However, cleaning and maintaining vinyl plank flooring is quite easy and uncomplicated. Keep reading to learn how to easily and effectively clean your vinyl plank flooring.
How to clean
One of the most basic and easiest methods of cleaning vinyl plank flooring is simply using plain water and a sponge mop. Wiping dirt and spills the moment they happen and consistently mopping with plain water will help you maintain clean and healthy-looking floors. However, the following are more techniques for cleaning more intensively;
Using apple cider vinegar is one of the best techniques because, unlike wax or soap that leave build-up after cleaning, the vinegar’s acidity removes dirt and sludge leaving no build-up. To clean with vinegar, simply combine about 3 liters of water with a cup of apple cider vinegar and wipe, rinsing the mop in the hot water.
If your floor is very dirty, replace the cider vinegar with white vinegar to disinfect and add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the white vinegar mixture and mop. Then, rinse once with the vinegar and hot water mixture.
Mix baking soda and water to clean food stains by gently wiping the stain with the paste. Afterwards, with just water, clean all traces of baking soda.
If your vinyl plank flooring has stubborn scratches or hard stains, put jojoba oil or a lubricant like WD-40 on a cloth and gently and thoroughly rub the stain until it disappears. With a mixture of water and vinegar, remove any lubrication that remains.
Lastly, use rubbing alcohol to clean lipstick, ink and hair dye stains, use acetone to clean nail polish stains and use mineral spirits to clean paint, crayon and marker stains.
What not to do when cleaning vinyl plank flooring
When cleaning vinyl plank flooring, you need to avoid some products and techniques. First, avoid using a “beater bar” attachment when vacuuming as this can ruin the flooring surface. Secondly, steer clear of highly abrasive scrubbers or steel wool and avoid using “mop and shine” products, detergents and coarse cleaners because they typically leave your vinyl plank flooring dull.
Also, to avoid your vinyl plank flooring from cracking, avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solvents as they dissolve the floor’s material. Last but not least, refrain from using solvent-based polishes and paste wax to clean your vinyl plank flooring.
Conclusion
Even though vinyl plank flooring is tough and durable it still needs regular cleaning and proper maintenance to last you for long. Consistent vacuuming, thorough wet cleaning and wiping stains immediately are the best ways to maintain your vinyl plank flooring.
FAQs
How do I add shine to my vinyl plank flooring?
To add shine, add a few jojoba oil drops to the water and vinegar mixture when rinsing your floor.