Vinyl Flooring Maintenance Tips

Vinyl Flooring Maintenance in 8 Easy Steps

Now that you've installed your vinyl flooring, it's time to protect your completed project. You may think that maintaining luxury vinyl flooring is a complicated and time-consuming process. Actually, vinyl flooring care is very straightforward and can be a stress-free task if you have the right know-how. These eight steps to vinyl flooring maintenance will save you time and keep your floors looking fresh for years to come.

1. Choose the Right Tools

Although vinyl flooring is hardwearing, it's important to use the right tools when cleaning to avoid damage. Ensure all the materials used on your vinyl flooring are gentle and non-abrasive. Soft materials such as cotton and microfiber are absorbent and help prevent scratching.

When it comes to daily housekeeping, choose a soft broom or a vacuum with no brush roll. Robot vacuums designed for hard surfaces are not only fun for cats, but they also take the daily chore of sweeping off your hands.

Always on the go? A spray mop is a great option for a fast yet effective clean. For a deeper clean, Bellawood Floor Cleaner really brings the best out of vinyl flooring. Always avoid bleach, harsh abrasive cleaners, or oil soap cleaner, which can dull the finish. If professional quality is what you are after, we recommend a vinyl floor care maintenance kit for all-in-one support.

2. Routine Cleaning

Regular low-impact cleaning is one of the most effective ways to maintain your vinyl flooring. Unwanted dust and dirt can build up over time and make your floors look dull. Be sure to clean high-traffic areas such as your living room or kitchen with a soft-bristle push broom or vacuum at least once a week. Pay extra attention to areas below furniture or corners where excess debris can be collected.

Can you mop your vinyl floors? The short answer is “yes.” How often you do this is up to you. When mopping, we recommend going over your flooring with a damp mop using a specialized vinyl cleaner. For the best results, use two separate mops when cleaning vinyl planks—one for cleaning and one for rinsing. To avoid future buildup of residue and grime, wipe your floors with a clean and dry cloth or towel to finish up.

3. Remove Spills Quickly

Although vinyl flooring is waterproof, leaving large spills for a long period could still cause some damage to your subfloor and be a slip hazard. To prevent unwanted staining or bad odors, attend to all messes as quickly as possible.

Accidental spill in the kitchen? Dropped makeup while getting ready? We have you covered. Try spraying Bellawood Bottle Spray on the affected area and then wipe dry with a soft cloth. For larger spills, you can also mop using our Bellawood Floor Cleaner.

4. Work Smart, Not Hard

Dragging heavy furniture across vinyl flooring can cause permanent damage like dents or scratches. These simple steps will help to maintain the integrity of your vinyl flooring while keeping it free from unwanted blemishes.

Whether moving the couch in your living room or a table in your kitchen, always lift furniture when rearranging your space. Work smart, not hard when shifting around awkward or heavy items such as washing machines or refrigerators. First, add felt pads to the bottom of the item that you wish to move. Then, you can drag or push the item into position without ruining your planks.

5. Install Basic Safeguards

Extra protection can go a long way when maintaining your vinyl flooring. Protect your surfaces against daily wear and tear with simple safeguards to help life-proof your space.

A simple door mat placed on the ground at all entrances will help to stop outside dirt and debris from coming inside. Lay a rug on the floor over heavy traffic areas such as the living room or hallway. Rugs are not only aesthetically pleasing but protect well against daily tarnishing in any room. Make sure you select soft rugs made of natural materials without abrasive fibers or rubber backing. A non-slip or water-resistant kitchen mat near the sink or dishwasher will guard against drips when cleaning up or preparing a meal.

Rearranging your household items can be hazardous to the surface of your vinyl planks. Try attaching adhesive felt strips to the bottom of all furniture legs to avoid scratching your floors when moving things around.

Don't allow rubber products to sit on your vinyl flooring for too long. Prolonged exposure to some rubber components may create a chemical reaction that can create a permanent yellow stain on the top coat of your planks. This is also true for some rubber-based objects, including rubber-backed rugs and latex. Always check the rug's compatibility with your vinyl floor.

6. Take the Necessary Precautions

Preventive measures play a major role in maintaining vinyl flooring and will help you stay on top of the task. Keep your home looking pristine and blemish-free by taking off your outdoor shoes when you come inside. Wear indoor slippers or soft shoes to protect your vinyl planks from unnecessary scuffing and dirt.

Worried about your pets? You'll be happy to know that it's fine to have a pet in a home with vinyl flooring. You may wish to trim your animal's toenails to help protect your floors from scratches when they run around the house.

Over time, soap residue may create a thin layer of film that will make your floors look dingy. This will make cleaning and maintaining your floors much more difficult than it has to be. To stop soap scum from building up, make sure to rinse your planks well after mopping.

7. Clean with Care

You might like to deep-clean your flooring with a steam mop occasionally. If so, just be sure to use the mop on its lowest setting. A spray mop makes an easy alternative and still delivers fast, hassle-free cleaning.

8. Consistency Is Key

Vinyl flooring is a good choice due to its strength and reasonable price. From wood-look to stone-look, vinyl comes in various styles and colors that will fit any space. It's a popular choice because it's waterproof and simple to maintain.

The beauty of vinyl floor maintenance is that it's straightforward and uncomplicated. Just remember that consistency is key to keeping your floors looking flawless. If you keep up with your housekeeping and prepare your space, vinyl flooring care can be an easy process. Most of your routine maintenance won't take up too much time or need much effort.

Vinyl flooring comes with long guarantees, and routine maintenance will keep it shining. Whether you're looking for rich brown vinyl flooring for your living room or seeking a clean, white style for your bathroom, find the right fit for your home or business.