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Vinyl floors can be challenging to clean and maintain, especially if you do not know what to use. Different types of flooring require unique cleaning solutions, and this is no exception for vinyl floors.
It can be quite tricky to decide on the best for your home with so many options available. To make life easier, we’ve put together this guide on how to clean vinyl floors with vinegar and baking soda.
What Are Vinyl Floors?
Vinyl floors are a versatile flooring material that can be used in many different areas of your home. Vinyl is easy to clean and water-resistant, making it perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. It’s also durable enough to use as an outdoor deck or patio surface!
There are different types of vinyl floors available, from tiles to planks. It comes in various colors and styles that can be installed over just about any surface.
There are also options when it comes to different textures for these surfaces – so whether you prefer a smooth surface or one with more grip, you can find the perfect option for your home.
Why Should I Clean My Vinyl Floors?
Vinyl floors can be a great way to spruce up your home, but they need some special attention – especially if you want them to stay in good condition over time.
Deep cleaning vinyl floors with white vinegar and baking soda are some of the best ways to ensure that they look new for as long as possible! Regularly cleaning this type of flooring keeps it looking its best and helps avoid any damage or discoloration.
Why Clean Vinyl Floors With Vinegar and Baking Soda?
Both are natural cleaning ingredients that have some pretty amazing properties – which is why they work so well for this cleaning solution.
Vinegar is an acid which means it can break down dirt and grime on your flooring surface. It also eliminates tough odors! Baking soda is a base (or alkaline) that neutralizes vinegar’s acidity – meaning you get two powerful ingredients in one bottle for unbeatable results.
How to Clean Vinyl Floors With Vinegar and Baking Soda: A Complete Guide
There are plenty of ways to clean your vinyl floors, but vinegar and baking soda are two ingredients that you should always have on hand. Plus, they’re both super affordable! Here’s how to use them for an accessible floor cleaning solution:
- Start by mixing white distilled vinegar and warm water in a bucket.
- Add a few drops of castile soap if you want an extra cleaning boost!
- Dip your microfiber mop into the solution and wring it out well before mopping in small sections across the floor.
- If there are any areas requiring more attention, apply baking soda on the areas and use a scrub brush or a soft cloth to remove them gently. Don’t forget to clean the grout lines with a toothbrush dipped in the cleaning solution too!
- When you’re finished, give your flooring a good rinse and let it dry before walking on it.
How Often Should I Clean My Vinyl Floors?
To keep vinyl floors clean, you should mop them at least once every week or two – and more often if they’re in a highly trafficked area like your kitchen or bathroom! You can sweep the floors daily as part of your regular home cleaning routine (make sure to use a broom with natural bristles – like one made from corn or straw).
If you find that spills are the main problem, quickly mop your floors after each big mess. For things dust and dirt particles, it’s best to clean regularly, so they don’t build up over time!
When Should I Clean Vinyl Flooring?
The first time you notice that your floor is dirty, then it’s for a cleaning session. If, however, you have a sticky substance stuck on there for some reason or another and cannot eliminate no matter what specialized cleaner you use or how much elbow grease you put into scrubbing – a vinegar solution might be the answer!
How to Deep Clean Vinyl Plank Floors
Here’s how to clean vinyl plank floors with vinegar, baking soda, and a few other natural cleaning supplies.
You will need:
- A scrubber with soft bristles
- Distilled white or apple cider vinegar
- Baking soda (not baking powder!)
- Lemon juice or castile soap (optional)
- Clean water (warm is best for dissolving the vinegar and soda)
In a bucket, mix water and distilled white vinegar with generous amounts of baking soda.
Next, add a squirt of lemon juice or castile soap if you want an extra cleaning boost, then give it a good stir to combine. Dip your brush into the solution and gently scrub at tough spots in small sections across the floor until they’re gone – working in lines from one side of the room to another for even coverage.
When you’re finished, give it a rinse and let your floor dry before walking on it again.
How to Make Vinyl Floors Shiny Again
Vinyl floors lose their shine over time, usually due to wear and tear from foot traffic. But you don’t have to live with dull vinyl flooring! There are a few easy ways you can make your floors shiny again.
You can make dull or dingy-looking composite floors shine again in just a few easy steps.
First, sweep your floors to remove any surface dirt and debris that might scratch your vinyl when you clean it. Then, prepare a bucket filled with vinegar diluted in water.
For dull-looking vinyl planks, add baking soda to your mixture of water and vinegar. If you have vinyl tiles, use a neutral ph cleaner instead. Then wet the mop into the vinegar and wring out any excess water.
Vinyl floors are smooth surfaces that can easily be damaged by abrasive cleaners. Be careful to use only a vinegar solution. You can also use neutral ph for cleaning and shining up dull vinyl floors.
How to Remove Stubborn Scuffs From Vinyl Floors
Another way to make your floors look new again is by removing stubborn scuff marks. You can do it the same way you clean up spills–pour a few drops of soap mixture onto your damp mop and gently rub particularly stubborn spots with a microfiber cloth until they come off.
If you’d rather skip this step, there are products for sale that remove scuff marks from floors. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully, as some of these products will eventually ruin your flooring if you don’t use them properly!
