Vinyl flooring in Melbourne: 7 maintenance and cleaning tips

Throughout Australia, vinyl is one of the most sought-after kitchen and bathroom flooring solutions. But why? For one, it’s durable, versatile and affordable. Second, it is available in a variety of patterns, textures, shapes and colours. And last, vinyl needs low-maintenance.

Often mistaken for laminate, vinyl flooring is, however, more resistant to stains and scratches, making it the best choice for busy areas. So, if you’ve got vinyl flooring you’re in luck!

There are some simple ways to keep your vinyl floor looking fresh and new. You can even use natural ingredients like vinegar to clean it. Let’s dive deeper into this post and learn how to maintain your kitchen floor vinyl.

Get rid of dust and dirt quickly

First thing first, sweep the floor thoroughly. Before you mop, sweep any dust particles and debris that can stick to the floor. This will prevent rough particles from damaging the vinyl surface. Getting rid of these particles will help you get rid of scratches and damages. The fine grains of dirt can result in scratches when walked on. Use a soft-bristle broom to remove any loose dirt from the floor. It would be better if you could sweep high-traffic areas daily. Don’t forget to pay attention to corners and underneath furniture.

Wipe up water as soon as possible

Allowing spills to sit on the floor would make it harder for you to clean them once they dry out. This is especially important for textured vinyl, which is often trickier to clean. So, we recommend you wipe up spills with a damp cloth instead of a soaking mop. Also, use as little water as possible when you clean the floor. This is because vinyl isn’t entirely waterproof. When you use too much water for cleaning, it can seep through the floor. So, don’t let water sit on your signature vinyl.

Rinse the floor after mopping

Rinsing your floor after mopping is much-needed. Not rinsing it can leave soap stuck out there, which will trap grime over time. So, we highly recommend you not skip this step, even if you are using a high-quality cleaner. When you’re cleaning it with a soap or detergent, don’t forget to rinse the floor when mopping. Keep a bucket of water along with a mop for rinsing the floor after mopping.

Take care of scuff marks

Scuff marks are unfortunate but can be easily treated. They aren’t permanent and can be fixed with simple tricks. What to do when there are scuff marks on the vinyl floor? First, mop them with a gentle cleaner to see if that makes any difference. If it doesn’t work, try the baby oil technique to wipe them off. Make sure to remove the oil traces with a vinegar and water solution.

Use the right product

For regular cleaning, your vinyl tile flooring needs gentle cleaners. Products like acidic cleaners are abrasive in nature and leave a dull film on the vinyl floor, which makes it look dirtier post-cleaning. If you have a no-wax floor, make sure to use a detergent made specifically for it. Also, it is equally important to avoid any kind of abrasive scrubbing tools that can scratch the floor.

Protect your floor from furniture

When you move your furniture over your vinyl floor, again and again, it can scratch or dent the surface. Unlike timber flooring, vinyl flooring is prone to dents and scratches. We advise you to avoid such kind of damage by using floor protectors or protective feet underneath your furniture and appliances. Also, it is better to lift the furniture rather than dragging or pushing it.

Avoid intense sunlight

Last but not the least, take care of relentless sunlight. Although modern vinyl flooring is resilient, UV rays can affect it. Make a habit of drawing your blinds or curtains, especially when you’re not at home. And if there is any exposed area, consider placing an area rug to protect the vinyl floor underneath.

Do’s and don’ts to keep your vinyl floor new for years  

Vinyl flooring may be resistant to water and stains, but there are still some things you need to avoid to preserve its look and appeal. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to look at when you want to maintain or clean your vinyl flooring.

Do’s:

• Brush your floor on a regular basis.
• Have a soft brush to sweep loose debris, dirt and dust.
• Use warm water to mop the floor.
• Use two different mops, one for washing and the other for rinsing.
• Keep your pets’ nails trimmed.
• Invest in a good doormat to keep out dirt and dust.
• Always use a cleaner specifically made for vinyl floors.
• Install rugs in high-traffic areas that are prone to scratches.
• Place floor protectors under your furniture and large appliances.

Don’ts:

• Don’t let any liquid sit on the vinyl floor.
• Don’t use abrasive materials.
• Don’t wear hard-soled shoes or high heels.
• Don’t drag, push or pull your furniture.
• Don’t use a steam mop to clean the floor.
• Don’t use too much water for cleaning.
• Don’t mop the floor when it’s unnecessary.
• Don’t scrap stuck substances off the vinyl floor.

Summing up

So, there you have it – top seven tips to take care of your signature vinyl in Melbourne. A well-maintained floor would last decades and add value to your property. It requires regular sweeping and vacuuming, but maintenance will be a fun task at the end of your day. If you need more help, reach out to us.