The Best Cleaning Solutions for Vinyl Floors
- Vinyl floors are often used in kitchens, where dirt often accumulates.wooden texture of the floor - ideal background image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
Vinyl floors are a low-budget option often for kitchens and bathrooms. They can be delicate, but if they receive the proper care, they can last for many years. Warm water and cleaning agents can help maintain the floors. - Daily sweeping is the best way to keep vinyl floors spotless. Dirt ground into the vinyl is harder to remove, and also can damage the floor with gouges or scratches. Use a soft, mop-like broom to prevent scratches. Wipe up spills immediately with a damp rag or paper towel. If your room receives heavy traffic, you might need to sweep twice a day.
- Mopping is an essential part of keeping a vinyl floor clean. A cloth or sponge mop is best for vinyl floors. Mop at least once a week, preferably with warm water to remove dirt. Use a floor cleaner every week or two.
- Dish soap added to water makes an effective cleaner for vinyl floors. A ratio of 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap to 1 quart of water will help keep floors shining. Follow the soap mop with a rinse mopping of pure, warm water. This will help prevent soap scum from building up.
- An alternative to dish soap cleaning is a mixture of ammonia and water. Ammonia eliminates waxy buildup and dirt. One tbsp. of ammonia to 1 quart of warm water will clean nearly any spill or dirt left on the floor. Ammonia will leave a film on the floor when it dries, so follow the ammonia application with a mopping of warm water to rinse it off.
- Chemical and store-bought cleaners are an alternative. Look for "self-cleaning" on the label. This means that the cleaner will not leave a film or waxy buildup on the floor. For serious stains, such as rust, you can apply oxalic acid and leave it on for several minutes. When you wipe it up, it should take the stain along with it.
