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For inexpensive flooring, you can’t go wrong with vinyl. Whether you’ve installed vinyl flooring, vinyl plank flooring, or vinyl tile flooring, learning how to properly care for the floors with an appropriate cleaning solution will ensure your floors have a long, clean life. It doesn’t have to be difficult, either. Follow this essential guide to learn the best way to clean vinyl floors.

How to Keep Vinyl Floors Clean

• Lay a doormat down by all entryways to keep out dirt and dust.
• Sweep or vacuum regularly, just don’t use a vacuum with a beater bar, which can damage vinyl flooring.
• Clean spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in and causing long-term discoloration.
• Purchase felt feet for your furniture to prevent scratches.

How to Clean Vinyl Flooring with Natural DIY Cleaners

To deep clean your vinyl floor, mix a gallon of water with a cup of apple cider vinegar. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar is a fine substitute. Add a drop of dish soap to the mixture for extra cleaning power.

Ideally, you’ll fill a second bucket with clean, hot water to rinse the dirt off your mop as you work (rather than returning it to the floor). Wring your mop well, then soak it in the vinegar solution and wring again. All that wringing is a must, as too much water will infiltrate your vinyl floor’s seams, where it can affect the tile stickiness and cause corners to curl.

Recommended Commercial Cleaners for Vinyl

Learning how to clean vinyl floors with a commercial cleaner is as easy as squirt and mop. Here are a few commercial cleaners that get great reviews:

Armstrong’s Once ‘n Done Resilient and Ceramic No-Rinse Floor Cleaner,

Bruce NoWax Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner

Mop & Glo Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner.

Super Solutions for Vinyl Flooring Spots and Shine

How to Remove Vinyl Flooring Discoloration: 

A baking soda-water paste combats discoloration from dark liquids like wine or grape juice.

How to Remove for Vinyl Flooring Scuffs:

Apply a small amount of WD-40 or jojoba oil to scuffs, and scrub with a soft-bristle brush to erase.

How to Buff Your Vinyl Flooring’s Shine:

Boost shine by adding a drop of baby oil to your cleaning solution.