Cleaning Care for Vinyl Flooring

Cali Vinyl™ Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is manufactured with an extra-thick commercial wear layer, giving it density and strength that surpasses nearly any other type of flooring. Our Luxury Vinyl Planks are tough, but no flooring is impervious to damage. Prevention is an important part of vinyl floor care, so we have put together this guide to vinyl floor cleaning and maintenance for your benefit.

How to Clean Vinyl Flooring

1. Sweep the floor with a microfiber dust broom to remove dirt and debris.
2. Use a dry or damp microfiber mop with Bona Tile, Stone, and Laminate floor cleaner.
3. Apply the cleaner in small sections, then mop quickly to keep floors from feeling sticky.
4. Rinse and wring out the mop pad often to avoid build-up that can make your floor look hazy.

Here’s a video to help you visualize the vinyl floor cleaning process:

How often should I sweep or vacuum my vinyl floor?

Sweep or vacuum the floor daily to remove dirt or debris that might scratch or scuff your vinyl floor. Dirt and grit on a vinyl floor can accumulate and grind away the flooring like sandpaper. Place walk-off mats at entrances to reduce tracked in dirt, grit, and moisture. Use area rugs to capture debris in front of kitchen sinks and other high-traffic areas. Do not use latex or rubber backed mats as they can permanently stain the floor.

What is the best broom for vinyl flooring?

A normal household broom is safe to use when sweeping your vinyl floor. For the best results, we recommend using a broom with a microfiber dusting pad like the one available in our vinyl floor cleaning kit from Bona.

Is it safe to vacuum vinyl flooring?

Do not use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar on your vinyl floor. If your vacuum cleaner does not have a beater bar, or the beater bar can be turned off using a “bare/hard floor” setting, that vacuum is safe to use on your vinyl floor.

How often should I mop my vinyl floor?

Mop the floor weekly to remove any grime or gunk that appears. If your vinyl flooring is in a highly-trafficked area of your home, it may need to be mopped more often. Do not soak your vinyl floor when mopping. Although Cali Vinyl is waterproof, it is best to avoid excessive moisture on any floor, and quickly mop up wet spills.

What is the best mop for vinyl floors?

The best mop to use when cleaning vinyl flooring is one that won’t scratch the floor; a soft brush or a microfiber mop head is a must. We recommend microfiber mop like the one found in our floor cleaning kits. Do not use a mop that uses a coarse scrubbing brush.

What is the best vinyl floor cleaner?

Cali recommends using Bona Stone, Tile, & Laminate cleaner to clean your vinyl floor. This cleaner is a water-based cleaning formula designed to safely clean vinyl flooring. Do not use any abrasives, chemical solvents, or harsh cleaning products to clean vinyl flooring. Never use ammonia-based cleaners, mineral spirits, acrylic finishes, wax-based products, detergents, bleaches, oil soap, abrasive soaps, or acidic materials such as vinegar.

Do I need to polish or wax my vinyl floor?

No. You do not need to polish or wax vinyl flooring from Cali. Consistent, proper cleaning will keep your floors shining bright. Do not use any polishing products, wax treatments, or top coats on Cali vinyl floors.

How to Remove Stains from Vinyl Flooring

Removing acidic stains from vinyl flooring

Stains from fruit juice, wine, ketchup, and other acidic sources can be removed using a baking soda and water paste. Rub the paste on the stain gently until it disappears. Then, use the normal cleaning procedure to remove any traces of baking soda.

Removing other stains from vinyl flooring

Stains from cosmetics, crayons, paint, or ink may be removed by applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain and gently rubbing it with a soft-bristle brush until the stain is removed. To remove dried glue or other adhesives, use Bostik’s Ultimate Adhesive Remover. Do not use steel wool or more abrasive brushes as these will scratch the floor.

How to Prevent Fading, Scratches, Dents, and Scuffs

Does vinyl flooring fade in the sunlight?

Yes. Sunlight and UV exposure can cause vinyl flooring to fade over time. Use curtains and blinds to limit direct sunlight exposure; this reduces fading where flooring is exposed to high UV rays.

Can heating ducts damage vinyl flooring?

Yes. Heating units and non-insulated ductwork near the floor or subfloor can create “hot spots” which must be eliminated prior to installation. Extreme heat can quickly cause permanent damage to even the most durable flooring materials.

Protecting Vinyl Flooring from Pets

Vinyl flooring is highly scratch resistant, making it one of the best flooring types for pets, but it is not invincible. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to prevent excess scratching. Cali Vinyl flooring is also completely waterproof, but no one likes a pet mess on the floor. Be sure to clean up any pet urine or other messes immediately using the proper cleaning procedure.

Protecting your Vinyl Flooring from Furniture

Heavy furniture and large appliances can damage vinyl floors. Take care to prevent dents, scratches, and scuffs to your vinyl flooring caused by heavy or sharp furniture. Use these tips to avoid furniture damage to your vinyl floor:

• Do not drag furniture across the floor.
• Apply felt pads on all chair and furniture legs.
• Equip rolling furniture (including office chairs) with non-staining casters at least 2” in diameter.
• When moving heavy furniture or appliances using a dolly, use runways at least 1/8” thick to prevent indentation from wheels.
• Heavy furniture (500+ lbs) may stop the natural free movement of a floated floor, leading to buckling or separation over time.
• Remove small (<1”) diameter buttons and metal ends from furniture legs and replace with vinyl-safe floor protectors at least 1” diameter.
• When moving large appliances without a dolly, be sure to use proper glides or 1/8” Masonite with the shiny side down.

Vinyl Floor Care: Do’s and Don’ts

Now, you’re equipped with everything you’ll need to care for your vinyl flooring for years to come. Let’s recap some of the key elements of vinyl floor cleaning and protection:

1. DO sweep or vacuum vinyl floors daily.
2. DO NOT use a vacuum with a beater bar on vinyl floors.
3. DO mop vinyl floors once a week with a microfiber mop.
4. DO NOT use a mop with a coarse scrubbing brush.
5. DO use Bona Tile, Stone, & Laminate cleaner when mopping.
6. DO NOT use harsh chemicals or abrasive solvents on vinyl floors.
7. DO use baking soda and water with a soft brush to gently remove acidic stains
8. DO NOT use any polishing products, wax treatments, or top coats.
9. DO use rubbing alcohol with a microfiber cloth to gently remove cosmetics, crayon, paint, or ink stains.
10. DO NOT use steel wool or abrasive brushes on vinyl floors.
11. DO keep pet’s nails trimmed to reduce floor scratching.
12. DO NOT soak your vinyl floor or allow excessive moisture to settle.
13. DO apply felt pads to the legs of all furniture.
14. DO NOT drag furniture across the floor.
15. DO use runways when moving heavy appliances with dollies.
16. DO NOT slide heavy appliances on vinyl flooring without protection underneath.