Flooring 101: How to Clean and Maintain Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has surged in popularity over the past few years due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Today’s vinyl is also beautiful, offering a large variety of styles, textures, and patterns. Especially with the advent of luxury vinyl flooring, which is very different from the sheet vinyl you may be familiar with.

If you have vinyl or are considering adding it to your home or business, you may have questions about care and maintenance. Below, we’ve answered all the top questions, like how to clean vinyl flooring, how to remove paint from it, and even how to repair minor scratches. Don’t forget — our flooring experts have decades of experience and are here to help! Stop by our showroom or give us a call today at (610) 565-9292 to get answers!

How to Clean Vinyl Flooring

Cleaning vinyl flooring is fairly simple— here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Sweep or Vacuum: Remove dust, dirt, and debris. If using a vacuum, make sure it's set to the hard floor setting to avoid scratching the vinyl.
2. Choose the Right Cleaner: It's a good idea to consult the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning products that are safe to use on your vinyl flooring. Floors USA has a variety of cleaning products, and our experts can help you find the right one for your space.
3. Mop: Dip your mop into the cleaning solution and wring it out so it's damp but not soaking wet. Mop the floor in sections, rinsing the mop in the cleaning solution as needed.
4. Rinse If Necessary: You may need to rinse the floor with clean water after mopping to remove any residue.
5. Spot Clean Stains: For tough stains, you can make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub it on the stain until it lifts away. Rinse with clean water to remove any baking soda residue.
6. Address Scuffs: Scuff marks can often be removed by rubbing them with a tennis ball or melamine foam (like a Magic Eraser). Gently rub the mark until it disappears.
7. Dry the Floor: After cleaning, use a towel or a microfiber cloth to dry the floor. It's important to remove moisture to prevent slips and to avoid water seeping into seams or edges, damaging the vinyl.

Additional Cleaning Tips

• Do not use abrasive scrubbers like steel wool on vinyl flooring, as they can scratch the surface.
• Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solutions or bleach, which can damage the flooring material.
• Be cautious with wax-based cleaners and "mop and shine" products, which can leave a dull film on your vinyl floor.
• Always lift furniture rather than dragging it to prevent scratches and tears in your vinyl flooring.
• To make your vinyl floors shine, use a “no-wax” wax substitute for your vinyl floor. Paste wax isn't recommended for vinyl.

How to Get Paint Off a Vinyl Floor

Getting dried paint off a vinyl floor might be easier than you think! Place a damp rag over the stain for about ten minutes to dampen and soften the spot. Avoid using hot water, which can create damaging steam.

Soak the spot for ten minutes, and the paint spot should soften enough to lift it off with a dry cloth or gently scrape it away with a plastic scraper — credit cards work great. You may also try adding a little dishwashing soap if the spot is especially tough to soften.

Can You Use a Steam Mop on Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Do not use steam on vinyl flooring! Vinyl is more water resistant than many materials, but steam can easily seep through seams in the flooring and cause damage not only to the vinyl but also to the bonds keeping the vinyl in place and the structure underneath.

How to Fix Scratches in Vinyl Flooring

Fixing scratches in vinyl flooring can be done in several ways, depending on the severity of the scratch. Start by cleaning the area with a vinyl floor cleaner to remove any dirt and grime that could affect the repair. Sometimes, rubbing with a pencil eraser can remove or reduce very light scratches. If that doesn’t work, vinyl repair kits include a filler or sealant for minor scratches.

If the scratch is too large to fill, you may need to have the damaged section replaced with a new piece. This is more common with vinyl tiles or planks than vinyl sheet flooring. We recommend hiring a professional to repair or replace sections of vinyl flooring. They will help you understand what’s really needed and may be able to repair the area without replacement.

The best way to avoid scratches in your vinyl flooring is through prevention. Use protective pads under furniture legs, always pick up furniture when moving it rather than sliding it across the floor, keep it clear of dirt and debris, and consider using rugs or mats in high-traffic areas.

Check Out Our Incredible Inventory of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl can be maintained with minimal effort, ensuring its appeal for years to come. Remember, the key to extending the life of your vinyl floors lies in the consistency of care. With these maintenance tips, your vinyl floors will continue to complement your living space with their durability and style, proving to be a smart and stylish choice for modern living.

Our flooring experts have decades of experience with vinyl and are happy to help you make a choice you’ll love for years. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, so our staff will work with you to ensure you are 100% satisfied. Ensure a stunning, professional result without the hassle — make an appointment or stop by our showroom today!