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Vinyl plank flooring is a great option if you want a durable floor that looks like hardwood, but comes at a lower cost. The reality, though, is that this type of floor still requires attention to maintain its look. Some common cleaners can damage vinyl plank flooring, and if you don’t mop it regularly, dirt and debris can tear up the surface of the floor.
Here’s how you can clean your vinyl plank floor—whether you only need a quick clean-up, or need to clean spills and stains.
The trick to deep cleaning vinyl plank flooring and keeping your floors clean is to start with a blank slate. As much as possible, move all furniture, rugs, and other large items out of the room so that you can easily access every area of your floor. Moving furniture will also unearth the hidden dust bunnies behind your couch or under your bed. Use this opportunity to check a few more things off your house cleaning checklist, as well, such as decluttering or tossing those throw blankets into the washing machine.
Dust, dirt, and other particles naturally accumulate on our floors every day. While taking a few days off from cleaning the floors may seem harmless, debris is especially detrimental to vinyl plank flooring. Particles can scratch and damage the protective topcoat on vinyl plank floors. You need to clean your vinyl plank floors every one to two days to keep them in good condition.
To remove dirt and other debris, use a dust mop or a vacuum. Avoid using a broom because the stiff bristles can scratch the protective top layer of the flooring. If you opt for a vacuum, make sure to turn off the beater bar. The beater bar is best to get a deeper clean on carpets, but it can tear up your vinyl plank floors.
Once the floors are clear of the dirt and debris, you can buff out any scuff marks from the kids running through the house or furniture rubbing against the floor. Commercial multi-use lubricant, like WD-40, is the secret weapon here. Spray it on the scuff lightly, then use a clean, microfiber cloth to buff the area.
Now, it’s time to tackle those stains and learn how to clean sticky floors. Of course, if you have a spill, be sure to clean it up quickly with water and a cleaning cloth. But if you do have stains from food or grease, you can find homemade cleaning solutions in your pantry or medicine cabinet.
Food stain: Make a paste with about two tablespoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of water. Apply the paste carefully to the stain with a soft nylon brush, then wipe clean.
Grease stain: Rubbing alcohol is great for lifting a grease stain. Use a clean cloth dipped in the rubbing alcohol to scrub away the stain.
Craft supply stain: Your kids’ art projects are cute, but their spilled paint isn’t. Simply use a cleaning cloth and mineral spirits to wipe away paint, marker, or crayon stain.
You’ve cleared the floor of objects, dirt and debris, buffed the scuffs away, and wiped away smudges and stains. Your vinyl plank floor is now ready for an all-over clean, but it’s important that you choose a safe cleaner for this type of floor. Similar to when cleaning hardwood floors, using a gentle solution that will protect the floor’s protective top layer is best.
"Dish soap solutions and vinegar solutions are effective, low-cost alternatives that will safely clean the vinyl,” said Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “Plus, it will not leave a film behind."
If you decide to use a commercial cleaner, check the label to ensure it’s safe for vinyl. Otherwise, you can make your own cleaner.
Dish soap cleaner: Add a few drops of liquid dish soap into a bucket of warm water. This mixture is great for vinyl floors in a kitchen, which can accumulate crud quickly each day.
Vinegar cleaner: For anywhere in the house, use diluted vinegar to clean vinyl plank floors. Add one cup of white distilled or apple cider vinegar to one gallon of warm water.
Dunk a mop into your preferred cleaning solution. Be sure to wring the mop out well every time you go for more. Then, mop your floors as usual to give your vinyl plank floors the best clean.
After spending an average of $2,500 to install vinyl flooring, you want to take the best possible care of it. You can, easily, add a few habits to your daily routine—from how you walk on your floor to how you clean it—to ensure it reaches its maximum lifespan.
Opt for a no-shoes home.
Leave a doormat at each door to discourage outdoor grit.
Sweep and mop your floors once a week.
Deep clean your vinyl floors twice a month.
Choose a gentle cleaning solution.
Avoid abrasive stain removers.
Cover high-traffic areas with rugs.
Trim your pets' nails to avoid scratches.
Clean-up spills and stains as soon as they occur.
Add absorbent floor mats around sinks, dishwashers, and other major plumbing.
To keep your vinyl plank floor looking its best, and to prevent damage from dirt and debris, you want to clean the floor every day. This may mean daily vacuuming, dry mopping, or mopping with warm water and vinegar. If you already have the tools on hand, like a vacuum or mop, you’ll spend up-to $40 for the remaining supplies to clean vinyl plank flooring yourself.
If this sounds like too much upkeep, or you’d like a deeper clean than you have the time or ability to do yourself, you can hire a local house cleaner to handle this task for you. Most professional cleaning services charge between $30 to $50 per hour.
Clean your vinyl plank floors at least one to two times per week with a broom, vacuum, or microfiber mop. You can save the mopping and disinfecting for your deeper cleans about two to three times a month. Keep in mind that if you find sticky spots, spills, or stains, it's best to take care of them ASAP.
If you’re looking for commercial cleaners, just check the label to find options that say they are safe for vinyl. Otherwise, homemade cleaners work great for vinyl plank flooring. Baking soda paste works well for spot-cleaning, and vinegar mixed with water is best for all-over cleaning. You can even clean your floors with plain water, which is great for everyday maintenance.
You can embrace minimalism when it comes to cleaning vinyl plank flooring. Water or diluted vinegar both work great for mopping and are much better options than some other cleaners that can damage the protective coating on these floors. Ammonia or solvent-based polishes can both break down the top layer. Also, avoid “mop-and-shine” cleaners, which tend to leave behind residue on vinyl plank floors.