Vinyl floors are very much in demand today, all thanks to their durability and affordable rates. They usually come in various colors and designs and are thought to be the perfect alternatives to rubber flooring. What is interesting and great about them is that they do not get affected by alkaline moisture or by exposure to oxygen which further increases their longevity.
The even better news about vinyl flooring is that you do not have to put tons of effort to maintain them. They are quite easy to clean and hence anyone can maintain them using some very basic tricks. You do not have to invest by bringing experts to keep them in good shape.
So, are you excited to know how to clean vinyl floors easily? I think you are, so without further delay, let’s dig in.
What You Need to Clean the Vinyl Floors
There are some very basic methods using which you can keep the vinyl floors clean but before you get started with the cleaning process, it is necessary that you buy all the basic ingredients required to clean them. Here’s a list of the most important stuff that will come in handy for you:
Tools:
- Dust mop, broom, or vacuum (as per your preference)
- Bucket
- Wet mop
- Cleaning cloths preferably the microfiber ones
Materials:
- Dishwashing soap
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
Simple Steps to Clean the Vinyl Floors
Cleaning the Vinyl Floors is easy. All you need to do is to follow the below-mentioned simple step-by-step instructions.
1. Get rid of the grit
One of the best ways to avoid having scratches on your vinyl floors is by making a habit of removing the dirt and the grit from the surfaces on a regular basis. For that, you can use a dust mop, broom, or vacuum as per your preference. Just remember that if you want to vacuum the floors, go for a setup that does not include the usage of the beater bar like that, which in many cases can lead to dents in the flooring.
2. Make the solution
In order to clean the floors, you need a proper cleaning solution. So, choose a good liquid dishwashing liquid and mix it with warm water. Now, if you have vinyl floors in the kitchen, you will probably have to get rid of stains that are more stubborn, so it would be wise to use a liquid soap that has a degreaser. This will make work a lot easier for you.
3. Mop the floors
Once you have prepared the cleaning solution, it is time to mop the floors. So, dip the mop in the mixture but before using it, make sure you take out the excess water from it. After that, start from one end of the room and slowly move outward. Remember to rinse and wring the mop at frequent intervals while mopping the floors.
If you want to get the work done quicker, then you may even opt for a robotic mop and relax for a while.
4. Handle the stubborn stains
Some stains may be tough and slightly hard to remove. But, depending on the type of stains, there are ways to get rid of them.
- For food stains- If you have food stains on the floors, the best way to deal with them is by using a baking soda and water mixture. Simply put the mixture on the stains, let it sit for some time and then scrub gently with the help of a microfiber cloth.
- For grease- For grease, rubbing alcohol works best. Dip a microfiber cloth in the rubbing alcohol and start cleaning the stain from the outside and then slowly move towards the center. This technique will help you avoid the stain from spreading further.
- For scuff marks- Scuff marks from furniture and shoes are very common and in order to get rid of them, WD – 40 usage in little amounts is recommended. After you spray it on the stain, finish the cleaning with the help of a dry microfiber cloth.
5. Know when to rinse
If your floors are not that dirty, you will not require too much soap while cleaning them. So, in this case, rinsing the floor is not needed. However, if you feel that after mopping, the floor still feels sticky, then it is best to go for a quick rinse using a white vinegar and water solution.
6. Dry the floors completely
After you have finished with the cleaning, please remember not to step inside the rooms until the floors have fully dried. If you are a little impatient, use a fan to quickly dry them.
7. Protect the floors
Besides keeping the floors squeaky clean, it is important for you to protect them and avoid damage. To ensure that, here are some things that you need to consider:
- Avoid the usage of very harsh commercial cleansers and opt for mild ones or DIY solutions instead.
- If you have no-wax vinyl floors, you should not use liquid wax or any paste as that will simply build up and damage the finish. However, if your floors have already lost their shine, you can always get it back with the help of a good sealant that is specifically meant for no-wax vinyl floors.
- While scrubbing vinyl floors, it is best to avoid stiff-bristled brush or steel wool.
- Having a mat at every entrance will lessen the dirt accumulation on the floors.
- If the furniture has rolling casters, remove them to prevent scratches on the floor. Also, resist the temptation of dragging heavy appliances frequently as that can also damage the floors badly.
Summary
As you can see, cleaning vinyl floors is not a very huge task. You just have to get the basic cleaning done from time to time and not let the stains get too stubborn. As far as deep cleaning of the vinyl floors is concerned, do it occasionally. Also, protect the floors while cleaning them so that you can enjoy them for a very long time.