The first thing you need to know when it comes to vinyl floors cleaner is how to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. A doormat helps keep out your vinyl floor’s two greatest enemies: dirt and chemicals. Tracked-in dirt means extra broom time. Grit acts like sandpaper, removing the finish from your floor. And even though you can’t see them, chemicals from asphalt can stick first to your shoes and then to the floor, causing it to yellow.
Steps To Clean Your Vinyl Floors
Learn low-impact cleaning techniques
Resist the temptation to blast away dirt with heavy-duty cleaners. 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.
Learn low-impact cleaning techniques
Resist the temptation to blast away dirt with heavy-duty cleaners. 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.
Sweep Before You Mop
Vinyl is very durable, but the smooth surface is prone to scratching, leaving the floor looking undesirable. Avoid leaving graze marks by first sweeping before mopping.
Use a soft-bristled broom or, even better, a dry mop to sweep away dust, debris, and hair. Be sure to sweep around furniture legs and underneath the furniture. Any hidden debris that gets blown out onto high traffic areas can cause subtle scratching that will be noticeable with time.
Once you have dust-free floors, you can go ahead and mop. Plain warm water and a mop are all you need if your floors are stain-free and generally well-maintained. Some washing detergent might be necessary for stained vinyl or older floors, as we’ll see below.
Preserve the sheen
“No wax” really means “Don’t wax.” No-wax vinyl has a clear polyurethane coating that makes it shine. Wax won’t adhere well to the coating and will leave behind a mess that you’ll have to strip off. (Don’t use mop-and-wax products, either.) If your no-wax floor loses its shine, restore it with a polish or sealant made for no-wax flooring. Make sure the floor is thoroughly clean and apply one or two thin layers as directed. It should keep your floor shining for at least a year with only routine damp mopping. If you have an older floor that requires waxing, wax when it loses its sheen, but use only the amount called for on the container label
