Using natural substances like vinegar or baking soda can an effective, gentler cleaning method. In addition, removing stains from vinyl tile, planks or sheet vinyl flooring this way is more budget friendly and safer for pets. Baking soda is a natural method that avoids harming the finish.
Vinyl flooring should be dry-mopped or vacuumed daily or weekly and—when a deeper cleaning is needed—damp-mopped with a pH-neutral cleaning agent formulated for use on vinyl or with a mild solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water mixed with two to three drops of dish soap.
A dishwashing soap like Dawn is the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring because it will cut grime and grease without stripping your floors or damaging the wear layer. Mix about an ounce of Dawn dish detergent with a gallon of warm (not hot) water for the best results in loosening filth from your floors.
Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions. Ammonia can break down the vinyl and cause it to crack. Don't use a steam cleaner on vinyl plank flooring. Though vinyl can sometimes be impervious to water, it won't stand up to both the water and the intense heat produced by steam cleaning.
For mopping, avoid using string mops and steam mops, which can cause water damage—vinyl plank floors, even those that claim to be waterproof, are not often water resistant at the seams, says Homer.
Our Swiffer Wet cloths are designed with a pH close to neutral. As well, these cloths have been tested to be safe for use on vinyl plank flooring.
Pine-Sol is also safe for luxury vinyl wood plank flooring and vinyl tile flooring, so long as used with a dry mop and you do not saturate the floors.
While vinegar is a common ingredient in many homemade floor cleaners, it shouldn't be used on certain household surfaces because it can cause damage. Fortunately, luxury vinyl flooring isn't one of those surfaces. In fact, apple cider vinegar makes an excellent vinyl floor cleaner.
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaners have special ingredients designed to help sustain wood floors as they clean. Similarly, Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaners are made with ingredients to specially care for marble, stone, tile, vinyl, laminate floors and other hard-surface floors.
As we've learned, the answer to the question "Can you use a steam mop on vinyl plank flooring?" is no. While steam mops offer a deep clean for many surfaces, they are not be the best choice for vinyl flooring due to the potential risk of heat and moisture damage.
Homemade cleaners like the hardwood floor cleaner vinegar dawn mixture are surprisingly effective. Vinegar's natural acidity helps to break down dirt and grime, while Dawn dish soap effectively cuts through grease. This combination ensures a thorough clean without leaving harmful residues behind.
DO NOT use All-Purpose or Multi-Purpose cleaners, detergents, abrasive cleaners or “mop and shine” type products (such as Bleach, Pine-Sol, Clorox Soft Scrub, Fabuloso, Rejuvenate, Mop & Glo, Mr. Clean, Murphy's Oil Soap and similar, unapproved cleaners), as they will dull the finish and sheen of the flooring material.
You don't need to dilute Lysol's multipurpose cleaner because you can use it at full strength on vinyl floors. Once you apply solution to the entire floor, allow it to sit for about five minutes to fully disinfect the floor. Frequently rinse and wring out the mop when it gets dirty.
Any mop with a microfiber cloth or built-in sprayer can be used on vinyl flooring, including LVT and LVP vinyl. However, steam cleaners should not be used on vinyl. The heat and moisture can penetrate the inner layers and damage surfaces.
Commercial vinyl floor cleaners are available, but you can make a simple, effective cleaner for vinyl floors by mixing apple cider vinegar with water. The vinegar's acidity removes dirt without leaving a soapy film. Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water.
The natural cleaning power and mild abrasiveness of baking soda will remove most stains without damaging your floor. Pour a little baking soda directly on the stained area and add enough water to create a cleaning paste.
“Ammonia or bleach-based cleaners that may discolor the vinyl aren't the best idea, and wax or polish isn't the best to use either, as many vinyl floors have a no-wax finish,” warns Stein.
Routine Care And Maintenance:
Do not use abrasive cleaners, such as steel wool or scouring powder, as these may scratch your floor. Do not use cleaning products that contain surfactants. Dish lotions, laundry detergents, Murphy Oil Soap cleaners should not be used to maintain your flooring.
Never let Pine-Sol sit on the floor in your home. Immediately wipe up any spills or excess liquid. After cleaning with diluted Pine-Sol, make sure you rinse thoroughly. Using a damp mop with plain water after cleaning can help ensure no residue is left behind.
Vinyl flooring is also susceptible to heat damage from sun exposure. Sections of the flooring exposed to sunlight throughout the day will warp the product and start to buckle at the seams between boards.
You can use a dry Swiffer mop pad on vinyl plank flooring products. The dry Swiffer is an excellent way to capture dust and pet hair for a thorough clean. If you use a Swiffer WetJet, you'll need to refer to your product's directions and make sure that the product is waterproof.
Mop the floor weekly to remove any grime or gunk that appears. If your vinyl flooring is in a highly-trafficked area of your home, it may need to be mopped more often.