How To Clean Vinyl Flooring

Here at MEIDE, we are often asked this question of how to clean vinyl flooring!

Vinyl is a commonly used material for flooring because it is versatile, economical and durable and water-resistant. Superb that you are asking this question. Definitely, by asking this question, you inherently understand an important concept: different floor materials require different cleaning techniques!

What to avoid when cleaning vinyl flooring?

Indeed, a big mistake homeowners make is assuming 1 standard set of cleaning tools can be used to clean all surfaces and materials. For instance, when cleaning vinyl flooring, homeowners should avoid using hard bristles, such as scrubs or knives. Whether it is removing stubborn stains or scrubbing the whole area, use gentler materials to avoid vinyl damage.

Read on for more tips and hacks for cleaning vinyl flooring.

Cleaning Materials To Prepare

Before we jump into how to clean your vinyl flooring, remember to prepare your equipment first. So, to clean the vinyl flooring, here are the cleaning tools required:

Cleaning Equipment To Clean Vinyl Flooring:

These can be reused – if kept well.

1. Broom and Dustpan
2. 2 x Bucket (for keeping water and cleaning solution)
3. Wringer for string or strip mops
4. Soft sponge, old rags, or microfibre cloth
5. Soft brush (eg. old toothbrush)

Cleaning Supplies To Clean Vinyl Flooring:

These are consumables, and may need replenishing after using them.

6. Dishwashing soap
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
8. Floor Cleaning Detergent
9. Alcohol Wipes (for ink stains)
10. WD-40 / Oil (for stubborn stains)
11. Baking Soda Powder (for liquid stains)

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Five Steps to Cleaning Vinyl Floor

All set? Let us waste no time and get straight into action!

STEP ONE: Sweep Floor

As always, first of all, remove dry litter, dust and dirt by sweeping the entire area. If you skip this step, it would make the subsequent steps in vain. In fact, your floor might become dirtier than before, even after your cleaning!

STEP TWO: Wet Cleaning The Vinyl Floor

Actually, plain water combined with your soft mop is usually sufficient. Nonetheless, take care not to spill too much water, or use a mop that is too wet. Too much moisture may cause damage to the glue between and underneath the vinyl material. Use just enough water to ensure the floor is wet after cleaning, but not forming puddles of water.

STEP THREE: Use Cleaning Solution(s)

There are 3 main options here:

1. First, for added power to your cleaning, and if you want to kill germs, remove certain stubborn stains, or want a particular scent in your house after cleaning, use a floor cleaning detergent. Follow the dilution method as prescribed by the specific brand and model of the detergent.
2. Alternatively, you can simply use half to one cup of apple cider vinegar mixed in a pail of water.
3. Again another option is to use a few drops of dish soap in the pail of water.

STEP FOUR: Remove stubborn stains

Remove stubborn stains from vinyl material using dedicated methods for specific types of stains as explained here:

1. For scuffs or marks left by furniture dragging (eg. think of classroom floors scuffed by chairs and tables), rub it with a used tennis ball. Or, you can apply some WD-40 or oil and rub it with microfibre cloth.
2. For food stains such as milk or juice spilt on the floor, but dried over time, apply a paste to it that is half baking soda powder and half warm water. Use a soft cloth to rub the surface with the paste.
3. For ink stains, simple apply alcohol wipes to them!
4. For stubborn and hardened dirt stuck on vinyl flooring, do not use a knife (we repeat here again)! Instead, use a soft bristle scrub (eg. nylon brush) to gentle scrub it off.

After any stain removal technique, always use a soft sponge with warm water to rinse away the residue and soap.

STEP FIVE: Rinse and Dry

As the last step, mop the floor again with plain water, especially if you encountered step 3 or 4. Then, dry it with a large rag or cloth. This process with help buff up your vinyl material and also avoid moisture seeping in between and underneath the vinyl flooring. Viola! Now your vinyl floor is clean, sparkling and gives a smooth touch to your toes and feet!

5 Final Tips On Cleaning Vinyl Floor

Prevention is better than cure! Here are wise tips from us to upkeep your vinyl floor:

1. To avoid the hassle of step 3 and 4, do steps 1,2 and 5 regularly. MEIDE.SG recommends at least once every 2 to 3 days. Regular cleaning maintains vinyl flooring material quality!
2. Place absorbent floor mats at targeted spots where foot traffic is heaviest. These are often at the entrances and exits of the house, including the main door, and at the kitchen, toilet, and balcony.
3. Encourage washing of feet (followed by drying at the mats) before stepping onto the floorings.
4. Avoid steps 3 and 4 if possible – really. Applying additional cleansing agents only serve to gradually wear down your vinyl over time. Use the mildest cleaning solutions if required before progressing to stronger solutions. Remember: the stronger the cleaning power, the more likely the damage to material!
5. Protect your vinyl flooring by placing rubber or fabric covers over your furniture legs! Thus, when you drag your chair, shift your table, or rearrange furnitures your vinyl flooring will not be accidentally scratched.

If all else fails, engage a professional cleaning expert like MEIDE.SG to assist you. Cleaning your home should not become too much of a hassle for you. Leave the work to us!

Book your #1 home services today, or join our team!

meide.sg is here for you, always.

Summary Of 5-Step Process To Clean Vinyl Flooring

Here it is again, in case you need a refresher: