Cleaning Vinyl Floors

Written by Amy Gordon (last updated April 29, 2024)

To get the best results when cleaning a vinyl floor, mop using a mild detergent and let it soak in for a while before you mop it up. If the edges of your flooring are not sealed, try to keep any soaking water away from there as it could get under the vinyl and cause a dampness problem. Dampness beneath your vinyl flooring could also cause mold and mildew growth and even warping of your floor.

Since vinyl floors are prone to having food stick to them, you'll want to use a mop that has a scrubbing surface as well as a wiping surface, but you'll want to avoid using abrasives. Abrasives can scratch the surface of your vinyl flooring and leave permanent dullness behind. Also, if you plan on moving any appliances, you'll need to lay down another layer of vinyl to protect your flooring from your appliance's feet. Refrigerator feet especially can warp vinyl as they move over it. Another easy trick for protecting your vinyl is to attach carpet squares to the bottom of your appliance. Carpet slides easily over vinyl and will also cushion some of the weight of the appliance. Use carpet squares only when moving your appliance, since they may be a fire hazard or collect mildew if left under an appliance.

To have a little fun while cleaning up, use a detergent mild enough to touch skin and tell your kids to get their swimsuits on. When you're mopping, your floor literally becomes a Slip'n'Slide. Your kids can slide across your kitchen on old towels, thus both scrubbing the floor and having tons of fun. Again, you will want to make sure that the edges of your flooring are sealed. If they aren't, you can also try lining the edges of your vinyl flooring with extra towels. Make sure to have your children rinse off after sliding around on the soapy floor, so their skin won't be irritated by your mopping detergent.

Author Bio

Amy Gordon

Amy Gordon loves keeping things simple, natural, and safe so she can spend more time having fun. Every day she learns new things about making life at home easier and she loves to share it with you! ...

MORE FROM AMY

Make Steel Wool Go Further

Steel wool, a combination of fine steel and soap, is a great tool for scrubbing stubborn messes off of dishes and other ...

Discover More

Tackle Streaks when Cleaning Windows

Streaks of window cleaner tend to appear on windows, even with expensive window cleaners. Wiping in different directions ...

Discover More

Naturally Keeping Deer Out of Your Garden

Deer are beautiful creatures if in the right environment. When they are in your garden, they become far less attractive. ...

Discover More

The Power of Microfiber! Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths will become your favorite tool for every cleaning task. This 36-cloth package is perfect for hundreds of uses in the garage, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and all around the house. Each cloth is tough, streak-free, lint-free, reusable, and washable. Check out Microfiber Cleaning Cloths today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Discolored Linoleum

Whether through age or through excessive changes in heat over time linoleum will become discolored and start to look ...

Discover More

Floor Cleaning Service

Once in a while, all flooring can do with a little extra cleaning attention. Instead of neglecting it, look into hiring a ...

Discover More

Floor Waxing

Waxing a floor is something that any homeowner can do, and frankly something that should be done on a regular basis to ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five less than 6?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.