
Once the stains and scuffs are taken care of, here’s how to clean vinyl floors safely and easily:
- Vacuum or dry mop your vinyl floors before you give them a wet cleaning. This keeps abrasive dirt and dust to a minimum...
- Mix up a bucket of soapy water and fill another bucket with clean water for rinsing, then grab some microfiber cloths...
Full Answer
What is the best way to clean a vinyl floor?
- Get rid of spills as soon as they occur
- Use the right mop and cleaner
- Remove scuffs
- Scrub the floor gently and rinse well
- Prevent the floor from getting dirty in the first place
What are the best floor cleaners for vinyl?
- Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Concentrate
- method All Purpose Cleaner
- Dr. Bronner's All-Purpose Cleaner
- Grove Co. Floor Cleaner Concentrate + Glass Spray Bottle with Silicone Sleeve
- method Squirt & Mop Hard Floor Cleaner
- Aunt Fannie's Vinegar Wash Floor Cleaner
How to clean vinyl flooring without damaging it?
How to Clean Vinyl Flooring Without Damaging It. One of the best cleansers for vinyl flooring is apple cider vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar helps remove dirt and grime without leaving a buildup of soap or wax. Simply mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water and use a damp mop to clean, rinsing the mop frequently with hot ...
How to clean tile floors with vinegar?
What is the best way to clean hardwood floors naturally?
- Vinegar mixed with water Mix up some warm water and vinegar for a quick spot clean or a full-on deep clean. ...
- Brewed tea bags Black tea has been the go-to cleaner for hardwood floors for centuries. ...
- Lemon Juice, olive oil and hot water

What is the best way to clean a vinyl floor?
Clean off general surface dirt with vinegar. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar (without the mother) cuts through grime. It's an excellent option to spiff up your vinyl floor without chemicals. Vinegar is also great for removing any floor stickiness.
What kind of cleaner do you use on vinyl flooring?
apple cider vinegarCommercial 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.
Is it safe to mop vinyl flooring?
"Mop and shine" products leave a film on the floor that attracts more soil. If you choose a commercial floor cleaner, always read the product label to make sure it is safe for vinyl flooring and whether it requires rinsing. A gentle detergent and water will clean vinyl without causing non-reversible damage.
How do you clean really dirty vinyl tiles?
To clean your vinyl floors, you can use a gallon of water mixed with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. This is a very effective solution for removing all sorts of stains from vinyl floors. You'll also need to pour a second bucket of hot clean water mixed with nothing.
Will vinegar damage vinyl floors?
No-Wax Floors Like with hardwood floors, vinegar's acidity will take away the shine and sheen of a no-wax floor, such as vinyl and linoleum.
Can you use vinegar on vinyl floors?
One of the best cleansers for vinyl flooring is apple cider vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar helps remove dirt and grime without leaving a buildup of soap or wax. Simply mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water and use a damp mop to clean, rinsing the mop frequently with hot water.
Is steam mop good for vinyl floors?
Using a steam mop on a vinyl floor is not recommended because irreversible damage can quickly occur when the PVC and glue react with high heat. The best mop for vinyl plank floors is a string mop, but a microfiber spray mop can also be used to clean up simple messes.
How do you maintain vinyl flooring?
Every week, or more often if necessary, it's enough to wipe the floor with a damp mop or a cloth moistened with warm water and a neutral detergent. This helps to remove dirt and keep the floor in top condition. Keep in mind that you don't need a large amount of water to clean your floor.
How do I make my vinyl floor shine?
To add shine to your vinyl floor, add a few drops of baby oil to the vinegar and water solution. For stubborn scuffs, try putting some WD-40 lubricant or jojoba oil on a towel and rub the area until the scuffs disappear. Clean thoroughly with the vinegar and water solution to remove any traces of lubrication.
Why are my vinyl floors always dirty?
Vinyl floors often have uneven surfaces because of their texture. Dirt may get into these small grooves and ridges, making the floor look dingy. Sometimes this gets waxed over, making it even harder to remove.
How do you clean dingy vinyl floors?
1:092:15How to Clean Vinyl Floor Buildup - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet the vinegar do the work. Maybe walk away for a few minutes come back and do it one little squareMoreLet the vinegar do the work. Maybe walk away for a few minutes come back and do it one little square foot at a time and work your way around the floor. If you have a steam cleaner that would be
What should you not clean vinyl plank flooring with?
