Over the past few years, vinyl flooring has become an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional hardwoods. They are durable in kitchens and bathrooms, easy to maintain, and provide a similar look to the more expensive hard surface flooring.
As with any type of floors, you want to clean them regularly to ensure they hold up over time. Here are a few ways to keep your vinyl floors looking brand new.
Get a Doormat
The best way to avoid dirt, water, and debris from messing up your floors is to place a doormat at the main entrances of your home. This will help rub off the dirt before it even comes in contact with your floors, especially if you have pets that come in and out of the house.
Everyday Cleaning
Overtime, dirt and small particles can actually wear down the finish on your floors. Although vinyl can be waterproof against spills and wet shoes, they cannot be soaked in water with heavy mops or the moisture will build up underneath. Instead, you will want to dry mop, or just simply sweep or vacuum your vinyl regularly. Do this daily if you have high traffic or weekly for low traffic.
Cleaning Solutions
As we mentioned before, mopping with a normal wet mop will actually hurt your floors, not help them, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mop. You just need the right products. First, you want to use a mop with a microfiber cloth like a Swiffer. Second, you will want to pick a cleaning solution to dampen the floors. A great natural solution is apple cider vinegar mixed with a little warm water. The acid in the vinegar helps remove the dirt and grime without hurting the varnish or leaving a soapy residue. Other great products include Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, which we happen to carry at Flack’s!
Taking Care of Scuff Marks
While the cleaning products and the regular sweeping will help with outside debris, what about bad scuff marks made from moving furniture or hard shoes? A great way to make those stubborn scuffs disappear is by using a little WD-40 lubricant or even something more natural like jojoba oil. Just dab the oil of choice on a towel or cloth and rub the mark until it is gone! Let it sit for a little while, and clean the area with the vinegar solution to remove the oil.
Use these tips and you vinyl floors will continue to stay durable and look brand new for a long time. To learn more about the vinyl floors we carry, book an appontment or visit or store today!