Is vinegar safe on vinyl floors?

Author: Melisa Hyatt  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

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. Use this for mopping in place of a commercial cleaning solution. To clean up stains, consider creating a baking soda paste.

What is the best thing to clean vinyl floors with?

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.

Will vinegar mess up vinyl?

Like with hardwood floors, vinegar's acidity will take away the shine and sheen of a no-wax floor, such as vinyl and linoleum. Using vinegar won't give you the light sudsy action that you need to get no-wax flooring clean.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for vinyl floors?

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.

Do you have to rinse floors after mopping with vinegar?

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.

Why I Hate Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT and LVP)

Can you use vinegar to clean vinyl floors?

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. Use this for mopping in place of a commercial cleaning solution. To clean up stains, consider creating a baking soda paste.

Is Dawn and vinegar a good floor cleaner?

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.

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

Enemies of Vinyl Flooring
  • Dirt and Grit: Acting like sandpaper, dirt and grit particles can scratch the wear layer of the vinyl, especially at entryways and high-traffic areas. ...
  • Sharp Objects: Dropping sharp objects like knives or tools can puncture or gouge vinyl.

Can I use Swiffer Wet on vinyl plank flooring?

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.

What should you not use on vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl Flooring “Don'ts”
  • Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers to clean your vinyl floor.
  • Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. ...
  • Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes.
  • Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions.

What surfaces should not be cleaned with vinegar?

Never Clean These With Vinegar
  1. Stone Countertops. Surfaces that often get ruined by vinegar are stone countertops, like marble and travertine. ...
  2. Dishwashers/Washing Machines. You might have come across the tip of running a dishwasher or washing machine with vinegar to tackle hard-water film and odors. ...
  3. Clothes Iron.

Can you ruin vinyl flooring?

Vinyl floors: the cons

Because it is softer than other hard surface flooring, sharp objects and heavy furniture can cause scratches, abrasions, and other permanent damage. With certain vinyl tiles, the attrition can cause the whole tile to pop out and require replacement.

What cleaners should not be used on vinyl?

This guide highlights chemicals to avoid when cleaning vinyl floors and suggests alternatives to maintain their beauty and longevity.
  • Common Chemicals to Avoid. Ammonia-Based Cleaners. ...
  • Bleach. Bleach too harsh for vinyl floors. ...
  • Abrasive Cleaners. ...
  • Wax-Based Products. ...
  • Solvent-Based Cleaners.

Is pine-sol safe for vinyl floors?

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.

How often should I mop a vinyl floor?

How Often to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring. Like the other floors in your home, you should plan to remove crumbs, dust, and debris from your floors at least once a week.

How to remove sticky residue from vinyl flooring?

For stubborn glue spots, acetone can be very effective:
  1. Dampen a cloth with a small amount of acetone.
  2. Gently rub the glue residue. Be cautious and test a small area first to ensure it doesn't affect the finish of your vinyl.
  3. Wipe away any dissolved glue with a damp cloth.

What cleaner is best for vinyl floors?

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.

Is steam mop good for vinyl floors?

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. Instead, stick to our recommended cleaning practices with regular vacuuming and mopping with a damp microfiber mop and gentle cleaner.

Can you mop vinyl flooring with water?

To be safe when choosing the best cleaner for vinyl flooring, use a small amount of water. Too much water may seep through the cracks. That could cause bubbling, corner curl or unsightly blemishes on your floor. To avoid this, simply make sure you're working with a lightly dampened cloth or mop.

Will vinegar and water damage vinyl plank flooring?

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.

Can you put a refrigerator on vinyl plank flooring?

Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.

What not to use on vinyl?

Here are five things that you should avoid if you want to keep your vinyl happy and healthy:
  • Avoid Painting. ...
  • Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals. ...
  • Don't Use Abrasive Cleaning Tools. ...
  • If you must Power Wash, Keep it Level. ...
  • Keep Your BBQ at a Distance.

Is magic eraser safe for vinyl floors?

For removing scuff marks from ceramic/vinyl floors, the best tool is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable.

What happens when you mix Dawn and vinegar?

Dish soap, known for its grease-fighting properties, pairs excellently with vinegar, which acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. This blend not only targets stubborn stains and buildup but also leaves surfaces sanitized and fresh.

How to clean vinyl floors with vinegar?

To clean your vinyl floors using vinegar, follow the cleaning process above but substitute your soapy water with a mixture of one cup vinegar and a gallon of warm water. Even though the vinegar will evaporate when the floor dries, it's still best to give your floors a rinse using clean water and a mop.

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