Each floor system has its particular characteristics and its ideal precautions for proper cleaning and extending its lifespan. Have you ever wondered how to clean vinyl tile floors? Don’t worry; we prepared a detailed guide just for you.
Because of their synthetic nature, vinyl tile floors are generally durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain and clean. However, this material it’s not totally resistant to scratches. Keep reading this blog to learn a safe and adequate way to clean your vinyl tile flooring system.
Main Characteristics Of Vinyl Tile Floors
You should first understand what kind of vinyl floor you have before attempting to clean it. Here are some must-know characteristics of this type of flooring.
Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness
Vinyl floors are available in sheets and tiles. This type of flooring is more affordable than ceramic tiles, but they can still reproduce the same pattern as ceramic tiles.
Variety of Colors Available
When choosing this type of floor, you’ll see several colors and designs available. Some of them can replicate other materials, such as wood floors.
Easy to Install and Maintain
Vinyl tile floors are one of the most accessible flooring options to install. Unlike hardwood floors, vinyl sheets and tiles come in established and uniform sizes and shapes. That means you won’t do so much cutting.
You’ll also be able to purchase a peel and stick vinyl floor to make the installation even easier. This way, you won’t need to staple or glue them.
Moisture and Stain Resistance
Generally, vinyl flooring is good at resisting stains. They fit well in bathrooms and kitchens because they can withstand moisture and high foot traffic. You must understand that food and liquid spills are more likely in areas such as the kitchen, so stains are still possible.
Most Common Causes of Stains and Scratches In Vinyl Tile Floors
Here we address some factors that can cause stains, discoloration, or scratches in your vinyl flooring.
Errors in the installation process can cause the glue to seep through the vinyl floor, causing stains. This situation typically generates white spots. Spills can become stains when not cleaned quickly with a microfiber cloth.
Extreme and direct exposure to water can also cause moisture and mildew and potentially white spots on your vinyl tile floors. Likewise, constant exposure to sunlight will potentially give your floor a dull look.
Vinyl floors can suffer scratches when you drag heavy furniture or objects or drop a glass. Some types of shoes, sharp objects, or small pieces of rock can cause scratches on your floor.
By now, you should have a good idea of the proper precautions you need to follow when cleaning your vinyl floor.
Keep Vinyl Tile Floors Clean With These 5 Easy Steps
Having a cleaning routine for your vinyl floors will make it easier for you to maintain a clean house and extend the lifespan of your floor.
In case you have already wondered how to clean vinyl tile floors, follow these five basic steps:
- Clear superficial dirt with a dry mop
- Remove stains or grease
- Mop the vinyl tile floor with plain water
- Polish/shine with vinyl floor cleaner
- Repeat this process regularly
We will explain to you a little more in the lines below.
Clear Superficial Dirt With a Dry Mop
Before using any cleaning solution, use a vacuum or a dry mop to remove all the dirt, grime, and other debris gathered on the surface.
Leaving dirt on the floor leads to a messy appearance and an increased risk of scratching it while mopping.
Although your vinyl floor may not appear dirty, there could be dust underneath your furniture and corners.
Remove Stains or Grease
Rooms with potential food spills or high traffic areas, such as the kitchen, may require this step more frequently.
It’s better to clean right after you spill something. If it’s left to dry, cleaning will be more challenging. You can use other formulas listed below, such as baking soda and water or white vinegar, whenever you need to deep clean your vinyl tile floors.
Mop The Vinyl Tile Floor With Plain Water
Once the floor is free of dirt and stains, you can use a slightly wet mop. Before jumping into a cleaning solution, a damp mop into plain water would be enough. Never mop unfinished floors.
Polish/Shine With Vinyl Floor Cleaner
You have two options, commercial and homemade vinyl floor cleaners. If you choose commercial ones, make sure you pick one specifically made for vinyl floors.
For deep cleaning and polishing, you could prepare a solution of apple cider vinegar and hot water and make it shine.
Using the wrong product could affect your floor over time. It is not advisable to use mop and shine products, as they tend to leave a pale film on the floor.
Repeat This Process Regularly
Replicate this process occasionally to keep the floor looking clean and shiny.
Other Formulas on How to Clean Vinyl Tile Floor
Commonly, apple cider vinegar is the winner when discussing the best vinyl floor cleaners. You can mix it with a gallon of water and then use it to mop the floor.
Another available and cheap alternative option could be white vinegar and water. Mix half a cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water. However, don’t use it too frequently, as its high acidity could negatively affect the floor over time, causing a bland look.
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent option for removing stains like ink and grease while disinfecting your floors. For removing scuff marks, you can use a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and apply it over the scuff.
However, you shouldn’t use rubbing alcohol too regularly because it can affect your floor coating.
When it comes to stains from spills left to dry, baking soda and water is the ideal solution to remove them.
Don’ts When Cleaning Vinyl Tile Floors
We have already suggested a routine to clean your vinyl floors. You can still add a personal touch. However, we must warn you some don’ts about the cleaning process.
Don’t use boiling water because vinyl floors can suffer damage from extreme heat. You must also avoid using: bleach, ammonia, and abrasive flooring cleaners or detergents.
By knowing this, you can now expand the lifespan of your vinyl floors by taking proper care of them.
Get a Quote for Vinyl Tile Floor Installation
Take advantage of a floor that’s easy to clean and maintain. Get an estimate for our vinyl tile installation services at JG Carpet Contractors LLC. To know more about the pros and cons of vinyl tile flooring, get in touch with us.
Once you have your vinyl tile floor installed, follow this guide on how to clean vinyl tile floors to ensure that your floor looks like the installation day for a long time.
Call our team of professional installers.