What can ruin vinyl flooring?

Author: Mr. Emmanuel Kuphal  |  Last update: Monday, November 27, 2023

Even with a protective wear layer, over time, rolling desk chairs or desks with little wheels at the bottom can cause wear and tear and damage your vinyl flooring. Quite often, these tiny wheels leave a small floor print, especially if the weight of a person is applied and leave behind a small dent.

What can damage vinyl floors?

Don'ts:
  • Never use a detergent that is abrasive. ...
  • Never use a wax polish.
  • Never use an abrasive scrubbing tool on your floor. ...
  • Never use a beater bar when vacuuming. ...
  • Never drench your vinyl with water. ...
  • Never use rolling casters.

Can you damage vinyl flooring?

In fact, its pattern usually goes out of style long before its surface wears out. Vinyl flooring isn't indestructible, however. Sliding back a chair can snag and rip it (photo 1), while a dropped can and other sharp objects can easily gouge the material.

How easy is it to damage vinyl flooring?

Damaged Easily

This material isn't as strong as others like wood since it can't withstand heavy loads and can get damaged by sharp objects. It is also a lot more difficult to repair than other materials and you may need new flooring.

What not to do with vinyl floor?

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

The Truth About Vinyl Flooring

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

These floors can resist scratches, scuffs, stains, and even a certain amount of gouging in their durability. However, extreme heat can damage the luxury vinyl plank. Some of the culprits through which heat damage can occur include hot pans, curling irons, dropped cigarettes, and more.

What should you avoid vinyl?

Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solutions. Don't use bleach as an overall vinyl floor cleaner. Keep away from highly abrasive scrubbers or detergents on vinyl. They can damage the floor, causing cracks or scratches.

Does furniture damage vinyl flooring?

Even with a protective wear layer, over time, rolling desk chairs or desks with little wheels at the bottom can cause wear and tear and damage your vinyl flooring. Quite often, these tiny wheels leave a small floor print, especially if the weight of a person is applied and leave behind a small dent.

Will rugs scratch vinyl floors?

Vinyl floors are known for their durability, but even they're easily scuffed, scratched, and stained by a rug that hasn't been anchored down. A rug pad will therefore extend the life of your flooring and your rug.

How long should vinyl flooring last?

Generally speaking, vinyl sheet flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while vinyl plank and tile flooring will last 15 to 20 years. The thickness of its wear layer vastly impacts vinyl flooring's lifespan, so pay attention to this detail when purchasing your flooring.

Will vinegar damage vinyl floors?

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.

Can I use Swiffer wet on vinyl floors?

Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl.

What is good and bad about vinyl flooring?

High-quality vinyl flooring is very durable. However, low-quality vinyl can be susceptible to rips and tears, and refinishing it can be a challenge. In particular, this is especially true if you are using sheet vinyl. Because vinyl flooring cannot be refinished, once damaged, it needs to be removed and replaced.

What causes discolored vinyl flooring?

Oils, dirt, and grime can seep through the lowest layers of vinyl, causing permanent yellow spots on the floor. To avoid this, make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for adhesives and application techniques.

Do rubber mats damage vinyl floors?

Neither natural or synthetic rubber or latex-backed rugs should be used on any type of vinyl flooring. They can react with the top layers of the vinyl floor and cause discoloration or staining, potentially resulting in permanent damage to the floor.

What makes vinyl flooring scratch resistant?

It also has a thick clear melamine wear layer at the top. This protects the floor from scratches, scuffs, and wear. It also keeps spills at the top so they don't absorb and wipe off easily.

Will my dog scratch my vinyl floor?

An overview of pets and vinyl floors

It should resist scratching, tearing and other types of damage, unless you try very hard to damage it. In addition, luxury vinyl flooring holds up well against accidents, such as food or water bowl spills or dog urine.

Can you put heavy furniture on vinyl flooring?

Today we're going to answer the important question, can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring? Yes, although vinyl isn't as durable as timber, our vinyl floors are well-designed and durable enough to be able to handle heavy furniture placed upon them.

Will heavy furniture damage vinyl planks?

Heavy furniture or appliances is one of the main reasons for dents in vinyl flooring. When these items aren't handled properly, they can cause too much pressure that the tiles can't handle.

How much weight can vinyl flooring hold?

If your floor is overloaded by heavy appliances or heavy furniture, you risk damaging the planks. It's important to know the specific weight rating of your flooring so that you can avoid damage. According to Home Inspection Insider, most manufacturers rate their vinyl to be able to withstand 500 pounds.

Is Pine Sol good for vinyl floors?

Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner – Yes, Pine Sol on vinyl floors is a fine option; however, use sparingly with water. Do not oversaturate your vinyl floors with too much water, use just enough to disinfect the floors.

Can you use Clorox wipes on vinyl flooring?

Note: Disinfecting wipes that contain bleach are acceptable on vinyl. 7.5 to 9 is the recommended pH for bleach.

Does vinyl attract roaches?

Vinyl can crack, chip, or break if hit with something heavy, but unlike wood, vinyl isn't prone to rot, decay, warp, or attract bugs.

What not to use on vinyl plank flooring?

Do not use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or “mop and shine” products, because these can leave a dull film on the floor. Do not use paste wax or solvent-based polishes. Do not use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions on vinyl flooring; these can break down the material and cause cracks in the flooring.

What causes vinyl flooring to crack?

Peeling and cracking of vinyl surfaces generally occurs when the adhesive at the edge of the material begins to lose its ability to bond the materials together. As a result, the edge of the vinyl will begin to curl upwards, not only creating an unpleasant aesthetic but allowing dirt to collect beneath the flooring.

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