How to Care For Your New Vinyl Floor

Vinyl flooring is a preferred choice for many residential and commercial applications. Available in a range of textures, colors, and patterns, vinyl is equally as pleasing to the eye as it is inexpensive. This man-made flooring material is (for the most part) waterproof and durable, making it a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, mudrooms, and laundry rooms. Beyond this, vinyl flooring is easy to maintain and take care of.

If you’ve installed a vinyl floor, follow these basic steps for preserving and caring for your vinyl floor:

Removing Debris

1. Readers Digest suggests keeping out dirt and chemicals with a doormat. Dirt, debris, chemicals (even from asphalt) and moisture can be trapped with an inexpensive 3” x 2” rug or doormat.

2. Unmanaged dirt and debris can result in grit build-up, which can act like sandpaper to your finished floor. The friction caused by this can literally sand away the outermost layer of your vinyl floor. 

3. Get in the habit of running a broom across the vinyl flooring once every other day.

4. Clean up spills as soon as they happen using a dry cloth. Unmanaged moisture can cause vinyl to peel or bubble –which will ultimately lead to you having to replace your floors in the long run.

5. On that token, don’t drench your flooring with water. Extra moisture can seep into cracks, edges, and seams. Stick to damp mopping.

Cleaning Solutions

6. Use a no-rinse vinyl cleaner. Your vinyl flooring manufacturer may recommend a specific brand. It doesn’t hurt to ask, right?

7. Don’t use any harsh cleaners or “mop and shine” products on your new vinyl floor because they can leave a dull residue or slowly eat away at the floor.

8. Use a microfiber mop and soft bristle broom for everyday cleaning. Abrasive scrubbers may scratch the floor.

9. Soap scum or remnant cleaning solution can actually attract dirt. Make sure that you rinse your vinyl well after you clean it. For best results, use two separate buckets for cleaning – one with the cleaning solution and the other with just water. Use the cleaning solution bucket first, then rinse with water. Then use a dry mop or towel to soak up any remaining moisture.

General Maintenance

10. If vacuuming, use the suction setting only. Avoiding using the beater bar, as this can scratch the surface of the vinyl.

11. Use gliders or a wheeled dolly to avoid scratching the floor when moving furniture.

12. Use felt floor protectors on all furniture to avoiding denting your vinyl floor.

13. Some vinyl floors are compatible with using a glossy finish. If you love a floor that sparkles, coat the floor twice a year with this water-based polish.

Maintain and care for your new vinyl floor to keep it lasting for many years.

More Resources:

"How to Clean Linoleum and Vinyl Floors", Dummies.com

"How to Clean Vinyl Flooring", VideoJug (video)