Vinyl flooring is a beautiful addition to any space. One thing that most people think about when selecting the flooring is ease of cleanliness. Some floors, especially carpets, hardwood, cork, or natural stone flooring, can be quite difficult to clean and maintain.

On the other hand, few flooring types are known for the ease of cleaning they come with. On the top of this list is vinyl flooring, followed by laminate, tile, and concrete flooring.

Being the flooring experts in Dubai, we know how important it is to keep floors neat and clean all the time. Apart from retaining the aesthetic appeal, beauty, and elegance, maintaining vinyl floors also helps extend their lifespan and reduce the probability of repairs.

This article explains everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining vinyl flooring.

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance for Vinyl Flooring

The Power of Sweeping and Vacuuming

People who install vinyl flooring at their homes are blessed with the ease of quick and hassle-free cleaning. A simple sweeping session with a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner (with hard floor cleaning extension) can do the trick. It will ensure that all loose debris, dust, and dirt are removed from the floors. These particles, when not removed regularly, act as abrasives on the surface of vinyl flooring and lead to scratches.

One important thing to clear here is that many people suggest cleaning spills from vinyl flooring as soon as possible. This is not really needed as vinyl is 100% waterproof. It is a standout choice for places like bathrooms and kitchens. However, it is still better to not let water sit on the surface for extended times.

The Magic of Wet Mopping

When dry sweeping doesn’t give desired results, bring in the power of cleaning solutions. A right solution makes all the difference, so choose your supplies carefully. The best way out is using a manufacturer-approved cleaning solution with a microfiber mop.

Or you can use a DIY cleaning solution for vinyl floors. We recommend against using harsh cleaners, no matter how tough the stain is. Harsh cleaners can remove the protective coating, finish, and cause fading.

There are three popular DIY cleaners commonly used for vinyl flooring.

Caution: Don’t forget to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous spot before applying it to your flooring.

• Dish Soap & Water: For regular wet mops and to bring the shine back to the surface of the floors, make a mixture by adding a few drops of mild dish soap to a bucket of water. Stay away from hard soaps, as these can leave streaks behind.
• Vinegar & Water: A vinegar-based cleaning solution is ideal when you have somewhat stubborn stains. However, vinegar must be diluted with an equal volume of water before applying to the floors. Another advantage of using vinegar is that it is a natural disinfectant and helps kill the germs on the floor.
• Baking Soda & Water: For more stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda by mixing it in water. Apply this paste to the affected spot and let it sit for 10–20 minutes. Wipe off with a damp cloth. Reapply if the stain doesn’t come off, scrubbing gently with a sponge before removing the paste.

Cleaning Specific Stains on Vinyl Flooring

• Oil & Lemon: These things can cause discoloration and must be removed instantly. Wipe them with a clean, dry cloth right away, or use a mixture of light dish soap and water if the stain persists.
• Inks: Vinyl flooring in kids’ rooms is susceptible to ink stains, scuff marks, and scratches. You can remove ink and color stains by using extremely diluted alcohol-based cleaners.
• Grass: Lemon juice mixed with water is highly effective against removing grass stains. Add a few drops of lemon in a glass of water and apply it to the stains with a clean cloth. Let the cloth sit over the stain for a few minutes and then wipe with a clean dry cloth.

Long-Term Care Tips for Your Vinyl Flooring 

Here is a list of different tips and techniques that can help you extend the life of your vinyl flooring.

• Always place protective pads under heavy furniture legs like beds, tables, and chairs.
• Don’t drag stuff on vinyl floors. Use protective pads or place sheets of old clothes before moving furniture.
• Place doormats at entrance points and ensure that everyone takes off outdoor shoes before entering your home. It keeps around 80% of dirt out of your home, ensuring less frequent cleaning and a longer life.
• Never use harsh cleaners to clean your floor. If you are unable to remove a stain, contact professional floor cleaning companies in Dubai.
• Treat floors periodically with vinyl-safe polishers as recommended by the manufacturer or your flooring provider.
• Avoid using steam cleaner on vinyl floors, as it can melt the adhesive under the flow and cause warping.
• It is important to acclimate vinyl floors for at least 48 hours to the new temperature and moisture before installing. If this is not done, vinyl floors can expand or contract after installation.

How to Repair Scratches on Vinyl Flooring?

No matter how careful you are with your vinyl flooring, scratches are a reality and bound to happen. But don’t worry; most of the scratches can be easily repaired with household supplies and without any professional help.

Supplies Required

• Restoring oil (commonly available at all supermarkets in Dubai)
• Kitchen sponge
• WD-40
• Paper towel

Detailed Instructions

• Spray the restoring oil on the scratch just a little bit and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
• Use the rough side of the sponge to scrub the scratch in a circular motion. Now use the soft side to wipe all the liquid.

The above two steps are handy against minor scratches and light scuff marks. For more stubborn and deep scratches, WD-40 is suggested.

• Spray WD-40 directly on the scratch and wait for 2-3 minutes. Wipe the scratch in a circular motion and enjoy a brand new look for your floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach to clean vinyl floors?

No. You must not use bleach to clean vinyl floors. Bleach is highly corrosive, and it can remove the top protective layer on vinyl floors. The damage may not become too obvious after 1-2 applications, but it weakens the overall durability of the floor and also affects water resistance.

How do you protect vinyl floors from scratches?

The best way to protect vinyl floors from scratches is to use rubber mats under heavy flooring and not drag anything on it. The real problem is in homes with vinyl flooring and pets like cats and dogs. These animals have the habit of scratching nails on the surface of the floor. You can reduce this by placing mats for them and trimming nails regularly. When talking about pets, it is essential to highlight that pet urine and feces can fade vinyl floors. So make sure these things are removed from the floors as soon as possible.

How often should I clean vinyl floors?

It depends on usage and traffic. For low-traffic areas, a light cleaning once a week and a deep cleaning monthly are recommended. For high-traffic spots, a light cleaning daily and detailed cleaning every week is a must. Moreover, the level of dust in your home is also an important factor that determines the cleaning frequency.

Final Words

Vinyl floors are excellent for all private and public places where you need durable, elegant, and cost-effective flooring. With the ease of cleaning and maintenance, vinyl surpasses all the other types of floors.

Dubai Flooring Company, DFC, is one of the best flooring dealers in Dubai. We offer the best vinyl flooring in the whole town. Sourced from the leading vinyl manufacturers in the world, our floors augment the aesthetic appeal of your home. Contact us right away and discuss all your flooring needs with us.