How to Clean and Maintain Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is known for being easy to take care of. But even low-maintenance flooring needs some attention if you want it to look its best and last for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your vinyl planks. We’ll cover daily upkeep, how to tackle those pesky stains, and essential tips to keep those floors looking fantastic.

The Basics of Routine Cleaning

Keeping up with a regular cleaning routine will make a world of difference in how your vinyl plank floors look and feel. Let’s break down the simple steps you can take:

Sweeping or vacuuming

It’s true that life gets busy, and vacuuming every day might not be on your priority list. A good starting point for regular upkeep is to sweep or vacuum vinyl flooring once or twice a week. Notice how your floors look after a couple of days – do you see a lot of dust, crumbs, or pet hair building up? You might consider a quick daily sweep in high-traffic areas.

When talking about tools you should be using, what we want to think about here is gentleness. Avoid stiff bristles or harsh beater bars that can scratch your vinyl floor’s beautiful surface. Opt for a soft-bristled broom that will effectively whisk away larger debris like crumbs and dust bunnies.

If you prefer a vacuum cleaner, make sure it has a hard floor setting. This setting disables the rotating beater bar, which is designed for carpets and can be too abrasive for vinyl planks. Some vacuums even come with specific attachments for hard floors, featuring softer brushes that are gentler on the surface.

Regular mopping

Mop once or twice a week, depending on how much foot traffic your floors see. Gentle cleaners are your best friend. A few drops of dish soap in warm water works great, or consider a cleaner specifically made for vinyl floors. Skip those harsh chemicals!

For example, a simple solution of vinegar and warm water is a fantastic choice. Mix about one cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of warm water. For even shinier floors, add a drop or two of baby oil to the mix.

Use a damp mop (not soaked!) and tackle your floor in small sections. Rinsing the mop often is key. Afterward, dry the spots with a clean, dry towel.

Important note: Not all vinyl plank floorings are completely waterproof. We want to avoid letting water sit on those floors for too long.

Preventative measures

When it comes to keeping your vinyl floors looking their best, a little prevention goes a long way! Let’s talk about some simple habits that can save you a ton of cleaning effort down the line:

Think of doormats as an extra layer of defense against dirt and debris. Place them at all your entrances, and they’ll work to catch a lot of the dust, grit, and other stuff that would otherwise end up on your floors. Remember that dirt buildup can scratch your floors over time. Doormats save you a lot of cleaning hassle in the long run!

Another practice that can really make a difference in maintaining your floors is adding furniture pads. They create a soft barrier between the furniture and floors that prevent scratches when you move things around. 

The best part about these preventative measures is that they make your life easier! Less dirt means less sweeping and vacuuming and fewer scratches mean your floors stay looking their best.

Vinyl Flooring Cleaning Solutions

Here are some examples of gentle cleaners suitable for vinyl plank flooring:

• Dish soap: A few drops of mild dish soap in warm water is a classic solution. It cuts through grease and grime without being too harsh and rinses away cleanly.
• White distilled vinegar: Diluted in water (about 1 cup per gallon), vinegar is a natural cleaner and mild disinfectant. It leaves no residue and tackles everyday dirt effectively.
• Commercial vinyl floor cleaners: Brands like Bona, Swiffer, and Zep specifically formulate cleaners designed for vinyl floors. These often have added benefits like streak-free formulas or pleasant scents.
• Baby shampoo: This ultra-mild option is a safe bet for vinyl planks and can be used similarly to dish soap (a few drops in warm water).

Cleaning solution recipes:

Vinegar solution: Combine one cup of distilled white vinegar with a gallon of warm water. For a subtle shine, stir in a drop or two of baby oil.

Gentle soap solution (if you prefer): Add a few drops—and no more—of mild dish soap to a gallon of warm water. Thoroughly rinse your mop after cleaning.

Important Note: It’s always best to do a small spot test in an inconspicuous area with any cleaner before applying it to your entire floor.

Vinegar Is Your Floor’s Best Option

Vinegar (especially white distilled vinegar) is a natural and gentle cleaner that makes a fantastic choice for vinyl plank floors. 