How to Remove Stains From Vinyl Floors
If your vinyl floor is stained, there are steps you can take to remove the stain. If it’s a light one that doesn’t show too prominently, simply pour some baking soda onto an old toothbrush and scrub gently at the spot until it comes out. Then wipe up any residue with a dry cloth or paper towel.
If the stain is more stubborn, you can use a mild dish soap solution. Ensure to only put the lightest amount of liquid directly on the spot. You don’t want water seeping into seams between tiles or under furniture; standing water can damage the flooring. Then scrub gently with an old toothbrush until the stain comes out.
Wipe away any residue with a dry cloth or paper towel, then use your damp mop to wipe up the excess soapy mixture on your floor. You don’t want it too wet.
You can also use a stain remover specially designed for removing stains for this type of flooring.
How to Maintain Vinyl Floors
Here are a few things to remember in order to maintain your floors and keep them shiny and beautiful:
- Vinyl planks and tiles should be swept or vacuumed at least once a week, as dirt and debris that isn’t removed will wear down the finish of your floor over time.
- If you have pets, it’s also best to mop your floors every other day. It will help remove allergens and pet hair before they can become embedded in the flooring.
- If you spill something on your floor, remove it immediately with a paper towel or a soft cloth before cleaning the entire area. This will help prevent discoloration and water spots that may appear if left unattended for too long.
- For particularly stubborn stains, add baking soda to your water and vinegar mixture.
- Always use distilled or purified water because tap water can leave mineral deposits on the flooring surface.
- If your vinyl is installed over concrete slabs, you can simply mix muriatic acid with warm water for tile grout cleaning before mopping the whole floor.
- Use neutral ph cleaners to clean your flooring weekly or biweekly, depending on the frequency of spills and traffic in your home or workplace. They are also effective for particularly stubborn spots.
- For best results, maintain the above schedule and make a solution of vinegar and water for cleaning spills as needed. This will ensure that you get plenty of time between cleanings–and won’t risk damaging your flooring!
- Remember to read the instructions on any product you use for cleaning because the efficacy will vary depending on the type of cleaner used and how hard or soft your water is.
- Always check the label on your flooring before cleaning it. Even if you think all cleaners are safe, this isn’t always true as some can ruin certain types, including those made from materials such as vinyl.
Materials That Can Be Used for Cleaning Vinyl Flooring
Aside from vinegar and baking soda, there are other materials that can be used for maintaining floors made from vinyl. These include lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and neutral ph cleaners for vinyl floors.
One of the best ways to clean your vinyl floors is by using neutral ph cleaners. They can ve safely used on vinyl flooring because they won’t damage the finish or sealer of your floors like some abrasive cleaners might. This will help prevent scratching and other damage that could occur over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Vinegar Damage Vinyl Floors?
No, but it may damage some types of flooring materials, including those made from laminates. Always read labels on your product because not all products are safe for every type of material or floor covering.
Does Muriatic Acid Damage Vinyl Floors?
Again, this depends on the product you use and how carefully it is applied. If done correctly, muriatic acid will not cause damage, but if left to dry or used in excess amounts can potentially cause damage, so be sure to properly dilute with water before applying for safe results that won’t ruin your flooring material.
Is Vinegar Good to Clean Vinyl Floors?
Yes, but only if it is diluted with water. If done correctly, vinegar can be used to clean the floors without causing damage or corroding the material so long as it’s properly mixed and applied for safe results each time you use this product on your flooring materials.
How Do I Clean My Vinyl Flooring?
There are many methods, including cleaning vinyl floors with vinegar and baking soda, distilled or purified water, and neutral ph cleaners. Always be sure to read the label on your product before using it as a cleaner because some may not be safe for every type of flooring material.
How Do You Clean a Filthy Vinyl Floor?
Use vinegar and baking soda mixed in water at two tablespoons per one gallon of hot water. This can be applied to the surface with a soft brush for best results and allowed to sit on the flooring surfaces before mopping away.
If stains are left, use muriatic acid mixed in warm water at one cup ratio if you have tile grout or tiles set into your vinyl planks. Read product labels before using any cleaner because some may not be safe for every type of flooring material.
How Do You Make Vinyl Floors Shine?
Using distilled water instead of tap water can prevent leaving a dull film on the flooring surface each time you clean.
Use an appropriate vinyl floor cleaning solution and clean weekly or biweekly, depending on the frequency of spills and traffic in your home or workplace.
How to Disinfect Vinyl Floors?
The best way to disinfect vinyl plank floors is with a steam mop. Use a circular motion as soon as you start mopping so as not to miss any areas.
Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Cleaning Vinyl Floors?
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a cleaner for vinyl floors, but only if it is diluted with water. If done correctly, apple cider vinegar can be used to clean the floor without causing damage or corroding the material so long as it’s properly mixed and applied.
Easy Vinyl Flooring Maintenance
Composite flooring may be hard to maintain at first, but it’s easy now that you know how to clean vinyl floors with vinegar and baking soda. Just remember to use the right tools and techniques and maintain a regular schedule for deep cleaning sessions.
We hope you found this article helpful and. If you need more cleaning tips, leave us a comment below. Meanwhile, check out our other how-to guides in this blog!
