How to clean vinyl floors

Vinyl flooring, or sheet vinyl, is a water resistant, flexible flooring that can come in a wide range of different designs and is perfect in pretty much every room! Thanks to its water resistant qualities, it’s one of the best types of flooring for bathrooms. However, like any flooring, it needs to be cared for and cleaned properly to ensure it keeps its protective finish for as long as possible. So, with that in mind, we spoke to our expert floorologists to find out the best way to clean vinyl floors.

In this guide:

How to clean vinyl flooring
Caring for vinyl flooring
Best vinyl flooring cleaner
How to clean vinyl flooring: FAQs

How to clean vinyl flooring

When it comes to caring for your vinyl flooring, there are a few things our floorologists recommend, and some things we don’t recommend at all. Here are our dos and don’ts:

The dos of cleaning vinyl flooring

Brush your floor daily – using a soft brush, such as microfibre, to wipe away dust and debris will make sure nothing gets trodden into or left to scratch the vinyl.
Clean with two mops – soap will help clean your floor, but if it’s not removed properly, it leaves a film on top. We suggest you use two mops – one for cleaning, and one for wiping away the soap scum.
Clean up spillages immediately – liquid will sit on your vinyl flooring in puddles, which can be hazardous and could damage the flooring over time.
Use a lightly damp cloth or mop to blot accidents as they happen – if that’s not possible, just take a cloth (wrung-out to almost dry) and move it across the stain lengthways in a zig-zag motion, without applying pressure. Then use a clean cloth to absorb any moisture that’s left.

The don’ts of cleaning vinyl flooring

Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials – some detergents are considered abrasive, and they may be able to clean your flooring in the short-term, but in the long-term could damage it.
Don’t use hot water – when mopping, use a mop that has been dampened with warm water (never hot!).
Don’t use a steam mop – steam mops use high temperatures and pressure, which can damage vinyl flooring.
Don’t use overly wet mops – too much moisture can cause long-term problems, especially if it gets under the edges of your flooring.

Tapi Top Tip - Save a small piece of leftover vinyl when your floor is installed to test new cleaning products on first!

Order Free Vinyl Samples

Caring for vinyl flooring

One of our mottos at Tapi is that prevention is often better than cure, and when it comes to vinyl flooring maintenance, that rule definitely applies! Here are some ways in which you can prevent dirt, stains, and marks from ruining your vinyl flooring before you have to take drastic action:

Make sure not to drag furniture or heavy items across your floor, as this could cause long-term damage.
Doormats are a great way to make sure you don’t bring grime and dirt into your house and over your flooring – placing them at external doorways helps to keep dirt at bay.
Avoid wearing outdoor shoes on vinyl flooring where possible, especially high heels or metal-trimmed soles. Vinyl flooring is very hardwearing, but the constant use of hard shoes will inevitably leave marks.
If you have furry family members, treat them to a pawdicure – keeping their nails neatly trimmed reduces the risk of them scratching the floors!

Can you steam clean vinyl flooring?

You shouldn’t steam vinyl flooring; although vinyl is water resistant, the heat that comes from standard steam mops is too intense for the materials that make up vinyl flooring. It could potentially cause the vinyl to warp and even melt the glue with which the flooring is attached.

Best vinyl flooring cleaner

When it comes to vinyl floor cleaner, we recommend using good old-fashioned soapy water. Just mix a tiny amount of washing up liquid into a bucket of warm water. Follow up with a rinse using just plain water to remove any soap residue.

Choosing the right cleaning solution is critical. Harsh chemicals and even natural acidic cleaners, like white vinegar, can dull the finish of your vinyl flooring over time due to their acidity. Try to stick to mild, non-abrasive solutions to preserve your floor’s sheen

If you do need a stronger cleaner, make sure you pick one up that’s designed for vinyl, and test it in a hidden corner first!

If you've taken our advice, you should feel prepared with the best way to clean vinyl floors. If you need any further assistance or want to chat with our floorologists, get in touch via live chat or email. While you’re here, why not have a read of our vinyl vs carpet and laminate vs vinyl guides to help you decide which new flooring is right for you?

How to clean vinyl flooring: FAQs

How can I care for my new vinyl flooring?

One of the many benefits of vinyl flooring is that it's extremely easy to take care of. Its hardwearing nature means that vinyl flooring can withstand the daily demands of family life and high footfall areas without compromising on style. Simply sweep or vacuum your vinyl flooring a few times a week, wipe up any potential spills right away, and occasionally clean with a damp (not sodden) mop and a mild detergent to keep it looking as good as new.

I have a pet; should I be worried about scratches on my vinyl flooring?

Thankfully, our vinyl products have a wear layer that protects the flooring from scratches. If you have a particularly rambunctious dog (think large and easily excited) then you may want to get a thicker wear layer option.

If you’re not sure about the right choice for your home and family, visit us in store where our expert floorologists can talk through the best options for your lifestyle and design preferences.

Do you repair vinyl flooring?

Unfortunately, we don’t do flooring repairs; if you have arranged installation through us, the team of fitters can repair some subfloor issues, but they can't help with any aesthetic flooring repairs.

All our flooring is covered for regular wear and tear under manufacturer warranties, so make sure you check the conditions for your specific flooring. Our flooring care guide can help you rectify most household stains on your vinyl that might seem beyond repair, but for more major damage, you might want to check your home insurance policy to see if these repairs are covered under accidental damage.

Order Free Flooring Samples