Vinyl Floor Care Made Easy: Best Cleaner Options

When it comes to choosing a vinyl floor cleaner, there are two main types: spray formulas and concentrates. As their names suggest, concentrates are highly condensed cleaners that require dilution in water, whereas spray and liquid cleaners are ready to use directly from the bottle, making them convenient for application with your preferred mop or microfiber cloth. The majority of vinyl floor cleaners serve a dual purpose, as they can be employed for both spot treating stains and performing a thorough cleaning of your entire living space.

With over 50 years of flooring expertise, we’ve tried and tested countless cleaning methods and products. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your vinyl floors flawless, from reliable store-bought cleaners to simple DIY remedies.

WD 40 Spray

Before you begin the mopping process, take a moment to examine your vinyl floors for any stubborn scuff marks that might need attention. If you encounter a mark or stain that seems particularly resistant, your best course of action is to reach for the trusty WD-40 from your garage. WD-40, a versatile lubricant, is recommended for tackling scuffs. You can apply it to the scuff and then buff it away with a soft cloth.

Tackling Stains with Baking Soda

For those pesky stains on your vinyl floors, such as those left behind by red pasta sauce or red wine, baking soda is your ally.

If the stain has set in, create a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water. Baking soda’s abrasiveness helps lift stains without harming the vinyl underneath.

If the stain proves stubborn, apply the paste once or twice more until you notice the discoloration fading. Baking soda can also be used to combat dirt buildup. Once the stain is gone, wipe away the baking soda residue with a clean, soft cloth.

Restore Shine with Baby Oil

If your vinyl flooring has lost its luster and looks dull, you can easily restore its shine. All you need are a few drops of baby oil — there’s no need to go overboard. To achieve both polishing and disinfection, you can also include a cup of vinegar in the mixture. The acidity of white vinegar helps break down any buildup responsible for the dull sheen on the vinyl. Meanwhile, baby oil acts as a natural polish, adding an extra dose of shine to your vinyl floors once they are free of dirt and grime.

Rubbing Alcohol

Some stains on vinyl floors may seem nearly impossible to remove, such as grease, ink, or permanent marker stains. If you find yourself struggling to lift one of these stains, and neither baking soda nor WD-40 is doing the trick, it’s time to turn to rubbing alcohol.

Bona Vinyl Floor Cleaner

Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner is ideal for those seeking an effective and environmentally friendly solution that is safe for children and pets. Bearing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice seal.

Bona’s ingredients are not only eco-friendly but also suitable for your family and pets. This cleaner delivers remarkable results and leaves your floors visually cleaner, free from streaks of residue.

Commercial Vinyl Floor Cleaner

There are also specific vinyl floor cleaners available on the market, which are designed specifically for cleaning vinyl flooring. These cleaners are often formulated with special ingredients that are effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains, without leaving any residue or streaks behind.

Some of the best vinyl floor cleaners are:

• Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner for Stone Tile Laminate and Vinyl LVT/LVP, 128 Fl Oz
• Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash Concentrate — Multi-Surface Cleaner, 32 oz. (Single Bottle, Bright Lemon)
• Swiffer WetJet Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaner Solution — Vinyl, Tile & Laminate Floor Mopping and Cleaning, 1.25 Liter (2 Pack)

Selecting the right commercial vinyl floor cleaner starts with understanding your floor’s specific needs. Always test new products on a hidden spot first and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the best results without risking damage.

How Often Should You Clean Your Vinyl Floor?

It is recommended to clean vinyl flooring on a regular basis to maintain its appearance and prolong its life. A weekly quick sweep or dust mop can help remove dirt and debris.

Floor care and cleaning, including mopping, should be done at least once a month or as needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage the surface of the vinyl. Instead, use a mild detergent and warm water for mopping.

Remember to dry the floor thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots or streaks.

How to Get Paint Off a Vinyl Floor

To remove paint from a vinyl floor, you will need a few supplies. First, gather some denatured alcohol, a plastic scraper, and a cleaning cloth or sponge. Begin by using the plastic scraper to gently scrape away as much of the paint as possible.

Next, apply a small amount of denatured alcohol to the affected area and use the cleaning cloth or sponge to gently scrub the area.

Be sure to work in small sections and rinse the cloth or sponge frequently to avoid spreading the paint further.

Repeat this process until the paint is fully removed. Finally, wipe the area with a floor cleaner to remove any remaining residue and allow the floor to dry completely before walking on it or using it again.

How to Fix a Scratch on Vinyl Floor

There are several ways to fix a scratch on a vinyl floor, depending on the severity of the scratch. Here are a few options:

• Minor Scratches: If the scratch is minor and not deep, you can use a crayon or marker that matches the color of your flooring to fill in the scratch.
• Medium Scratches: For scratches that are deeper but not down to the subfloor, use a floor repair kit specifically designed for vinyl flooring. These kits typically include a putty-like compound that can be spread over the scratch, then smoothed and allowed to dry.

In all cases, it’s recommended to test the repair method on a small inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire floor.

If you need professional assistance in flooring do not hesitate to call Simple Flooring.

With over 50 years of flooring experience, Simple Flooring provides a diverse range of flooring solutions for both residential and commercial properties.

Vinyl Floor Cleaner Recommendations

Steam cleaning is not a good option for cleaning vinyl floors. It is a chemical-free method that uses heat and high-pressure steam to clean the floor. However, vinyl flooring does NOT tolerate heat! Using a steam cleaner can permanently damage your vinyl floors.

Follow these expert-approved methods for daily upkeep, deep cleaning, and stain removal:

• Daily Maintenance: Start by using a dry microfiber mop or a soft-bristled broom to sweep away loose dirt and debris. For a weekly refresh, lightly dampen a microfiber mop with warm water mixed with a pH-neutral floor cleaner to maintain a streak-free shine.
• Deep Cleaning: For a more thorough clean, mix one capful of mild dish soap with a gallon of warm water. Work in manageable sections to avoid soaking the floor, and follow up with a clean water rinse using a damp mop to remove any leftover residue.
• Stubborn Stains: Treat tough spots with a simple baking soda paste (a mix of baking soda and water). Apply it directly to the stain, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub using a soft cloth. For particularly persistent stains, dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the area, but use sparingly to avoid damage.
• Preventive Care: Protect your floors by placing mats at doorways to catch dirt, using furniture pads to prevent scratches, and addressing spills immediately to avoid stains or warping.

It’s important to avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaners on vinyl floors, as they can damage the surface of the flooring. Also abstain from using steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they can scratch or discolor the flooring.

Vinyl Flooring Chicago

In conclusion, the best vinyl floor cleaner will depend on your personal preference and the condition of your floors. If you’re looking for a simple and effective cleaning solution, warm water and mild detergent or vinegar and water are great options.

If you’re dealing with tough stains or grime, specific vinyl floor cleaners or steam cleaning might be the best option for you.

Remember to avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners to ensure your vinyl flooring lasts for years to come. Lastly, if your vinyl flooring needs to be replaced, check out Simple Flooring for the best vinyl flooring in Chicago and installation.