How to clean vinyl flooring? Our tips and care guide.
Although vinyl flooring is durable and easy to maintain, it still requires some care to preserve its appearance over the years. In particular, improper cleaning or the use of certain products can damage its finish, color, or protective coating.
How do you clean vinyl flooring on a daily basis? What cleaner should you use? How do you treat stains and prevent scratches? We’ve compiled our recommendations into a handy vinyl care guide that you can consult and keep on hand.
How do you clean a vinyl floor?
Start by regularly removing dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner to eliminate particles that could damage the floor’s surface.
To wash your floor, use a clean, well-dampened mop and a pH-neutral, all-purpose cleaner that doesn’t require rinsing and leaves no residue.
What products should you avoid on a vinyl floor?
Not all cleaning products are necessarily suitable for vinyl. In particular, avoid harsh chemicals, scouring powders, abrasive products, magic erasers, waxes, and polishes.
These products can damage the vinyl’s protective layer and make the floor more vulnerable to scratches and stains. Steel-wool pads or green or black nylon scouring pads should also be avoided.
How do you remove a stain from a vinyl floor?
The method you use depends on the type of stain. Coffee, ink, grease, oil, rust, paint—different stains don’t necessarily require the same type of cleaner.
For example, for many household stains such as coffee, alcohol, fruit juice, or ketchup, we recommend using a white nylon pad and a small amount of pH-neutral all-purpose cleaner, letting it sit, scrubbing, wiping, and then rinsing the surface with water.
Check out our complete guide for recommendations on different types of stains.
How can you protect a vinyl floor on a daily basis?
A few simple steps can help your flooring last longer. Be careful to avoid excessive pressure of any kind: lift heavy furniture rather than dragging it, place felt pads under the legs, and use protective mats under chairs with casters. Avoid high heels and trim your pets’ claws regularly.
Dust, sand, and gravel can also scratch the surface when trampled on. Vacuuming frequently and placing rugs at entrances helps reduce their buildup.
Finally, protect the floor from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat. If you want to place a rug on your vinyl flooring, also avoid rubber or foam gel backing, which can react with the flooring and cause discoloration.
Download our vinyl care guide
To have all our tips at your fingertips, check out our vinyl care guide. In it, you’ll find:
- best practices for the regular maintenance of your vinyl floor;
- cleaning products and accessories to use or avoid;
- solutions tailored to different types of stains;
- tips for protecting vinyl from excessive pressure, abrasives, UV rays, heat, and rubber.
Download the vinyl flooring care guide for free! (in french only)
Need advice on caring for your vinyl flooring?
Our advisors can help you choose the right cleaning products for your vinyl flooring so you can clean it effectively without damaging the surface.
Stop by our store or explore our cleaning products to take care of your vinyl flooring.