Vinyl flooring — an affordable, versatile and aesthetically pleasing flooring option that’s popular amongst Singaporean homes. While it’s relatively easy to maintain, what happens if you have stubborn stains to remove?
This article covers 4 easy steps on how to clean your vinyl flooring, including the cleaning equipment you need and hacks to remove different types of stains!
Cleaning equipment and supplies needed to clean vinyl flooring
Here are some cleaning essentials you’ll need to clean vinyl flooring!
Place floor mats at high traffic spots
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. According to Pierre (Owner and Head Cleaning Expert of MEIDE), an absorbent doormat keeps dirt and chemicals away from your vinyl flooring.
The best floor mats to use would be those of cotton or wool material that don’t come with a rubber backing.
This is because prolonged exposure to heat or moisture will result in a chemical reaction between rubber and vinyl. Gases released will cause discolouration and stain the flooring!
Step by step guide to clean vinyl flooring
Step 1: Sweep or vacuum the floor
The first step to cleaning your vinyl flooring is to sweep or vacuum any dirt or dust!
LIAO Dustpan & Broom Set
This broom features 100% PP bristles with split-end fibres to efficiently eliminate dirt.
Cornell Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter 2000W
Equipped with an advanced HEPA filter, the Cornell vacuum has high suction power.
Step 2a: Mop the floor with water
It’s usually sufficient to mop the floor with a soft mop and plain water.
Note:
When mopping, be careful not to use a mop that’s too wet. Excess moisture may damage the glue beneath the vinyl flooring. So, it’s best to use a spin mop to help get rid of excess water!
HOUZE Tornado Spinning Mop
This microfibre spin mop has an advanced dewatering system that removes excess water efficiently, making it ideal for cleaning vinyl floors.
3M Scotch-Brite Press & Spin Mop Set
3M’s spin mop comes with an extendable handle and is highly absorbent with the 3M Scotchgard™ stain resistant treatment.
Tip: How often should we mop our floors?
It depends on the room you’re talking about! For high-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen and bathrooms, Step 1 and 2a should ideally be done once a week.
For low-traffic areas such as guest rooms and storerooms, Step 1 and 2a can be done every other week or once a month.
Step 2b (if required): Mop the floor with floor cleaners
Instead of using water, you may opt to mop the floor with commercial floor cleaners for the following reasons:
- You want to remove stubborn stains
- You want to eliminate germs
- You want your home to exude a specific fragrance
When using a floor cleaner, ensure that you follow the usage guidelines as stated on the product label. Overdiluting the product will reduce its effectiveness, while under-diluting it may cause damage to the surface!
Magiclean Floor Cleaner – Aromatic Lavender
Magiclean’s floor cleaner can effectively eliminate oil and stains. It kills 99.9% of bacteria and dries quickly!
Dettol 4 in 1 Multi Surface Cleaner
Dettol’s multi-surface cleaner kills 99.9% of germs and can remove the most stubborn stains. It also comes in a lavender, citrus, green apple, and jasmine scent.
Tip: Homemade floor cleaners
If you don’t have a commercial cleaner at home, or just want an affordable and convenient cleaning solution, here are two DIY formulas!
• Two tablespoons of mild dish soap in a pail of water
Dish soap is great for breaking down grease and leaving your floor clean and shiny.
• Half cup of apple cider vinegar in a pail of water
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can remove dirt and germs effectively.
Step 3 (if required): Eliminate stubborn stains
After mopping, you may notice that there are stubborn stains left behind. Thankfully, there’s a way to tackle each type of stain!
For food stains:
Some common examples would be spilled milk or juice that’s been left to dry over time.
To remove such stains, simply pour an equal ratio of baking soda and warm water on it. Then, use a cloth to rub the paste on the surface.
For ink stains:
Use alcohol wipes to get rid of them!
For stubborn dirt:
Use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the dirt off.
For marks or scuffs caused by dragging of furniture:
Apply some WD-40 on the marks and rub them with a microfibre cloth.
After applying the techniques above, remember to remove any residue! A simple way would be to use a sponge with warm water to clean the area.
Tip: Minimise the use of cleaners on vinyl flooring
Note: Steps 2b and 3 should only be done if absolutely required. Applying cleaners or other substances other than water will contribute to the gradual wearing down of vinyl over time.
If necessary, a good practice would be to start with mild cleaners before proceeding with stronger ones. Otherwise, mopping with water is sufficient!
Step 4 (if required): Mop the floor and let it dry
If you’ve done Steps 2b and/or 3, the last step would be to mop the floor again! This step is the same as Step 2a.
This helps to remove any leftover residue from the use of cleaners and other products. It’s crucial as soap scum leaves a coating that accumulates dirt.
Next, use a large rag to dry the floor. You may also want to turn on your fans to quicken the drying process!
Now, your vinyl floor is clean and sparkling!
Regular mopping is the key to clean vinyl floors
We hope this guide will help you achieve squeaky clean flooring for you and your guests.
If it’s not too late, it’s time to incorporate regular mopping to your cleaning schedule! Otherwise, you may want to consider our home cleaning supplies for any vinyl floor cleaning needs.
Please note: The efficacy of the tips provided may vary depending on skill, quality of tools used and the build of machines involved (if any).
