Vinyl flooring is a great option for many people. It is durable, easy to maintain, and comes in so many different colors that it can match any décor or style. If you are a home maker you may be wondering how you should take care of your vinyl flooring. Read on as we discuss the basics of taking care of your floors!
What is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a man-made product made from polyvinyl chloride and vinyl additives that are mixed with plasticizers to make it flexible. It’s typically used as an alternative to natural stone, wood, or ceramic tile because of its durability and low maintenance. This type of flooring also requires less installation work than other types of floors.
How to look after your vinyl flooring?
- Clean vinyl flooring regularly with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner.
- You can use an all-purpose cleaner diluted to half strength for this, but do not soak the area as it will make the floor slippery when dry. Mop up excess liquid. If you don’t have anything else on hand, white vinegar diluted in water will do.
- Do not use ammonia-based cleaners, lemon juice, or vinegar, as it can etch the surface of your vinyl flooring and cause discoloration.
- Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth and dry if necessary. Never mop on top of spilled liquids – this may damage your floor’s finish or cause a stain.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface of your flooring and damage its finish.
- Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the vinyl floor with a mop or cloth.
- To remove stubborn stains or dirt, scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush.
- Never saturate the flooring when cleaning – this can lead to water damage and warping of your vinyl flooring’s finish.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners on your vinyl flooring, as they can scratch the surface and damage its finish.
- Do not scrub excessively when cleaning – this will also cause scratches to form on the surface of your flooring.
- Do not let water stand on your vinyl flooring – this can lead to warping and damage to the finish.
- Never allow food or drink spills to sit for more than 15 minutes (especially in areas around heat sources).
- Never allow any object to come into contact with your vinyl flooring that will scratch the surface – this includes sharp or rough edges.
- Keep your vinyl floors clean and dry at all times – this is important for their longevity and successful care.
- Do not ever use a buffer on vinyl surfaces as it removes the protective coating.
- If the damage is severe, you must call professional assistance and a qualified company.
- If you have an old waxed wooden floor, these tips will work well with the surface.
- If you have a newly waxed floor, then these tips may not apply to its maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vinyl flooring is an affordable and durable material for your home. With just a little bit of time invested in providing proper care for the floor, you will be living with it comfortably for years to come. As long as you keep these tips in mind when cleaning or maintaining your floors, then they should last even longer than anticipated!