If you have new vinyl flooring, you want to protect your investment with proper maintenance and care. In this article, we will share 11 hacks and some preventive measures you can take to make your vinyl flooring look brand new. 

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring consists of multiple layers of various materials that create a durable, comfortable, low-maintenance, and highly attractive flooring material. The core layer is typically PVC (polyvinyl chloride), topped with a printed design layer that mimics wood or stone. It is then coated with a wear layer and a protective treatment to help retain the image.

Vinyl flooring is waterproof and available in both rigid and flexible forms, as well as many styles, colours, and types including luxury vinyl planks and luxury vinyl tiles. The plank format is most commonly used for natural wood-looking floors, while tiles are designed to mimic porcelain, stone, and marble.

1. Keep up with daily cleaning

First, we’d like to point out that vinyl flooring is one of the most durable floor types available. However, to keep them looking their best, it all begins with proper daily cleaning to protect your floors from unnecessary wear and tear. Tiny grit, crumbs, and dirt left on vinyl flooring slowly wears away the protective coating, creating small scratches on your floor’s surface.

Over time, this constant collection of tiny scratches will start to make your floors look dull. We recommend using a vacuum or broom to remove dirt every day, and reduce the sandpaper effect that dirt has on your beautiful vinyl flooring.

Tip: When using a vacuum, be sure to turn off the beater bar to ensure you suck up the dirt instead of shooting it around the room! The beater bar is also a lot less forgiving and can do more harm than good.

2. Add extra cleaning with weekly to bi-weekly deep cleaning

Mopping your vinyl floors will remove anything sticky or dirty that doesn’t come in granular form. We recommend doing this every week or two, using a clean mop with a mix of warm water and mild dish detergent. First, go over the floors with soapy water, and then repeat with clean warm water to remove soapy residue. 

3. Use floor protectors on furniture legs

We strongly advise adding floor protectors to the legs of your furniture. These come in various sizes and materials and are easiest to apply using the adhesive back. Not only will chairs pull out more easily from under your dining table, but you’ll also avoid scratching your floors. 

Tip: Pay attention to how well the protectors are affixed to the legs of the dining room and kitchen table chairs. If they’re not positioned properly, they will shift when you move the chairs, leaving a sticky smear on your vinyl floors. This can create a nightmare of awful pet fur, hair, and crumby build-up that’s hard to remove. 

4. Lift—don’t drag—furniture

Avoid dragging furniture across the floor, as this can leave scuff marks and scratches. Instead, lift the furniture.

5. Avoid using damaging equipment and products

Make sure you only use vinyl-safe products and equipment on your floors. Things to avoid include:

  • Products containing bleach and ammonia
  • High pH detergents
  • String-style mops
  • Scrub brushes and built-in scrub brushes on mops
  • Steam cleaners
  • Beater bars on vacuums

6. Choose the right cleaning products and equipment

Now that we’ve shared products to avoid, here are some safe replacements that won’t harm your vinyl flooring:

  • Microfiber mops 
  • Wet-mop products (like Swiffer)
  • Mild dishwashing soap
  • pH-neutral cleaning products

7. Consider DIY solutions to maintain a shine

A mix of vinegar and warm water in equal parts is an excellent cleaning solution to disinfect vinyl floors while also creating a streak-free shine. It’s a great solution in households with pets and small children where the transfer of germs presents a higher risk. 

8. Tackle spills immediately

Although vinyl floors are waterproof, it’s always best to address spills immediately. While the vinyl and PVC are waterproof, if moisture gets in between and under the flooring, it can cause water damage to the layers below. Follow these steps:

  • Use a clean cloth to blot up the excess moisture, working from the outer edges inwards to avoid spreading the liquid.
  • Use a dry cloth to apply a bit more pressure to remove the remaining liquid.
  • Replace your cloth or paper towel once it becomes saturated to avoid returning the moisture to the floor.
  • If the floor feels sticky once you’ve gotten up all the liquid, use our vinegar and water tip to remove the residue.

9. Consider laying a rug in high-traffic areas

Rugs in hallways and other major traffic areas like your entrance can reduce wear and tear on your vinyl flooring. Keep in mind that you have to be diligent in vacuuming your rugs, or your plan to protect your floors can backfire.

If dirt accumulates in the rug, it can get pushed through the backing, and as people walk across the rug, the grit will scratch the floor’s surface. 

10. Be pet-smart

Your furry friends are a good match for vinyl floors as they are easier to clean than hardwood, and won’t absorb smells as badly as carpeting. 

However, it helps to keep your pet’s nails trimmed to avoid scratches and scuff marks that will ruin the look of your floors. Also, you should quickly clean up accidents to prevent odours and staining.

11. Pay attention to wear and tear

All floors will eventually see signs of wear and tear over time. Checking your vinyl floors for signs of scuffs, discolouration, scratches, dents, or fading can help you address damage before it becomes irreversible. 

If you notice certain high-traffic areas are showing their age, for example, consider changing the furniture arrangement to redirect traffic away from the area. Other vulnerable areas include dining rooms and kitchen breakfast nooks where the constant pulling in and out of chairs can wear the floors down faster. 

Consider using protective clear mats in these areas to reduce the risk of fading, scratches, and dents to keep your floors looking their best.

Contact the Vinyl Flooring Professionals

So, there you have it: 11 easy tips to keep your vinyl floors looking brand new and spotless.

Cosmaroma carries a selection of beautiful Floorest luxury vinyl plank floors that are suited to any home style and budget. Click here to view our flooring options, or pop into one of our locations. 

As well, we carry the latest in vinyl click flooring in Ontario. For more information, you can call us at (855) 457-1039 or contact us online.