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Key Points
- Harsh cleaners, scrubs, and hardwood products can damage vinyl and leave it dull or scratched.
- Steam and too much water can loosen planks and cause warping.
- Use gentle, vinyl-safe cleaners and a damp—not wet—mop to keep floors in good shape.
Vinyl plank flooring is a more affordable alternative to traditional hardwood that provides a similarly sleek, luxe look. It’s much thicker than wood planks, and thus considered to be quite durable.
However, vinyl plank flooring requires care when cleaning to make sure it truly lasts. To prevent any cleaning mishaps—and keep your floors in tip-top shape—we asked two experts what you should never use to clean vinyl floors.
Meet the Experts
- Robin Murphy is the president of Maid Brigade, a home-cleaning service.
- Vanessa Terra Bossart is the CEO of GreenTerra Cleaning Service.
Ammonia and Bleach-Based Cleaners
Ammonia- and bleach-based cleaners may seem like good ideas since they disinfect and cut through grime, but they're often too harsh for vinyl plank floors.
"[These products] and others with ammonia break down the protective coating of vinyl floors which leads to discoloration, fading, and surface damage," explains Robin Murphy, president of home-cleaning service Maid Brigade.
This includes formulas like Mr. Clean's All-Purpose Cleaner and Clorox Clean Up.
Abrasive Scrubs
Similarly, abrasive scrubs and powders can break down the protective layer of vinyl floors.
"[Items] like scouring pads or those gritty cleaning pastes [end] up leaving tiny scratches all over the surface," says Vanessa Terra Bossart, CEO of GreenTerra Cleaning Service.
Products like scrubbing bubbles and foams fall under this category, as well as magic erasers which can cause discoloration. Instead, Bossart recommends a household staple.
"A tiny bit of rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth can do wonders—but don’t go overboard with it," she says.
Hardwood Cleaners
Cleaners that you would normally use on hardwood floors don't have the same effect on vinyl.
"[They] contain oils, which create a weird buildup that makes the floor look cloudy and sticky over time," says Bossart.
This residue attracts dirt and is hard to remove, and can even make your floors slippery. So, steer clear of popular picks like Pine Sol and Bona Hardwood Floor Polish. This especially applies to citrus oils.
"[They] smell nice but they are usually too acidic for vinyl and can degrade the surface layer, making the floor look dull," Murphy says.
Steaming or Wet Mops
Steaming mops have a satisfying finish, but vinyl and extreme heat don’t mix well.
"That heat can weaken the adhesive underneath and cause the planks to warp or separate," Bossart says. "So, while it feels like a deep clean, it can do more harm than good in the long run."
You'll also want to be cautious of using lots of moisture or water in general.
"Use a damp mop—not wet—and dry the floors afterwards to prevent water from seeping into the seams or edges," Murphy says.
Certain Natural Ingredients
Since vinyl doesn't do well with harsh chemicals, you might be tempted to reach for natural ingredients. However, you'll want to use discretion here as well.
"Vinegar is acidic and will break down the protective layer on vinyl floors which will cause [it] to lose its shine, discolor, and weaken the material if used too often or in high concentration," Murphy offers as an example.
Lemon juice can similarly be too acidic, baking soda can scuff vinyl floors when used in excess, and even Castile soap leaves behind a sticky residue that attracts grime.
Instead, keep your routine simple—vacuum or sweep regularly, and find water-based cleaners that are labeled as safe for vinyl floors.
"Mild dish soap mixed with warm water and a few drops of tree tea oil is one of the safest and most effective options," Bossart says.
Read the original article on The Spruce
