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.
Vinyl Flooring “Don'ts”
Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes. 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.
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.
Con: LVP May Dent
Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it. However, do know that LVP resists scratches better than real hardwood.
Not environmentally friendly
Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations. If this is a concern for you, we recommend avoiding high-VOC vinyl flooring and choosing a low-VOC floor instead.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Instead, learn how to clean vinyl floors using the mildest possible method. Sweep or vacuum it every evening, and wipe up spills right away. To clean dirt that the broom or vacuum can't get, use a mop dampened with warm—not hot—water. If all else fails, use soap, but make sure the soap is designed for your flooring.
Note: Disinfecting wipes that contain bleach are acceptable on vinyl. 7.5 to 9 is the recommended pH for bleach.
Why you need a rug pad for a vinyl floor. Place a rug on any hard surface and it will slip and bunch up. Vinyl flooring is no exception. If you don't put a non-slip rug pad under a rug that sits on vinyl flooring, you'll end up having to straighten it out just about every time you walk past it.
Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl.
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.
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.
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.
Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely water-proof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture. For that reason they are an excellent choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where moisture is around.
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.
One essential tip for maintaining your luxury vinyl floor is not to mop too often. Once a week or twice a month is plenty.
If you're looking to make your own floor cleaner for your vinyl plank floors, lots of folks swear by adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a gallon of warm water. You can mop with it directly, or place it in a spray bottle for spot cleaning as you need it.
Vacuum or dry-mop the floor to remove surface dirt
The fastest way to damage vinyl plank flooring is through daily negligence. That's why we recommend vacuuming or dry mopping your flooring every day or two.
If a vinegar solution or dish soap mixture doesn't quite cut it when cleaning the vinyl floors in your kitchen, then you might want to upgrade your cleaning solution to include Dawn dish soap. Dawn is great at cutting through grease in dirty pans, but it also does the same thing on vinyl floors.
Professionals clean vinyl floors using specially formulated cleaning solutions and hot water extraction. The combination of these methods delivers powerful vinyl floor cleaning action that leaves your vinyl look brand new.
Add a bit of baking soda to your regular floor cleaner to help keep the vinyl fresh, smooth, and shiny. Applying a small amount of WD-40 lubricant is a safe way to remove any scratches or scuffs without damaging the vinyl. You can also use a bit of jojoba oil to gently polish vinyl floors.
Luxury vinyl has become our most popular choice for home flooring, and for many good reasons.As mentioned previously its waterproof, low maintenance, resilient, and is one of the most budget-friendly options, too!
The key difference between vinyl and laminate flooring is the materials they're made from. Laminate flooring is comprised of several layers laminated together, including a wood fiberboard core. Vinyl flooring, while also available with several layers, is limited to synthetic materials.
Vinyl flooring, especially when installed with an underlayment, can minimize impact noise and provide a softer and more muted sound when walking or dropping items. Laminate flooring, without an underlayment, may produce a louder and hollower sound due to the nature of its construction.