Vinyl Flooring Care Guide
Vinyl flooring is known for being fuss-free and low-maintenance. But when it comes to cleaning vinyl floors, there are still a few things you’ll need to do to keep it looking great. This care guide is filled with expert help to ensure you get the best from your vinyl over time.
Top tips for caring for vinyl flooring
All products from Carpetright are safety tested however, it is important to keep vinyl flooring away from fire and naked flames to maintain maximum safety.
Bicarbonate of soda is your secret weapon; it’s tough on stains, but gentle on vinyl flooring.
Never use abrasive scourers on vinyl floors.
How to clean vinyl floors
Cleaning and maintaining vinyl flooring is relatively hassle free and requires a small amount of regular upkeep. In this section, we show you exactly how to clean vinyl with expert advice thrown in for good measure! Follow these hints and tips to keep your floor looking its best:
- Loose debris, dust and dirt should be removed from vinyl flooring regularly. This can be done using a soft brush or with gentle vacuuming.
- Vinyl flooring is non-absorbent which means any liquids will sit on the surface in puddles. This can damage the floor if left for long periods of time and also presents potential slip hazards to you and your family. Wipe spillages immediately and use a well wrung out mop or damp cloth to wash the surface; ensuring it dries out completely before walking on it again.
- Warm water and a light soap will usually be enough to remove stains but products like bicarbonate of soda can also be handy on a tough stain.
Which cleaning products are safe to use with vinyl flooring?
- Not all chemicals will be suitable for use on vinyl floors and you should always read the label before applying to your floors.
- You should also make sure products are pet and child-safe if using in family homes, and always opt for natural ingredients wherever possible.
- Never use abrasive scourers on vinyl floors as this can cause permanent damage to the surface.
How do you treat stains on vinyl flooring?
- Begin by using a white damp cloth or towel to clean the surface with warm water.
- Then use a vinyl flooring cleaner which can be purchased from specialist stores and rub the mark with a non-abrasive cloth to remove the mark or stain.
Depending on the colour and design of your vinyl flooring, you can use the following chemicals to remove stains:
- Bleach (diluted with water) – for stubborn stains caused by food or drink
- Alcohol – for tougher stains
How to remove pen stains from vinyl
1. Mix together 1 part bleach to 4 parts water.
2. Soak a clean cloth in the solution.
3. Place the soaked cloth on top of the stain for 1 hour to set.
4. Rinse the stain well with water and leave to dry.
5. If needed repeat the process!
How to remove grass stains from vinyl
Don't panic! But you'll need to act quick. Don't let the stain settle!
1. Wipe away any excess soil and grass.
2. Cut a lemon in half and place the cut lemon directly onto the stain and rub gently.
3. Wipe the area with a water-soaked cloth to remove any remaining lemon juice.
4. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or rub with a dry soft towel.
5. If necessary repeat the process!
One of the main benefits of vinyl flooring is that water will never damage the quality or function of it. Unlike wood or oak flooring, homeowners are not limited to the amount of water they can use on their flooring to maintain its stunning appearance. This is just one reason why vinyl flooring is a more practical alternative to many other flooring options currently in the market.
How to maintain vinyl flooring
Vinyl is relatively low maintenance, but we’ve put together some expert vinyl care tips to help you maintain your flooring. While it should be resistant to most of the marks and indentations caused by heavy furniture, you still need to proceed with caution.
- Vinyl flooring is most likely to get damaged just after installation. Before you begin moving your furniture into the room, make sure you remove all debris, then sweep and vacuum the flooring to get rid of any dust leftover from the installation.
- Keep sharp objects away from the surface and avoid sliding or dragging anything across it. Messy floors and debris can cause damage to vinyl over long periods of time, so make sure the surface is cleaned regularly.
- Ensure all furniture legs are smooth and won’t mark your vinyl and replace any narrow, glass or dome shaped glides with smooth protectors to ensure your vinyl remains intact when it comes into contact with the furniture.
- Fit felt covers to casters and feet for added cushioning that will protect the surface of your vinyl.
- Never push, pull or drag heavy furniture across your vinyl flooring as this can mark, scratch and damage the surface. Instead, always lift or wheel in any sofas, tables or chairs, as this will prevent scuffing and other marks from occurring.
- When Vinyl comes into contact with rubber for prolonged periods it causes a chemical reaction that leaves a permanent yellow stain at the point of contact. Such stains cannot be removed through cleaning and it is important therefore that your vinyl floor does not come into sustained contact with Rubber. Be aware that common household items such as bicycle and pram wheels, latex or rubber backed mats and rugs, the soles of shoes and slippers may contain rubber and should not be left standing on a vinyl floor for prolonged periods.
What are the best tips to care for vinyl flooring?
DO
Sweep or vacuum regularly
Once a week, wipe your floor with a specifically designed cleaner
Put doormats and rugs by doors
Wear soft soled shoes
Lift furniture to move it – even with soft pads, grit can scratch
Keep pets’ nails trimmed
DON'T
Use a steam cleaner
Use abrasive materials such as scouring pads
Use furniture polish
Wear high heels
Leave puddles to soak in
Push pull or drag heavy furniture across the floor
Read more
Vinyl flooring is practical, looks great and can stand the test of time.
But even with the best care, eventually you’ll get to the point where your existing flooring has given its best. If you’re looking to replace your floor covering, take a look at our range of vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl tiles – you’ll be spoilt for choice!
We even have a helpful buyer’s guide to help you choose the best vinyl flooring for your room.