How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring
There is much to love about vinyl plank flooring. It’s versatile, durable, practical yet stylish, and easy to maintain! You may be wondering how exactly to maintain your vinyl plank flooring. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your floors feeling and looking brand new for years to come.
All About Vinyl Plank Flooring
Before we get started, let’s define vinyl plank flooring and discuss why it’s such a popular choice among homeowners.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is designed to resemble real hardwood and other types of flooring, such as stone, tile, or marble, but it is much more affordable, durable, and comfortable to walk on. Vinyl plank flooring consists of four layers of different materials closely pressed together to form each plank. Refloors vinyl plank flooring consists of:
- Base layer or backing
- Core or waterproof layer
- Decorative or design layer
- Wear layer
On the very bottom, you’ll find the base or backing layer. This layer is typically made of cork or foam. Not only does it act as an underlayment, but it also provides a slight cushion to give the floor a softer feel, and it reduces sounds, such as footsteps or objects that may fall on it.
Next is the core, or the waterproof layer. Made of either wood and plastic polymer (WPC) or stone and plastic polymer (SPC), the core protects the floor from moisture.
On top of the core, you’ll find the decorative or design layer, a highly realistic image that can resemble wood, stone, tile, and more.
Finally, the wear layer rests at the top of each plank, protecting the other layers. This layer can vary in thickness depending on the type of vinyl plank. Luxury vinyl’s wear layer is 20 mil thick and premium luxury vinyl is 30 mil, while standard vinyl typically has an 8 mil wear layer.
Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are numerous benefits to selecting vinyl plank for your home. Despite its ability to resemble hardwood, stone, tile, marble, and more (even down to the texture!), vinyl plank is a much more budget-friendly option. Better yet, it doesn’t scratch, dent, or scuff easily – this durability makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or kids. Vinyl plank is also waterproof, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Last but certainly not least, vinyl plank flooring is incredibly low-maintenance. Vinyl plank doesn’t require regular waxing or other upkeep like hardwood or linoleum. However, when it comes to cleaning it, there are tips and guidelines you should keep in mind to keep your flooring in pristine condition.
Maintaining Vinyl Plank Flooring
Even though vinyl plank is one of the most low-maintenance types of flooring to care for, it still requires a bit of regular attention to keep it in tip-top shape. Let’s consider what you should do to care for your vinyl plank flooring.
Cleaning Supplies
You won’t need fancy or costly supplies to clean your vinyl plank floors.
For General Cleaning
Note: When selecting a broom, opt for one with softer bristles. If you choose a vacuum, ensure it is not one with a beater bar. If your vacuum has a hose attachment, we recommend using that instead. Handheld vacuums are another safe option.
- Broom or vacuum
- Microfiber mop
- Microfiber cloth or towel
- Vinyl floor cleaning solution
- Warm water
For Spills and Stains
Note: Whenever possible, wipe up spills immediately. The longer a substance sits on the floor, the more difficult it will be to get out.
- Clean white cloth
- Non-abrasive white scrubbing pad
- Mineral spirits
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Citrus cleaning solution
Regular Cleaning Routine
No matter what flooring you have in your home, cleaning should happen regularly. For the vinyl plank, we recommend light cleaning like sweeping or vacuuming be done at least once a week — but this can vary depending on your lifestyle and how quickly dirt builds up in your home.
For rooms with frequent activity, such as living rooms, bathrooms, and entryways, mopping is recommended once a week to once every other week. Rooms that don’t see as much action won’t need to be mopped quite as often, so every two to four weeks should be enough to keep them clean.
Before mopping, sweep the floors to remove loose dirt and debris. When selecting a cleaning solution, we recommend opting for a manufacturer-approved cleaner for vinyl plank flooring (this should be pH-neutral and non-abrasive). Mist your vinyl plank flooring evenly with the cleaning solution before running over it using a microfiber mop with clean warm water. Be sure to wring your mop thoroughly; even waterproof floors shouldn’t be soaked! Lastly, remember to dry your floors with a clean towel or cloth after mopping.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
If you discover a stain on your vinyl plank flooring, don’t panic! Chances are removing it will be easier than you think.
Start by gently scrubbing with a white, non-abrasive scrubbing pad to loosen the stain. We recommend using a clean, white cloth with a small amount of mineral spirits to rub the stain out for stains from wine, juice, ink, or dye.
If you’re dealing with a tougher stain such as paint, nail polish, or wood varnish, we recommend gently loosening it with a soft eraser before using the cloth with mineral spirits. If the stain is still visible, add a citrus cleaner such as Goo Gone to your cloth and lightly buff out the stain.
Certain substances like gum, glue, wax, or oil can be especially tricky to remove — but not impossible. First, use your fingernail or a plastic putty knife to remove as much residue as possible. Next, scrub the area with a non-abrasive white scrubbing pad before lightly rubbing the stain using a clean cloth with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol. Always finish by rinsing
Removing Scuff Marks
As durable as vinyl plank flooring is, it’s not entirely invincible when it comes to scuff marks and other smudges. Minor scuffs will happen! The good news is that removing them is simple. Loosen the scuff mark by rubbing it with your finger or a soft eraser. Then, use a non-abrasive white scrubbing pad or a clean cloth to buff the mark, and it should come right
Do's and Don'ts for Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
When it comes to proper maintenance for vinyl plank flooring, being aware of the cleaning methods you should avoid is just as essential as knowing what to use. Here is a handy list of Do’s and Don’ts to ensure you’re cleaning like a pro.
Do
- Clean your vinyl plank floors regularly
- Remove dirt and debris with a soft broom before mopping
- Clean up spills quickly
- Use a cleaning solution made for vinyl floors
- Use warm water only
- Use a microfiber mop
- Thoroughly dry floors after mopping
Don’t
- Do not use soaps, detergents, or abrasive cleaners on vinyl plank flooring
- Do not use harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach on vinyl plank flooring
- Do not use steam mops on vinyl plank flooring
- Do not use firm brushes, steel wool, or other abrasive scrubbing pads
- Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar
- Do not use colored rags or cloths to clean or remove stains from vinyl plank; the color may bleed into your floor in some cases.
- Do not use wax, polish, or any product designed to shine your floors. This can result in a filmy buildup, which will make your floors appear duller over time.
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Vinyl Planks
- Regular, light cleaning to remove dirt and debris
- Mopping for a deeper clean when necessary
- Use felt pads on your furniture legs
- Use doormats and area rugs to catch dirt buildup and reduce scratching and scuffing, especially underneath any rolling furniture.
- Do not slide furniture over vinyl plank floors; lift and carry or use a rug to protect the floor when moving heavier items
- When possible, avoid wearing shoes on your floors
Ready to Make a Move to Easy Care Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Maintaining your vinyl plank flooring is a breeze with the right care routine. Following these simple tips and guidelines can keep your floors looking brand new for years. Remember, regular cleaning and preventative measures are key to preserving the beauty and longevity of your flooring.
If you’re considering vinyl plank for your home, don’t hesitate to contact our team at 844-Refloor. Our expert consultants are ready to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today, and let’s transform your space!