Vinyl plank flooring has become wildly popular in homes over the last few years. If you’ve installed vinyl plank flooring in your home, you’re probably wondering if you can use a Swiffer to clean it! After all, Swiffers make cleaning floors so much easier. Or should you stick to good old-fashioned mopping?
Well, the good news is, yes, you can use a Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring. However, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure you don’t damage your beautiful new floors. Let’s dive deeper on this.
What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
In case you’re not familiar, vinyl plank flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is designed to look like wood planks. The planks click together easily to create a waterproof floor that can handle moisture. This makes vinyl great for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and anywhere else that sees a lot of spills. And there are a few key benefits that make vinyl plank flooring a top choice for many homeowners:
Affordable – Vinyl planks provide the look of natural hardwood for a fraction of the price. They are one of the most budget-friendly flooring options.
Durable – The vinyl material is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Vinyl stands up well to dirt, moisture, and daily wear and tear.
Easy to install – The floating click-together planks go down fast without nails or glue. For this reason, the installation is straightforward enough for DIYers.
Attractive designs – From light wood looks to tile and stone patterns; vinyl plank offers endless design possibilities to suit any style.
Vinyl plank flooring is attractive, durable, and budget-friendly. But you have to take care of it properly if you want it to maintain its beauty. Let’s look at how Swiffers factor in.
What Is A Swiffer?
Swiffer is a brand name for a variety of cleaning tools, including dusters, sweepers, and disposable pad mops. The Swiffer mops have reusable handles with disposable microfiber cleaning pads. For use, you attach a pad, use it to mop up dirt, and then throw the pad away.
However, there are a few models of Swiffer mops:
Original: This basic mop has a triangular head and single-use pad. Best for quick, everyday dusting and pick-ups.
WetJet: Includes pads that can be loaded with light cleaning solution. This provides a little extra scrubbing power for stuck-on messes.
Sweep and Mop: Combines a soft dry sweeper on one side and a wet mop pad on the other—a convenient 2-in-1 tool.
SteamBoost: Uses super hot steam to loosen stuck-on grime—the highest-powered cleaning of the various Swiffer products.
Swiffers make mopping super fast and easy. But how well do they work on vinyl plank flooring specifically? Let’s go over the pros and cons.
The Benefits of Using a Swiffer on Vinyl Floors
Here are some of the biggest advantages of using a Swiffer on vinyl planks:
- It’s quick and convenient. Swiffering takes just minutes. You can speed clean without hassling with buckets of water or dirty mop heads. And the disposable pads eliminate laundry too.
- It grabs dust and dirt. The microfiber pads grab onto dust and dirt particles thanks to static electricity. This makes Swiffers great for quick cleanups.
- It’s gentle. When used properly, the small amount of liquid on a Swiffer pad is safe for vinyl floors. It won’t seep between planks or cause damage.
Potential Drawbacks to Be Aware Of
While Swiffers are safe when used carefully, there are a couple of downsides you should keep in mind:
- It may not deep clean. The disposable pads don’t have a lot of scrubbing power, so ground-in dirt could be left behind. You’ll need occasional deep mopping.
- You may get streaks. Vinyl shows every bit of dust. Swiffering imperfectly could leave annoying dust streaks over time. Be vigilant about cleaning thoroughly.
- Pads are wasteful. All those disposable Swiffer pads generate unnecessary waste. Consider reusable microfiber mop pads for greener cleaning.
Tips for Using a Swiffer on Vinyl Planks
To make sure your Swiffering is as effective as possible, follow these tips:
- Use damp pads. Wet the pad thoroughly so it picks up dust rather than pushing it around. Wring out excess water so the pad is just damp.
- Go with the floor direction. Moving with the length of the vinyl planks prevents catching dirt in crevices. Use gentle motions.
- Avoid too much water. Don’t let pads get sopping wet. Excess moisture could damage vinyl flooring over time. Aim for damp, not dripping.
- Be thorough. Carefully swiffer under furniture, along edges and baseboards, and cover every bit of floor to prevent streaks.
- Rinse pads often. Swap out pads frequently and rinse dirty ones to keep dirt from spreading around.
Best Practices for Cleaning Vinyl Planks
To keep your floors spotless, make your Swiffer part of a comprehensive floor cleaning routine, and stick to the following best practice
- Vacuum first. Always start by vacuuming up debris and dirt so it doesn’t get pushed around while mopping. Vacuuming also prevents scratches.
- Spot clean spills ASAP. Don’t let spills sit on vinyl planks. Blot them up immediately with a clean damp cloth to avoid stains or damage.
- Use microfiber mops. Well-rinsed microfiber mops and pads pick up dust without scratching. They’re ideal for floors in between Swiffering.
- Deep clean seasonally. Do an occasional deeper clean by mopping with vinyl floor cleaner. This removes any built up grime a Swiffer might miss.
- Consider sealants. Using vinyl floor sealants or waxes can protect the floor from dirt buildup and scuffs between cleanings.
The Verdict: Yes, You Can Swiffer Vinyl Floors!
The bottom line is that Swiffer mops are safe and effective for routine cleaning of vinyl plank flooring, provided you use them properly. So, dampen the pads, move in the direction of the flooring, and avoid excessive scrubbing. And with this little care, you’ll love your vinyl flooring for years to come!