DON'T:Use highly-abrasive scrubbers. Abrasive sponges, steel wool, and other rough materials can easily scratch — and even eat through — the protective coating atop your vinyl plank flooring. ... Use ammonia. ... Use paste wax or solvent-based polishes.
What should you not clean vinyl plank flooring with?
Do not use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or “mop and shine” products, because these can leave a dull film on the floor. Do not use paste wax or solvent-based polishes. Do not use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions on vinyl flooring; these can break down the material and cause cracks in the flooring.
Can I use Pine Sol on vinyl floors?
It's safe to use Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner on vinyl floor surfaces, whether it's Original Pine-Sol or Scented Pine-Sol cleaners. Pine-Sol's effectiveness as a safe vinyl floor cleaner and disinfectant is due to its formulation.
Can you use Swiffer WetJet on vinyl plank flooring?
If you use a Swiffer WetJet, you'll need to refer to your product's directions and make sure that the product is waterproof. Some vinyl products, like the Mediterranean Scene Laminate SPC Flooring, are not waterproof and can be damaged by cleaning with a wet mop, like a Swiffer.
Can I use Swiffer wet on vinyl floors?
Yes! a Swiffer WetJet can be used on luxury vinyl flooring.
What is the best way to clean vinyl flooring?
One of the best cleansers for vinyl flooring is apple cider vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar helps remove dirt and grime without leaving a buildup of soap or wax. Simply mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water and use a damp mop to clean, rinsing the mop frequently with hot water.
What is the best way to remove lipstick stains?
Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove lipstick, hair dye, and ink stains. Use mineral spirits to remove crayon, paint, and marker stains. Use a nail polish remover that contains acetone to remove nail polish stains.
How to protect furniture from scuff marks?
Another helpful hint is to use a sheet of plywood or paneling any time you need to move furniture across the floor; this will help prevent scuff marks or tears in the vinyl. You also may want to use vinyl coasters under the feet and legs of your furniture to safeguard against permanent indentations.
How to get rid of grape juice stains?
For food stains from grape juice, mustard, ketchup, tomato sauce and the like, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub the stain until it disappears. Clean thoroughly to remove any traces of baking soda. A soft, nylon-bristle brush can help remove many types of stains, especially when used with common household solvents.
Can you use ammonia on vinyl flooring?
Do not use paste wax or solvent-based polishes. Do not use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions on vinyl flooring; these can break down the material and cause cracks in the flooring. With just a little time and elbow grease, vinyl flooring can take years of use and abuse and still look lovely. Volume 90%.
Can you use steel wool scrubbers?
Never use highly abrasive scrubbers or steel wool.
Is vinyl tile durable?
Vinyl tile and laminate flooring is attractive, durable, and long-lasting, even under a home’s highest-traffic conditions, but the product is certainly not indestructible. Fortunately, cleaning vinyl flooring is a fairly straightforward and inexpensive process, and with proper care, it’s easy to maintain the material’s eye-catching appearance.
What is the safest cleaning product for vinyl floors?
What cleaning product is safest for vinyl floors? A simple solution of one part white vinegar to five parts filtered water is effective and inexpensive.
What to do if your floor is LVP?
Do inform your house cleaner (if you have one) that your floors are LVP. Ask them to use your products and tools instead of their own.
Is it Safe to Use a Steam Mop on Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Quick, effective, and minimal, steam mops are the favorite tool in many a homemaker’s broom closet. But is it truly safe for the longevity of your floor?
What to use to clean terrycloth?
If you want to use a wet mop, a microfiber flip mop or spin mop are your safest options. Make sure to use a fresh cleaning pad, not the same one you used for dusting!
What to do if one plank is torn?
Don’t forget to purchase an extra box of material when installing your new LVP floors! That way if one plank is torn or badly damaged, you can swap it with a fresh one.
What can you not use to clean your hair?
Don’t use harsh detergents, ammonia, or clean-and-wax combo products. Don ’t use wool or abrasive brushes.
Can you use a steam mop on a LVP?
Most LVP manufacturers advise against using a steam mop on their product. However, there is a counter argument in favor of steam mops: that they apply so little water compared with traditional mops that the occasional use may be safe or even preferred.
Who is the cleaner queen of Armstrong flooring?
Armstrong Flooring wants you to enjoy your vinyl floor for many years. To help you maintain that "like new" look, we asked the "Clean Queen", Melissa Maker, star of the YouTube channel Clean My Space, to give you a few simple cleaning tips for vinyl floors. Follow these tips from Melissa, and you'll keep your vinyl floor in tiptop shape!