Vinegar’s acidity helps break down grease, stubborn dirt, and any residue from soapy cleaners. Unlike soap, vinegar evaporates completely, leaving behind no streaks or soapy films that can attract more dirt.

Additionally, Vinegar has mild disinfectant properties, which is a bonus for cleaning floors.

When doing thorough vinyl flooring cleaning, it’s recommended to start with vinegar-based cleaner. If it doesn’t cut through tougher grime, give a very diluted soap solution a try, and always rinse your floors well after.

If you are dealing with some especially stubborn stains focus on that one area in particular and avoid using strong solutions on the whole floors.

Important Tip: While vinegar is safe and effective for vinyl floors, it’s still important to dilute it. Using straight vinegar may be too harsh over time and can dull the finish.

Dealing With Stubborn Stains

When dealing with stubborn stains, always start with the gentlest method and gradually work your way up to stronger cleaners if needed. Test any solution in a hidden area first.

There are a few tricks that usually take care of those stains that just won’t go away:

Greasy or gluey stains

• Baking soda paste: Mix a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft cloth, then wipe away the residue.
• Mineral spirits: Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits and apply a small amount to the stubborn stain. Gently rub the area, and then immediately wipe away with a clean, damp cloth followed by a dry one. Important: Use this sparingly, as strong solvents could potentially damage your floor’s finish.
• Commercial adhesive remover: Specifically formulated products exist for removing glue. Follow the instructions on the label carefully, starting with a diluted version.

Other stubborn stains

• Ink, marker, lipstick: Rub some rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Nail polish: Use a cotton ball soaked in non-acetone nail polish remover to dab at the stain. Immediately wipe it with a damp cloth.

Remember, the sooner you treat a spill or stain, the easier it will be to remove. Also, keep in mind that rubbing can spread the stain or damage the vinyl surface, so take extra care to blot rather than rub.

If all else fails or you’re unsure about a stubborn stain, consider contacting a flooring professional for advice.

Vinyl Floor Cleaning Don’ts

Vinyl plank flooring is designed for durability and ease of care, but using the wrong cleaning methods or products can cause permanent damage. Here’s what you need to avoid to keep those floors looking beautiful:

Harsh chemicals

Bleach: Bleach is extremely abrasive and will strip away the protective layer of your vinyl, causing fading and leaving the floor vulnerable to further stains and scratches.

Ammonia: Ammonia-based products can also break down the vinyl’s finish, dulling the shine and leaving floors discolored.

Abrasive cleaners: Any cleanser with strong acids or high alkalinity can harm the surface layer of vinyl floors.

Scouring pads and steel wool

These materials are much too rough for vinyl flooring. They will leave fine scratches all over the surface, making your floors look dull over time. These scratches also become perfect spots for dirt to accumulate, making them harder to keep clean.

Steam mops

While some people report success using steam mops on vinyl plank flooring, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. The extreme heat from a steam mop can warp and damage vinyl planks over time. The intense moisture can also seep into seams, compromising the adhesive holding the planks in place and causing warping.

If you choose to use a steam mop, use the lowest heat setting available and do not allow the steam mop to linger in one spot for too long. Move in quick passes over the floor.

Also, keep in mind that some manufacturers might void the warranty due to the steam mop usage.

Wax and polish

Vinyl planks come with a built-in finish designed to give them a specific level of shine without needing wax or polish. These products often leave a streaky, filmy residue that can make your floors look worse and attract more dirt!

Excessive water

While vinyl is water-resistant, it’s not waterproof. Puddles of water left to sit can seep into seams, cause the adhesive to weaken, and lead to curling edges. Always mop with a damp, well-wrung mop and dry any standing water immediately.

Keeping Your Vinyl Floors Looking Their Best

While vinyl plank flooring offers incredible advantages like durability and ease of maintenance, there are a few key things to remember when it comes to learning how to clean vinyl plank flooring. 

Unlike hardwood floors, vinyl can’t be refinished if damaged. This makes proper care even more important. The good news is, with the right cleaning routine (which doesn’t require a ton of effort!), vinyl floors can last a remarkably long time – typically between 10 and 25 years!  

By following these simple tips and avoiding harsh chemicals or cleaners, you will make sure that your vinyl floors stay beautiful, functional, and low maintenance for years to come.