What cleans vinyl floors the best?

Author: Alfonzo Frami  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Use a damp mop to apply to the floor, rinsing the mop frequently with clean, hot water from another bucket or your sink. For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the water and vinegar mixture.

What is the best thing to clean vinyl floors with?

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.

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.

What is the best cleaning method for vinyl?

To clean your vinyl records, grab a microfiber cleaning cloth to remove the dust and static from the record. Next, dampen a clean microfiber cloth (preferably with distilled water) and lightly wipe the record surface in a circular motion — but steer clear of the middle of the record.

Can you use Dawn to clean vinyl floors?

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.

How to Clean Vinyl Plank Floors (LVP) Like a Pro

Does white vinegar 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.

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.

What is the best cleaner for vinyl material?

Soap and Water - Warm Dish Soap and Water is the best way to safely clean Marine Vinyl. It may take some elbow grease, but if you clean your material every few weeks this method is the safest.

Can you use wet Swiffer on vinyl?

A: Great questions. 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.

How do you clean vinyl without damaging it?

Wipe gently.

Remove all dust and static using a microfiber cloth, using very little pressure to avoid driving any particles further into the grooves in the vinyl. Your goal is to pick up larger dust and dirt particles on the record without damaging the surface.

What not to use on vinyl floor?

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.

Is Lysol cleaner safe for vinyl floors?

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.

How to clean Shaw vinyl plank flooring?

Spray neutral pH cleaner, such as Shaw TOTALCARE® Hard Surface Cleaner or equivalent neutral pH floor cleaner, onto the floor in manageable areas (spray mist will dry quickly). Use a microfiber wet mop pad to mop the floor with cleaner. If pad becomes dirty, be sure to replace the pad with a new microfiber wet mop pad.

How do you make vinyl floors look new again?

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.

Is pine-sol good for vinyl floors?

Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner is a suitable option for vinyl floors, but it should be used sparingly with water.

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.

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.

What is the best mop for vinyl plank flooring?

Microfiber mops are ideal for vinyl plank flooring. They are soft enough to prevent scratches and can be used dry to pick up dirt and damp to clean without too much moisture.

Can you clean a vinyl with a wet wipe?

Absolutely not! Wet wipes can contain alcohol or other chemicals that can damage vinyl. They can also leave behind lint or fibres that will further scratch the record and affect sound quality. Stick to cleaning methods specifically designed for vinyl records.

How do professionals clean vinyl?

Easily the best way to deep clean a vinyl record is to use a special record cleaner. These vacuum-powered devices are made especially for cleaning vinyl old and new. They work by sucking up the dirt and dust that have settled in the grooves while maintaining a low pressure to protect your prized hits.

Does vinegar clean vinyl?

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.

What household product cleans vinyl?

DIY Cleaning by Hand

In a spray bottle, mix one part Isopropyl Alcohol, one part distilled water, and one to two drops of any dishwashing detergent.

What not to clean vinyl floors with?

“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.

Why are my vinyl floors still dirty after mopping?

One of the most common issues with LVP floors is residue left by improper cleaning products. Soap-based and oil-based cleaners, while often effective on other surfaces, can leave a sticky film on LVP flooring. This residue dulls the finish and attracts more dirt, making the floor look dirty.

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.

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