5 Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Vinyl Plank Floors

Vinyl plank floors look great, last for years, and are affordable. However, just like every other flooring option, regular care will make vinyl floors look incredible. Follow these practical tips for cleaning and maintaining your vinyl plank flooring now!

Sweep or Dust Mop Daily

Daily sweeping keeps vinyl plank floors looking fresh while protecting them from long-term damage. Grit and debris can act like tiny blades, scratching the surface as people walk across the room.

Small particles of dirt add up over time, dulling the finish on high-traffic areas such as entryways and kitchens. Regular sweeping stops grit from grinding into the flooring, helping to maintain its polished look. Prioritizing this simple task also makes your deep cleaning sessions faster and easier.

A soft-bristled broom works well for reaching corners and handling large debris. Dry, microfiber dust mops and soft bristled brooms trap more dust and fine particles without leaving streaks on the surface. Avoid vacuums, they can and will damage your new vinyl plank floor. Overall, it’s best to stick with lightweight tools that glide smoothly over your vinyl planks without dragging or catching.

Common Sweeping Mistakes To Avoid

Using stiff brooms or harsh sweeping techniques can harm vinyl floors rather than protect them. Stiff bristles scratch the surface, especially when there’s dirt embedded in the plank. Avoid sweeping too quickly, as the technique can spread debris. Don’t skip the corners and edges, they’re easy to overlook but frequently hold the most dirt.

Mop Weekly With a Dry Microfiber Mop and mild household cleaning product

Cooking spills, grease, and general stickiness inevitably build up over time. Weekly maintenance helps keep the floors clean and prevents them from becoming dull.

Stick with a dry microfiber mop when cleaning vinyl floors. It’s gentle on the planks yet effective at picking up dirt and grime. Use an alcohol base cleaner. You can find many different cleaners that are alcohol based such as Windex, Simple Green etc. Spray the face of the dry microfiber mop with the cleaning product and simply dust mop. Avoid spraying any cleaning product directly on the floor. Regular household cleaners that contain harsh chemicals or oils can damage the protective finish on the floors. An alcohol-based cleaner will adequately clean your floor without leaving a buildup and it dries quicker to help prevent any excessive moisture. Excessive moisture from cleaning can and will damage your flooring.

Wipe Up Spills Immediately

Vinyl planks handle water better than some flooring options, like wood, but leaving spills untreated can cause issues over time. Liquids can seep into seams, leading to warping or swelling. Colored liquids like coffee, wine, or juice can stain the floor’s surface. Even water can leave behind unsightly spots, especially in areas with minerals present in tap water.

Tools for Quick Cleanups

Soft, absorbent cloths and paper towels work well for picking up liquids. Keep a microfiber cloth handy for any follow-up wiping after the initial cleanup.

Cleaning solutions like Windex or Simple Green help with sticky spills. Simply use a dry towel or paper towel, spray the face of the dry towel with the cleaner of your choice and wipe up the spill. Make sure to always finish with a dry cloth so excess moisture doesn’t linger on the floor.

The Right Technique for Cleaning Spills

When dealing with liquid spills, blotting beats rubbing every time. Press the cloth or paper towel lightly against the spill, absorbing as much liquid as possible. If a sticky residue remains, gently wipe it away with a damp cloth. Always dry the cleaned area thoroughly afterward, as even small pools of water can seep into the floor.

Serious Spills To Pay Attention To

Spills happen all the time, but certain scenarios pose higher risks for flooring damage than others. Pet water bowls might spill frequently onto the floor without a mat. The continuous moisture accumulation can cause damage to the floor.

Food spills in the kitchen, water splashing around from the shower in the bathroom, and accidental messes in the living room are also cues to clean messes quickly. Knowing when to act will help you stay ahead of water stains or warping.

Use Pads on Furniture and Rugs

Heavy furniture and decorative rugs enhance your home’s decor, but they can be tough on vinyl plank floors. The legs of chairs, tables, and sofas leave scratches when dragging them across the surface. Rugs with rough, rubber, or latex backings can discolor flooring through constant contact.

Over time, these small damages will diminish the beauty of your planks. Fortunately, using furniture and rug pads is an excellent way to maintain your vinyl plank floors.

 In particular, felt pads are a must for furniture care. They attach to chair legs and other heavy furniture, creating a soft surface that glides over the floor rather than scratching it. For rugs, choose non-slip pads specifically for vinyl flooring. These pads prevent sliding while avoiding chemical reactions with your vinyl planks.

Furthermore, regular pad inspections help. Check felt pads for wear every few months and replace them as needed. Make sure rug pads remain flush with the edges of your rugs to prevent sliding or curling.

Protect Your Floors From Excess Sunlight

The last thing you want is flooring with noticeable patches of uneven coloration. While vinyl plank floors offer excellent durability, extended exposure to direct sunlight can fade or discolor the surface over time. Sun damage can create an uneven look that’s difficult to repair without replacing sections of flooring.

Luckily, reducing exposure to light doesn’t have to disrupt the look of your space. Install curtains, blinds, or shades in rooms with strong natural light. During the brightest hours of the day, keep window coverings partially closed to soften direct sunlight. For homes with large windows, UV-blocking film can reduce light intensity without obstructing your view.

Does Your Home Need New Flooring?

If you’re ready to refresh your home with durable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain flooring, iDeal Floors is the best solution. We offer a great selection of vinyl plank flooring for sale in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Whether you’re upgrading a single room or your entire home, our team will help you find the best vinyl floor design. Stop by one of our showrooms or browse our options online to learn about the vinyl flooring styles we have available!