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.
Natural Floor Cleaners
Apple cider or even white vinegar are great natural cleaners for vinyl flooring. To create your cleaning solution, mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of very warm water.
Generally speaking, most luxury vinyl planks can be cleaned using soap and water and don't require a special LVP cleaner. 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.
It does not chemically damage PVC and, according to Wikipedia, dissolves salt in the same way it dissolves oil (and therefore grease). So, yes: Cleaning vinyl records with vinegar is a very good idea.
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.
There's no need to rinse your vinegar-mopping solution from your floors. Keep in mind that your floors should be drying very quickly if you've wrung out your mop sufficiently.
Pro Tip: Avoid using wax polishes, abrasive cleaners, and harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can strip off the floor's protective layer over time. We also advise against using vinegar to clean your luxury vinyl floors.
If your flooring is waterproof, you can use a wet Swiffer safely, and can get a deeper clean than you'll get with a dry mop. Make sure that you use pads that feature a neutral household cleanser, rather than any harsh chemicals that could damage the flooring.
Vinyl flooring is still a great option for areas that may see some water like bathrooms and kitchens due to their water-resistant properties. But that doesn't mean you can let water sit on vinyl flooring, without cleaning it up. Eventually, water can get into and damage the planks.
Essential Tips for Cleaning LVP Flooring
Choose mild cleaners like dishwashing liquid, diluted distilled white vinegar, or plain water. The tools you select to remove dust and dirt should be non-abrasive, like a microfiber wet/dry mop or a vacuum without a beater bar.
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.
LVP floors often look dull due to dirt buildup, residue from harsh cleaners, or excessive moisture. Regular dusting, light mopping, and using gentle products can help restore shine.
We recommend mixing one gallon of warm water with mild dish soap or using a pH-neutral cleaner or LVP-specific cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the protective layer of the flooring.
Bona has everything you need for maintaining and cleaning vinyl floors; from vinyl floor cleaners to mops and vinyl floor polish. Whether you have luxury vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank or sheet vinyl flooring, Bona has you covered.
Mild cleaners like a distilled vinegar solution are more appropriate for luxury vinyl flooring. A mixture of warm water and white distilled vinegar goes in the bucket. The ideal ratio is one cup of vinegar per gallon of water.
A good old-fashioned sponge mop and water work quite nicely to clean vinyl flooring. Vacuum and mop regularly, approximately once or twice a week, and address any spills, wiping them up pronto with a pH neutral cleaner.
The intense heat from a steam mop can make the vinyl warp or peel, which can ruin both its look and structural integrity. Also, the steam's moisture can seep into the planks' seams and edges.
Our two favorites are the WOCA Spray Mop and Bona Premium Microfiber Mop. We use these mops to clean all types of flooring, including the luxury vinyl plank in our showroom.
Distilled white vinegar is a natural degreaser, disinfectant, and cleaner that is safe to use on all kinds of surfaces, including vinyl floors. The acidic compounds in white vinegar break down buildup and remove dirt without harming your floor's finish.
Heavy furniture and commercial appliances getting dragged around are one of the main culprits for destroying luxury vinyl floor tiles. Sometimes things need to be moved, and it's out of your control whether the furniture is lifted correctly or dragged across the floor, causing nasty scrapes and marks.
Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.
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.
For removing scuff marks from ceramic/vinyl floors, the best tool is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable.
This common kitchen mop is not just for salads anymore; it's a natural cleaning solution with a punch for your hardwood floors and carpet! It works wonders on these materials. The acidity in vinegar gives it the power to cut through dirt and grime on your tile flooring, leaving it sparkling clean when you use a mop.