The Best Way To Clean Vinyl Floors, According To An Expert

One of the great things about vinyl flooring is that it’s pretty darn easy to clean. Unlike wood, tile, stone, or carpet flooring, vinyl material makes it simple to clean up any accidents, spills, or just general dirtiness. 

Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic flooring material that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It’s a versatile and durable flooring option that comes in various styles, including sheets, tiles, and planks. “What sets vinyl apart is its resilience, water resistance, and affordability, compared to other flooring types like hardwood or ceramic tiles,” explains  Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas. “This is a great floor for a first-time or a long-time homeowner, because it is easier to maintain and more durable than many of the other options, like natural wood.”

Below, we asked Stein for her best tips on how to clean vinyl floors properly, including different methods to get your floors sparkling. 

Before Getting Started

Special Considerations for Cleaning Vinyl Floors

Yes, vinyl floors, just like any flooring, require some special care. First, Stein recommends always avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes that can damage the surface of the flooring. “These are tough floors, and will stay that way, with proper maintenance,” she explains. “Therefore, avoiding any abrasive products and tools will help keep the floors in great, beautiful condition.” 

Another consideration to take note of is to clean up any spills promptly to prevent staining. The quicker you get to cleaning spills up, the better—especially with light-colored floors and dark-colored spills. “You do not want to let the mess sit and seep into the flooring where it can cause damage or discoloration, if left too long,” warns Stein.  

Additionally, oversaturating with water is a poor choice for these floors. When cleaning, use as little water as possible on your mophead and avoid steam cleaning them. It is best to dry them after cleaning as well, for best results.

Since floors like vinyl are prone to scratching, Stein always recommends adding furniture protectors to the bottom of your furniture. “This will help protect the floor from scratches,” she says. “Plus, always avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the floor to keep them looking their best.”

Remember, when cleaning vinyl flooring you want to avoid using too much product—especially products that are not “safe” for the flooring (like ammonia-based products—as these can cause cracking). Also, products that add “shine” to your floor probably aren’t a great idea. “Using these can cause buildup or a film to be left on the floors and will dull or damage your floors over time,” says Stein. 

Safety Precautions

As with any cleaning, especially around any chemicals, you always want to take safety precautions to protect yourself and others from fumes, cuts, or products touching your skin. Stein always recommends opening a window and wearing a mask when cleaning any area, wearing cleaning gloves, and staying alert and focused to avoid hurting yourself or others.

“An additional safety precaution to take when cleaning floors is to be cautious of slippery surfaces during and after cleaning,” says Stein. “Wet floors are a slipping hazard to anyone in your home, so always take precautions for safe walking and let the remainder of your household know when floors are wet.”

What You Need

• Broom and/or vacuum cleaner
• Mild household products (like vinegar) or specialized vinyl floor cleaner 
• Soft microfiber mop or microfiber cloth (2-4 of them, if possible)
• Bucket
• Warm water

How To Clean Vinyl Floors

Method 1: Vinegar and Water Solution

1. Mix a solution of one cup of apple cider vinegar—or white vinegar if you want to disinfect—and one gallon of clean, warm/hot water to a bucket.
2. Dip your soft/microfiber mop or microfiber cloth into the solution and wring out excess water very well (remember that this kind of flooring is not ideal for oversaturation).
3. Mop the floor, in the same direction of the plank’s grain, until evenly cleaned. Remember to rinse your mop head frequently in clean, warm, or hot water, as you clean.
4. For best results, take a clean, dry soft mop head or microfiber towel and follow up by drying the floors with it.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Water Solution

Note: According to Stein, this method should only be used on tough stains, not all over the floor for regular cleaning.

1. Mix equal parts baking soda with warm water in a bowl or bucket.
2. Apply a small amount of paste to stains or tough spots on the floor.
3. Gently scrub the stained area with a soft bristle brush or clean soft cloth. Do not use wire or aggressive scrub brushes.
4. Wipe away residue with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone. Baking soda can sometimes leave a film, so you can always take a clean mop head with some warm water, and wipe any remaining residue off. Remember to dry afterwards.

Method 3: Commercial Vinyl Floor Cleaner

1. Follow the instructions on the commercial cleaner's label for mixing.
2. Dip your soft/microfiber mop or microfiber cloth into the solution and wring out excess water very well (remember that this kind of flooring is not ideal for oversaturation).
3. Mop the floor, in the same direction of the plank’s grain, until evenly cleaned. Remember to rinse your mop head frequently in clean, warm, or hot water, as you clean.
4. For best results, take a clean, dry soft mop head or microfiber towel and follow up by drying the floors with it.

Note: Always follow the instructions on the product's bottle for the best results. 

Tips For Cleaning Vinyl Floors

If you want to make your life a lot easier when it comes to regularly cleaning your vinyl floors, consider investing in an all-in-one smart wet dry vacuum, like the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro Smart Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner. This genius device marries a mop and a vacuum to clean wet or dry messes on hard floors, including vinyl. The high-tech within this device will track the different types of messes and automatically adjusts its suction power, water flow, and roller speed as you glide it along your vinyl floors. 

If you’re not into splurging on a high-tech wet-dry vacuum, Stein recommends sweeping with a quality broom or vacuuming regularly to prevent dirt and debris from scratching the floor (or turning your mop water into mud if you do not remove dirt before getting wet). “Use doormats at entrances and remove outside shoes when indoors, to reduce the amount of dirt brought in,” she says. “Be sure to wipe up spills promptly to avoid staining and oversaturation, and place furniture pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches.”

What Not To Do When Cleaning Vinyl Floors

Things to avoid when cleaning your vinyl floors include harsh abrasives or scrub brushes that can damage the surface, along with excessive water that could seep into seams or edges. “Ammonia or bleach-based cleaners that may discolor the vinyl aren’t the best idea, and wax or polish isn’t the best to use either, as many vinyl floors have a no-wax finish,” warns Stein.