Vinyl is an ever-popular flooring choice thanks to its incredible durability and moisture protection, but it still needs some TLC. Making vinyl floor cleaning mistakes can dull, warp or damage its surface over time.
Knowing how to clean vinyl floors well means knowing what's safe to use on it, including non-toxic alternatives, say our cleaning pros. Avoid using harsh chemicals, mopping with too much water and using the wrong type of vacuum if you want to protect your flooring investment.
5 common mistakes to avoid when cleaning vinyl floors
1. Using harsh chemicals
It’s tempting to reach for strong cleaning agents like bleach or ammonia to tackle tough stains, but these can easily do more harm than good. It might not happen right in front of your eyes, but using these will gradually ruin your vinyl flooring's finish, so it is safer to avoid having harsh chemicals in your cleaning kit.
'The number one mistake I see people make when cleaning vinyl floors is regularly using harsh chemicals,' says Taylor Riley, a cleaning specialist and partner at GermSmart. 'Over time, harsh chemicals like bleach will break down the protective coating on the floors, leading to dullness or fading. We usually get called once the vinyl flooring starts becoming noticeably dull – and the majority of the time, harsh chemicals were the go-to choice.'
It's one of the things never to clean with bleach.
Taylor instead recommends using a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for vinyl. 'Bona's multi-surface cleaner [at Amazon] is safe on vinyl and readily available almost anywhere,' he says. 'Another favorite of ours is the Zep Neutral pH Industrial Floor Cleaner [at Walmart]. It’s concentrated, so a gallon will last quite a while.'
We've spoken to many toxicologists and professional cleaners and they're always big fans of non-toxic DIY bathroom cleaners and alternative ways to clean bathroom floors without harsh chemicals. They not only protect your home and health, but the planet too, making non-toxic cleaners a great way to be more sustainable at home.
Mark Lumpkin, property and construction expert from STR Cribs adds, 'Even common household vinegar is a surprise misconception. Its acidic nature can etch the surface if used frequently and dull its shine.
'Instead of harsh chemicals, it’s recommended to use pH-neutral cleaners in combination with a microfiber mop [like this top-rated mop at QVC] that will gently lift dirt but not scratch the surface.'
A natural formula that's safe on vinyl, in a spray bottle that allows for easier cleaning and can be filled up with a Bona Economy Refill (at Amazon).
Cleaning pro Mark Lambidge recommends Zep's Neutral pH Floor Cleaner as the concentrated formula will be enough to safely clean your vinyl floors for months.
One of the highest rated mops on QVC, the E-Cloth can clean hard floors using just clean water, or any natural cleaning solution that's safe on your vinyl floors.
2. Always trusting baking soda
Baking soda is often praised as a natural cleaning solution for its gentle abrasion, and it certainly works wonders in some instances like using baking soda in laundry or cleaning carpet with baking soda. But when it comes to vinyl floors, it can be too abrasive.
'For tougher stains on vinyl, you can occasionally try baking soda mixed with warm water,' says Paul Hambidge, managing director at Factory Direct Flooring. 'But don’t rely on this as your regular, go-to cleaning method. It can damage the clear layer that protects vinyl flooring and make it appear cloudy.'
For a safer, natural alternative, opt for the vinyl-safe cleaners suggested above, and when it comes to stain removal, Paul suggests a mix of white vinegar and water: 'Our experiment showed this method cut germs on vinyl by 94%. It also means you’re using fewer chemicals in your cleaning routine, and it’s pretty cheap too.'
It's always smart to have some white vinegar in the house, whether you're cleaning grease from your air fryer or using it with baking soda to clean the house.
3. Cleaning with laundry detergent
'We’ve seen fabric conditioner being lauded as a ‘hack’ for keeping surfaces dust-free, but it’s something that should be avoided when cleaning your floors,' warns Paul.
'Any soap scum left on your floor should be wiped away thoroughly; otherwise, it could develop a ‘film’ that only collects more dirt. Not only that, it can make your flooring surfaces incredibly slippery, which can be dangerous,' highlighting one of the all-too-common bathroom floor cleaning mistakes.
4. Using too much water
One of the major advantages of vinyl flooring is its durability against moisture, but that doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. Excessive water can seep into the seams, causing warping or lifting over time.
'The best way to clean vinyl floors is by using water sparingly,' says Paul. 'Vinyl is not as prone to water damage like when cleaning real wood or laminate, but that doesn’t mean you should use an overly wet mop. Excess water can work its way into seams, loosening the adhesive and causing curling or bumps.'
Paul recommends using a well-wrung-out microfiber mop and following this technique:
- Vacuum first to remove dust and debris.
- Mop in a figure-eight motion, starting at the edges and working toward the middle.
- Rinse and wring out the mop regularly to avoid spreading dirty water.
- Dry the floor with a soft towel to prevent excess moisture from sitting on the surface.
Or, an easier approach would be to invest in one of the best vacuum-mop combos. I've tested four of these wet floor cleaners myself and it's honestly a much faster and less physically demanding floor-cleaning approach when comparing mopping vs wet vacuuming.
These nifty appliances vacuum, mop and remove stains all at once, then leave the floor dry a few minutes later. The Tineco Floor One S7 Pro at Amazon is the fastest-drying out of the top models I've tested, andit would be ideal to avoid excessive moisture on your vinyl floors.
A powerful vacuum-mop that, on test, cleaned solid and liquid messes in seconds, leaving the floor dry and smelling fresh minutes later. Our full Tineco Floor One S7 Pro review shows videos from our testing sessions.
5. Not having the right vacuum
Vacuuming is an excellent way to keep vinyl floors free from dirt and debris, but not all vacuums are safe to use. The best vacuums for carpet use rotating brushrolls with thick, rigid bristles that can extract stubborn dirt from carpet, but scratch vinyl surfaces.
'Yes, vacuums fitted with beating bars may aggressively scratch the floor and ultimately compromise its integrity,' explains Mark. 'This can lead to premature wear and a dull finish – a fact not well known to those unfamiliar with the intricacies of vinyl care.'
As hardwood is a more delicate surface, all of our tested picks of the best vacuums for hardwood floors are safe to use on vinyl floors. I'm a home tech editor and my current favorite is the vacuum I use in my own home on a weekly basis: the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. It has two separate floorheads for different surfaces, and the one designed for hard floors such as vinyl has a green laser that reveals invisible dust and a soft brushroll that can capture super-fine particles without scratching the surface.
Being able to seek out such small particles helps to protect the floor when it comes to mopping, too, as mopping before removing all the dirt can scratch the floor's surface.
I've been using the Dyson V12 Detect Slim in my home for almost a year, and it always vacuums dust, dirt and pet hair in just one or two passes. Its FluffyOptic floorhead is incredible on all hard floors, and safe to use on vinyl without any risk of scratching.
Next, discover whether luxury vinyl flooring is right for your home.
