How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring 2

Vinyl flooring is a low-maintenance flooring option. Just like any other flooring option, it eventually becomes dirty. When you decide that it may be time to clean your vinyl floors, you want to make sure you clean them correctly. Correctly cleaning your vinyl floors preserves their durability. This no nonsense guide will show you the important information on how to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring.

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is great for minor dust and debris on your floor. Keeping dust off of your floor, even if it’s small amounts, will extend the life of the finish. Small particles of dust and dirt can remove the finish from your home when you track it around.

You will need a broom or a vacuum to effectively remove dust from your floors. If you choose to use a broom, a microfiber end piece may pick up dust better than a conventional broom. If you choose a vacuum, do not use a vacuum with a beater bar or power rotary brush head, as these may scratch and damage the vinyl.

Wet Cleaning

If your floors have tough stains or dirt that withstood dry cleaning, you should move on to wet cleaning. There are three common methods for cleaning luxury vinyl plank. You will need a mop for all three. Since standing liquid can damage or stain vinyl flooring, its important to use a microfiber mop opposed to a string mop when cleaning.

Manufacturer Recommended Cleaner

Before you start cleaning with a mop, it is important to go and search google for your floors own specifics. You should be able to find the cleaning products your manufacturer recommends. If your manufacturer lists recommend products, it is best to go with those. If no specific cleaners are mentioned, there are other ways to clean your vinyl and still have great results.

Cleaning Luxury Vinyl with Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most common ingredients in homemade floor cleaners. Apple cider vinegar works extremely well with vinyl floors. Vinegar’s acidity removes dirt and grime without leaving behind a residue like soap tends to. Make sure you don’t use full-strength vinegar to clean your floors. It can dull the finish, and luxury vinyl cannot be polished to restore the look.

To make homemade floor cleaner and clean your floors using vinegar:

• Mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of water
• Use a mop damp with your homemade cleaner to begin mopping the floors
• Frequently rinse mop with hot water while cleaning

You can switch out apple cider with white vinegar to disinfect and clean your floors at the same time. For especially grimy floors, you can add a few drops of liquid dish-washing soap to your mixture. If you add the dish-washing soap, you will need to go back over your floors a second time with just water and vinegar.

Cleaners and Soap

One of the best cleaners for vinyl floors is just an ounce of mild dish washing soap in a gallon of plain water. This is because when it comes to luxury vinyl, you want to keep cleaners pH neutral. This means no high-pH detergents. High-pH cleaners are too corrosive and can damage your flooring.

When using dish-washing soap in your cleaning solution you want to thoroughly wring your mop to keep the amount of water on the floor minimal. Don’t forget to go over your floors a second time to wipe away any excess soap left over. To finish, all you have to do is dry your floors with a clean rag or towel.

Tough Stains

Using one of the ways listed above should take care of most stains in your vinyl flooring. In the case where more stubborn stains are left over, use this process.

• Combine baking soda and water to create a paste.
• Apply the paste to the stain with a soft rag and rub gently
• Continue until the stain is completely lifted
• Repeat the process if necessary
• Finish by removing the excess paste with a damp, clean, cloth.

How to Protect your Vinyl Floor

A good defense means less cleaning. Ways you can help defend your floor:

• Add floor protectors to the legs of your furniture
• Put down a rug or doormat in a high traffic area
• Dry cleaning you floors often lowers the chance of dirt caused abrasions
• When moving furniture, use a dolly to prevent scratching and tears in the vinyl
• an acrylic finish

Luxury vinyl plank often comes in beautiful colors and patterns. With these cleaning tips in mind, you’ll be able to keep them beautiful for years to come.