Vinyl Flooring Care & Maintenance

Vinyl flooring is known for being easy to look after and hassle-free with regards to maintenance, but there are some things you'll need to know to get the best out of your new vinyl floor. Proper care and maintenance are essential to keeping your vinyl flooring looking great and extending its lifespan.

In this guide, we will explore some practical tips on how to care for our vinyl flooring and help you maintain its shine.

Preventative Measures

The best way to keep your new vinyl flooring looking new is to avoid doing things that can cause scratches and damage in the first place. As the saying goes, prevention is better than the cure.

• Try to place doormats at entrances to capture dirt and debris that can scratch your vinyl's surface, and remove your shoes when indoors.
• Be cautious with footwear like high heels, and try to keep your pet's claws clipped, as they can both cause surface damage.
• Try to avoid dragging or scraping anything over the floor, and be careful with sharp objects as they can cause surface damage.
• Use felt or rubber pads on the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches and scuffs when moving things around.

Regular Cleaning

A quick sweep with a soft bristled brush or a regular vacuum will remove any loose dirt and dust. Try to use a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor setting or attachment to prevent abrasive particles from scratching the surface.

For regular cleaning, simply use a little warm water and soap with a microfiber mop or a specially formulated floor cleaner suitable for vinyl flooring. Wipe up spillages immediately where possible using a mop or damp clean cloth, and then wait until it's dry before walking on it.

Try to avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, and never use abrasive scourers on vinyl floors, as this can cause permanent damage to the surface. If you have children or pets, then ensure the cleaner you choose is safe for use in family homes. Try to opt for natural products where possible to avoid any potential issues.

Spills and Stains

For general everyday spills, a little warm water and dish soap or detergent with a wrung out mop should be sufficient. Depending on the spillage, you can also just wipe it clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.
For more stubborn or specific stains:

• You can try using vinegar and water on more stubborn stains that aren't lifting with your normal cleaning routine.
• You can also use bicarbonate of soda, which is tough on stains but remains vinyl-friendly.
• Use rubbing alcohol for grease, makeup, and ink stains.
• If you've spilled nail polish, use an acetone-free nail polish remover.
• You can also use a very mild bleach solution for stubborn food and drink stains.
• If you are using a specialist floor cleaner, always check the label to ensure compatibility with your vinyl floor.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia and don't use abrasive pads during stain removal, as they can cause lasting damage.
• Never steam clean. Avoid steam cleaners at all costs, as the high heat and moisture can warp the floor and cause the vinyl to lift.

Things To Avoid

If you are just looking for a list of things you definitely shouldn't do if you have a vinyl floor, here it is.

• Don't leave stains for too long, as they will become much harder to remove.
• Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners.
• Don't drag furniture or objects across your floor.
• Avoid wearing high heels or stilettos, as they will damage or puncture the surface.
• Don't use abrasive implements like steel wool or scouring pads.
• Avoid using polish or wax, as it can make your floors incredibly slippery.
• Don't leave standing water for too long, as it will soak in over time.
• Avoid leaving anything made of rubber in contact with your vinyl for long periods of time. This can lead to yellow discolouration spots over time.
• Don't steam clean your vinyl floor.

How do I clean scuff marks from my Vinyl floor?

The most common type of scuff marks are left by rubber shoes, in which case there are various methods you can use to remove them. Simply using a smooth eraser will do the trick nicely. The same type as on the end of a pencil should be fine. Just rub the scuff using the erasure like you would a pencil mark you were trying to erase, and the friction will do the rest. If you don't have an eraser around the house, you can also use baking soda, rubbing alcohol, or hairspray, as long as it contains alcohol.

By following these tips, you can keep your vinyl flooring looking great for years to come. Regular maintenance and gentle cleaning will preserve its beauty and durability, making it a practical and attractive choice for your home.

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