How To Care and Maintain Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl floor care is crucial to ensure its longevity and maintain its appearance.
Here’s a DIY guide for vinyl floor care and maintenance.
Table of Contents
Daily Vinyl Floor Care
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft floor attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris. This prevents scratching the surface of the vinyl.
Use Doormats
Place doormats at entrances to prevent dirt, grit, and moisture from being tracked onto the vinyl flooring. This helps reduce the risk of scratches and stains.
Clean Spills Immediately
Wipe up spills promptly using a soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid letting liquids sit on the vinyl surface, as this can cause staining or damage.
Clean Salt Immediately
During winter months it is critical to clean any salt residue brought in from outside immediately to prevent staining and any long lasting damage.
Weekly Viny Floor Care
Mop with a Mild Cleaner
Mix a mild detergent with warm water and use a damp mop to keep the vinyl flooring clean. Avoid using excessive water, as vinyl can warp or buckle if exposed to moisture for prolonged periods.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Do not use abrasive cleaners, bleach, ammonia, or wax-based products on vinyl flooring. These can damage the surface and cause discoloration.
Rinse with Clean Water
After mopping, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any detergent residue. Dry the floor with a soft towel or allow it to air dry.
Preventative Maintenance
Use Furniture Pads
Attach felt or rubber pads to the legs of furniture to prevent scratching and indentations on the vinyl flooring.
Avoid Sharp Objects
Take care when moving heavy furniture or sharp objects across the vinyl flooring. Use furniture sliders if necessary to prevent dragging and scratching.
Trim Pet Nails
Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching the vinyl flooring.
Deep Cleaning (As Needed)
Use a Vinyl Floor Cleaner
Periodically, use a specialized vinyl floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer to remove stubborn dirt or stains. Follow the product instructions carefully. For a high quality luxury vinyl flooring, we recommend Rejuvenate Vinyl Floor Cleaner.
Buffing (For Glossy Finishes)
If your vinyl flooring has a glossy finish, occasional buffing with a soft cloth or buffing pad can restore shine and luster. Rejuvenate also offers a line of polishes and restoring products.
Additional Tips
Protect from Sunlight
Direct sunlight can fade vinyl flooring over time. Use blinds, curtains, or UV-resistant window treatments to minimize exposure.
Repair Damage Promptly
If you notice any scratches, tears, or gouges in the vinyl flooring, repair them promptly to prevent further damage.
For deep scratches and gouges, select a colour matching repair putty to fill the void.
If you are looking for a quick tutorial on how to apply Roberts repair putty, check out our friend, LRN2DIY’s YouTube video: $5 Fix for laminate/LVP flooring chips and scratches.
For smaller scratches or rubs, a colour matching marker is the easiest repair method.
For more tips and tricks on how to use repair markers, check out this video guide from our friend, The Funny Carpenter: How to Fix Scratches in Vinyl Plank.
Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Always refer to the manufacturer’s care and maintenance recommendations specific to your vinyl flooring product.
Conclusion
By following these DIY care and maintenance tips, you can keep your vinyl flooring clean, looking beautiful, and in good condition for years to come. Regular upkeep helps preserve its appearance and durability, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
If you are still in the “inspiration” phase of your flooring project, check out our article to help you weigh the potential options: A Quick Guide on Types of Flooring.
As always, no matter what phase of your DIY project you are in, inspiration, demo, install, or maintenance SureReno is here every step of the way so you can do it with confidence.
Share this article: