Tips For Cleaning High Gloss Vinyl Flooring
Glossy vinyl flooring is a popular choice for its sleek, modern look and easy maintenance. However, keeping it shiny and free from scratches and dullness requires proper care. This guide will provide you with top tips for effectively cleaning and maintaining your glossy vinyl flooring, ensuring it continues to sparkle and enhance the beauty of your home.
Regular Cleaning
1. Dusting and Sweeping
Dust, dirt, and grit can act like sandpaper, dulling or scratching your glossy vinyl floor when they’re walked on or when the floor is cleaned. Use a soft bristle broom, a microfiber mop, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dust and dirt daily.
2. Mopping
Regular mopping helps remove the grime that sweeping can miss, keeping your floors looking their best. Here’s how to effectively mop your vinyl flooring:
- Use two buckets: one for your cleaning solution and one for rinsing your mop. This prevents dirt from being spread around your floor.
- Mix a solution of mild detergent and warm water, or use a cleaner specifically designed for vinyl flooring.
- Dip your mop into the cleaning solution, wring it out thoroughly so it’s damp but not wet, and mop the floor. Overly wet mops can leave excess water that seeps into seams and especially the rooms edges/walls, potentially damaging the floor.
3. Dealing With Spills Immediately
Spills can seep into seams or beneath the layers of vinyl, causing damage over time. Prompt cleaning prevents stains and water damage. This is how you should deal with spills:
- Blot spills immediately with a soft, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing as this can spread the spill.
- Clean the area with a damp cloth using a mild cleaner if needed.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals, like bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, can strip away the finish on your vinyl flooring, leaving it dull and vulnerable to damage.
- Stick to cleaners recommended by your flooring manufacturer.
- For DIY cleaning solutions, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water for a natural, effective clean that won’t leave a residue.
Use The Right Tools
Using the wrong cleaning tools can scratch or dull glossy vinyl flooring.
- Use a soft cloth or a microfiber mop for cleaning. Avoid stiff bristle brushes or steel wool.
- For tough spots, such as shoe marks or sticky spills, use a soft nylon pad or brush gently with a baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water).
Use Protective Measures
Furniture can scratch vinyl flooring when moved or used frequently.
- Place felt pads under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches when items are moved or shuffled.
- Use doormats at entrances to minimize the amount of dirt and grit tracked onto the floor.
Polishing Your Flooring
Over time, even with great care, your glossy vinyl floor might lose some of its shines.
- Use a vinyl floor polish or wax designed specifically for vinyl flooring to restore shine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Conclusion
Maintaining glossy vinyl flooring doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these top tips, you can ensure your floors remain clean, shiny, and in excellent condition for years to come. Regular care and using the right products and techniques will help you enjoy the full benefits of your beautiful glossy vinyl flooring without the worry of damage or unnecessary wear.
Easipay Carpets can help you get brand new flooring without the high up-front cost – by simply letting you spread the cost of the flooring over time instead. There’s no interest on our plans so you aren’t spending a penny more than you would buying it outright and we include underlay, door trims, carpet grippers and laminate beading for free. Prices start from just £10 per week!
It starts with a free home appointment and quote, to get booked in at a time that suits you, tap the “Get Started” button below and fill out the contact form!
Still Got Questions? Here's 10 FAQs!
For best results, sweep or vacuum daily to remove dust and dirt, and mop the floor at least once a week. If your floor is in a high-traffic area, consider mopping more frequently to maintain its shine.
Use a cleaner specifically designed for vinyl flooring or a mild detergent mixed with water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, wax-based products, or anything with ammonia as they can damage the floor’s finish.
It is generally not recommended to use steam mops on vinyl flooring as the high heat can cause the vinyl to warp or peel. Stick to a damp mop with appropriate cleaning solutions.
If your flooring starts to look dull, you can restore its shine by using a vinyl floor polish or sealant designed for use on vinyl floors. Follow the product instructions carefully for the best results.
Scuff marks can often be removed by rubbing them gently with a melamine foam eraser (like Magic Eraser) or a soft cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Be sure to clean the area with a damp cloth afterward to remove any residue.
Yes, a solution of one part apple cider vinegar to ten parts water is an effective natural cleaning solution that can help clean without leaving a residue. This mixture is particularly good at removing grime without stripping the shine from your floors.
Clean up spills immediately by blotting with a soft, absorbent cloth. Avoid using coloured towels as the dye can transfer to the flooring. For sticky or oily spills, use a mild detergent solution and rinse with clean water to avoid leaving a film.
No, do not use wax on glossy vinyl flooring. Wax can build up over time and actually reduce the shine. Instead, use a polish or sealant specifically designed for vinyl flooring if you need to enhance the shine.
Place doormats at all entrances to catch dirt and debris before it can be tracked onto the flooring. Regularly shaking out or vacuuming the mats will prevent this debris from scratching your floor.
To remove indentations left by heavy furniture, you can place a damp cloth over the affected area and then gently heat it with a hair dryer, moving the dryer around to avoid overheating any spot. The warmth helps the vinyl soften and regain its shape. Finish by pressing down gently with a soft cloth.
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About The Author
Matt
Matt is a master at gathering relevant information and rolling it into a ball of digestibility. Fuelled by caffeine and metal bands, you'll usually find him in the office either writing blog posts with verification from our most experienced flooring fitters, creating new ad designs, working on our social media and website or finding ways to improve our customer's whole experience with us. Matt is part of the background force that keeps the Pay Weekly side of Easipay Carpets growing.