Vinyl Flooring Care and Maintenance

Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for almost any home because of its durability, long-lasting strength, and beautiful looks. While these features are beneficial for many, vinyl is also known for its easy maintenance. Properly caring for your vinyl floor can help extend its life and preserve its appearance, so it’s an excellent idea to get ahead of it. Whether you have a home full of pets or children, you’ll be able to keep your home looking its best with our tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining luxury vinyl floors.

From the best tools to clean vinyl planks, everyday cleaning tips, how often to clean vinyl, and ideas on how to prevent damages and dirt, our guide is full of ways to ensure that your home is ready to handle any accident, spill, or pile of dirt that happens.

How to Clean Vinyl Flooring

1. Start With Pick-up. The best way to clean vinyl floors is to start by picking up loose dirt. While it may not seem like dirt can cause issues on your vinyl, small rocks or pieces of dirt that are stuck in your shoes can be sharp. Over time, they can scratch the surface, which is why picking up dirt is an excellent place to start.
    
2. Sweep or Vacuum. To remove dirt, you can sweep or vacuum. Be sure to turn your beater bar off on your vacuum to prevent damages. We recommend that you do this at least once a week. If you have a dirt driveway, pets, or kids, you may need to sweep or vacuum more often.
    
3. Vinyl Floor Cleaner. For the next step, it’s best to consult your flooring manufacturer for an approved vinyl floor cleaner. If you don’t have access to the manufacturer’s guidelines, we recommend our Resista Resilient Cleaner. This cleaner is approved for Carpet One luxury vinyl floors as well as most luxury vinyl planks, tiles, or resilient floors. When using this cleaner, be sure to use a mop that does not have tough bristles. These bristles can damage the protective layer on your vinyl floors. Mops that are not abrasive are the best option to use when cleaning and caring for vinyl.

Dos & Don'ts of Cleaning Vinyl Floors

• Don’t leave spills on the floors to air dry.
   
• Do wipe up spills as soon as they occur to prevent any damage.
   
• Don’t use a vacuum with the beater bar turned on. Always turn the beater bar off.
   
• Don’t scrub vinyl floors with steel wool to remove stains.
   
• Don’t pull heavy furniture across your floors when moving.
   
• Do use furniture pads to prevent scratches and dents, and always lift furniture rather than sliding, which can cause scuff marks or dents.
   
• Don’t use an excessive amount of water to clean vinyl floors.Don’t use soaps or detergents as these will leave a dulling film on the surface of your vinyl floor.
   
• Don’t use any cleaning methods that are not mentioned within the manufacturer label to maintain your manufacturer warranty.
   
• Don’t steam clean your vinyl floors, even if they are waterproof.
   

How to Clean Scuffs and Stains

Even with the best care, vinyl flooring can sometimes get scuffed or stained. Here are a few tips on how to clean these common problems:

• For scuffs: If you have a small scuff, you can try rubbing it out with a soft cloth dampened with water. If the scuff is more stubborn, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner, such as baking soda or toothpaste. Be sure to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage the finish of your floors.
• For stains: The type of stain will determine the best cleaning method. For example, you can use a mild soap and water solution to clean up food spills, while you may need to use a commercial stain remover for more stubborn stains, such as ink or grease. Be sure to follow the instructions on the stain remover carefully to avoid damaging your floors.

No matter what type of scuff or stain you're dealing with, it's important to act quickly. The longer a stain or scuff is left untreated, the more difficult it will be to remove."

Preventing Scratches and Scuffs on Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a durable and low-maintenance option for homes, but it can still be susceptible to scratches and scuffs. Here are a few tips on how to prevent these common problems:

• Avoid wearing shoes on your vinyl flooring. Shoes, especially those with hard soles or heels, can scratch and scuff vinyl flooring. If you can, try to take your shoes off when you come inside. If you must wear shoes inside, consider using a doormat to help catch dirt and debris before it can scratch your floors.
• Use a soft mop. When cleaning your vinyl flooring, use a soft mop to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid using a mop with a hard or abrasive surface.
• Use a welcome mat. A welcome mat is a great way to catch dirt and debris before it can track onto your vinyl flooring. Place a welcome mat just inside your front door to help keep your floors clean and looking their best.
• Use area rugs. Area rugs can also help to protect your vinyl flooring from scratches and scuffs. Place area rugs in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and living rooms.
• Inspect your floors regularly. Inspect your vinyl floors regularly for any signs of scratches or scuffs. If you see any damage, take steps to repair it immediately.

Pro Tip: The thicker a vinyl plank’s wear layer, the more it will resist scuffing or scratching. When choosing vinyl flooring, be sure to select a plank with a wear layer that is on thicker side.

Removing Stains from Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for homes because it is durable and easy to clean. However, even the most durable flooring can be susceptible to stains. Here are a few tips on how to remove stains from vinyl plank flooring:

• Act quickly. The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove. If you can, try to clean up a stain as soon as it happens.
• Identify the stain. The type of stain will determine the best cleaning method. For example, you can use a mild soap and water solution to clean up food spills, while you may need to use a commercial stain remover for more stubborn stains, such as ink or grease.
• Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area. Before you use any cleaner on your vinyl plank flooring, test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage the finish.
• Apply the cleaner to the stain. Apply the cleaner to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Blot the stain. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the stain, as this could damage the finish of your floors.
• Repeat as needed. If the stain is not completely removed, repeat the steps above.
• Rinse the area with clean water. Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaner.
• Wipe dry. Once the area is rinsed, wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

By following these tips, you can help to remove stains from your vinyl plank flooring and keep your floors looking their best for years to come.

Vinyl Floor Care & Maintenance Tips

There are a few things that you can do to prevent spills, mud, dirt, and accidents from damaging your vinyl floors. After all, keeping dirt and dust outside means less frequent cleaning inside!

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your specific type of vinyl flooring.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can damage the finish of your floors.
• Be sure to clean up spills immediately, as these can cause damage if they are left to set in.
• Use a welcome mat and area rugs in high-traffic areas to help prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on your floors

By following these tips, you can keep your vinyl floors looking their best for years to come. Whether you are investing in brand-new luxury vinyl floors or you’re moving into a home with vinyl, it’s easy to maintain and care for luxury vinyl flooring with our tips and tricks. Looking to see some luxury vinyl products? Find a local Carpet One Floor & Home store near you or browse our vinyl flooring catalog.