How to clean a 3M pad?
Use a white 3M pad to gently loosen the residue. Prepare two buckets of clear, cool water. Dampen a clean sponge in the water from the first bucket, then wipe up the residue. Rinse and repeat in the same bucket. Use the clean water from the second bucket to do a final rinse and cleanup. Buff dry with a soft cloth.
How long does it take for Armstrong to mop a floor?
This will prevent excess moisture and cleaning agents from interfering with the adhesive bond and hardening of the grout. After the five days , floors can be damp mopped immediately, using Armstrong Flooring Once ’n Done Resilient & Ceramic Floor Cleaner.
Why use floor protectors on furniture?
Use floor protectors on furniture to reduce indentation. The heavier the item, the wider the floor protector needed.
Can you use a beater bar on Armstrong flooring?
Sweep or vacuum regularly — and don't use the beater bar on your vacuum as it could damage the floor. Wash your floor occasionally with Armstrong Flooring Once ‘n Done® Resilient & Ceramic Floor Cleaner. For tough cleaning problems, use Armstrong Flooring New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper. Important!
What You Need to Know Before You Begin Cleaning Vinyl Floors
It’s important to know how to deep clean vinyl floors and critical to know how to prevent damage during cleaning. Vinyl is easy to clean and durable, but just like hardwood flooring, it can still be damaged.
The Best Way to Clean Vinyl Floors
You probably chose your vinyl flooring as much for the easy maintenance as you did the modern, clean looks. So you’ll be happy to know that cleaning vinyl floors is pretty easy as long as you know the right way to do it.
How to Clean Vinyl Floors With Vinegar
If you’ve been cleaning your vinyl floors incorrectly or using the wrong cleaning products, it may be harder to bring back the shine. As we mentioned before, some cleaners can leave your floors looking dull and if you haven’t been cleaning them regularly, you may have buildup and stains too.
Vinyl Floor Maintenance Tips and Repair
To keep vinyl floors looking beautiful, a little precautionary cleaning maintenance goes a long way. Other than a regular cleaning, here are some vinyl floor maintenance tips to keep your floors in shape:
How to clean a soiled floor with vinegar?
Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Use a damp mop to apply to the floor, rinsing the mop frequently with clean, hot water from another bucket or your sink. For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the water and vinegar mixture. Mop first with the soap mixture and then mop a second time with ...
How to get rid of stains on floor?
For tough stains from lipstick, crayons, paint or ink, apply rubbing alcohol to the spot and scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Don’t use steel wool or more abrasive brushes because they can scratch the floor. For nail polish stains, use nail polish remover.
How to get rid of acidic stains on wood floors?
You can remove stains from acidic substances like fruit juice, ketchup, tomato sauce or wine with a paste of baking soda and water. Rub the paste on the floor with a soft towel until the stain lifts. Clean the baking soda off the floor with a vinegar and water solution.
How to get WD-40 off of floor?
For scuffs, spray WD-40 on a towel and use it to rub the scuffed area until the marks go away. Clean with the vinegar and water solution to get the WD-40 off the floor.
Can grease be used to clean wood cabinets?
Grime and grease don't stand a chance with these tips for cleaning wood cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom.
Can you use wax on vinyl floors?
Don’t use paste wax polishes on your vinyl floor. They’ll leave a film on the floor that will build up over time. There’s a cheap and easy way to add shine to your floor: Put a few drops of baby oil into that vinegar and water cleaning solution we told you about earlier.
What is the best way to clean vinyl tile?
For routine cleaning, vinyl floors can be swabbed with plain water and a damp mop, or with a product made for vinyl and other hard surfaces. You can also clean vinyl floors with a mix of one gallon water and one cup apple cider or white vinegar.
How to clean scuffs on a floor before mopping?
Check for scuff marks and remove these before you mop. It’s easy. Conner says just slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water, then buff away the scuff. Pre-clean hard-to-reach spots. With a damp toothbrush or scrub brush, scrub away dirt built up along baseboards, in corners and in other hard-to-reach areas.
Is linoleum flooring durable?
Though vinyl tile and LVT ( luxury vinyl tile) have largely replaced linoleum in the flooring market, linoleum is still a durable, long-lasting flooring option. Conner says it requires a little more elbow grease to deep-clean.
