LifeProof flooring is a rigid, vinyl flooring made from vinyl. The material is similar to the type of material used for the production of PVC pipes. One other outstanding attribute of this flooring is the exclusive retailing or sales by Home Depot.
Like traditional, luxury vinyl flooring, your LifeProof flooring needs all the care and maintenance it can get. You will learn just how to take care of and clean it.
How to Clean Your LifeProof Vinyl Flooring
Several methods can be adapted, but we will start this guideline with the simplest, and proceed to the tougher steps.
1. Get Rid of all Stains, when Spotted
This flooring is a luxury and should not be found dirty for any reason. The moment you spot any dirt or debris, get your mop and get to work.
Here’s the best way to remove dirt, dust, and debris from your LifeProof flooring:
a. Sweep the Dirty Area
Certainly, not all parts or areas of the flooring are dirty – at least, at the same time. Hence, you will start by sweeping the area where the dirt, dust, or debris is most-concentrated.
Start by sweeping the corners of the area and working it all up to the middle of the area.
b. Remove the Dirt
After sweeping, sweep the trash into a dustpan and dispose of it. If you see some particles of dust, get a vacuum and get rid of them.
2. Immediately Wipe the Spills to Clean a LifeProof Flooring
Do not wait for the water to form a puddle before you get to work. Avoid the spillage of liquid on the floor, but if you mistakenly do that, do not waste further time to wipe it off.
This is how to remove the spills:
- Get either a clean cloth or a sponge.
- Use any of them to dab at the spills.
- Continue until you have removed most of the moisture.
- Then, get a dry cloth and use that to wipe off the remaining liquid from the area.
While the immediate cleaning of the spills works, you also don’t want to overstretch it. This method works best if you spilled any of the following:
- Soda
- Juice and;
- Wine
Generally, the immediate cleaning of the spills works best for acidic products. If you mistakenly spilled sugary products, you would need to get a dedicated floor cleaner to tidy the mess.
3. How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Clean LifeProof Flooring
The best vinyl floor cleaner products should be the ones that are pH-neutral. This way, you are sure that by using the products, you wouldn’t be putting the flooring in harm’s way.
Out of the many options out there, we recommend that you use apple cider vinegar for these reasons:
- It has a high acid concentration, which helps to remove the stains, without necessarily leaving residues and causing streaks.
- It doesn’t discolor the flooring.
- Also, you use apple cider vinegar solution because offers a deeper cleaning, aiding the removal of grime and dirt from the LifeProof flooring.
Here is how to use your apple cider vinegar to clean the floor:
a. Prepare the Solution
What you need are a gallon of warm water and a cup of apple cider vinegar. Mix the two in a cleaning bucket and be sure the solution is concentrated before applying it to the floor.
b. Apply the Solution to the LifeProof Floor
Dip a clean mop into the bucket of the solution, wriggle excess water out of it, and apply it to the floor. Use light strokes to make the application.
Here are additional tips on cleaning/mopping the flooring with the solution:
- Wriggle off excess water from the mop. This helps to prevent the flooring from soaking.
- You can consider pouring the mixture/solution into a spray bottle and using the same to spray the stained area.
- Always use a “back and forth” or light strokes to mop the LifeProof flooring.
c. Clean the Stained Area
Whether you sprayed the area or mopped it, once you are done, get a clean mop or clean cloth and use that to wipe the area. This helps to remove any residues that might be left behind, especially, if the apple cider vinegar solution is not concentrated.
4. Use Baking Soda to Remove Dirt and Stains on LifeProof Flooring
Using baking soda can help you get rid of residues faster than some of the other vinyl floor shine products would.
This is how to make a mixture out of it:
- Combine baking soda and water in a bowl.
- Continue mixing until it forms the right consistency or thickness.
Once you’ve made the paste, proceed to apply it directly to the stained area of the LifeProof flooring.
Gently rub the paste into the stain and remain at it until the stain is no longer visible on the surface.
The paste you applied might be much and if left there, might trigger residues. So, remove the excess paste when done.
Thereafter, use a clean cloth, dip it into the water, and apply it to the area to clean it up.
Important Points to Note
While baking soda can be a natural cleaning solution for LifeProof flooring, it is recommended for specific cases. Here are some of the things worth having in mind:
- The solution is highly recommended for the stains caused by tomato sauce, grape juice, ketchup, and mustard.
- Always rub the baking soda paste into the stain and continue until the stain “disappears.”
- Give the stained area a thorough cleaning to clear it of any hint of the paste.
5. Use Rubbing Alcohol to Clean Your LifeProof Floor
This recommendation is specifically if your flooring is susceptible to scruffs. If you notice these marks on the surface, then, it is time to get rid of them.
You need to use rubbing alcohol for this purpose and here is our guideline:
- Get a clean cloth.
- Dip it into the rubbing alcohol.
- Dab at the stained part of the LifeProof flooring with the cloth.
- Use the cloth to wipe the area in a circular motion. You can also use an up-and-down motion for the wiping.
- Rinse the area with water, but be moderate about it so you don’t saturate it with moisture.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe off the excess moisture and leave the area to dry.
Tools Recommended for Cleaning LifeProof Flooring
Specific tools and cleaning equipment are better for clearing debris and stains on the surface of LifeProof floors.
The following are some of them:
- A heavy-duty vacuum, dustpan, and broom will make the job of clearing debris easier.
- Get a microfiber mop, which doesn’t cause abrasion on the floor.
- You can also invest in a soft, nylon-bristle brush, which, when combined with some household solvents, helps to remove different types of stains.
The Best Cleaning Solutions to Use for LifeProof Flooring
You must not use all the cleaning products in the market, because even though they may work as advertised, they can also cause damage to the floor.
Here is a list of some of the cleaning products we will recommend for use:
a. Baby Oil
This is one of the oil-based cleaning solutions for LifeProof floors. You can add a few drops of baby oil to the water and white vinegar solution to help bring back the shine on the floor. You can also replace baby oil with jojoba oil for the same effect.
b. WD-40 Lubricant
Consider using this lubricant if you want to remove scruffs from the LifeProof flooring. By putting a few drops of the lubricant in a towel and using the same to rub the affected area, the scruffs will disappear.
c. Rubbing Alcohol
It is best to reserve this for stubborn or stuck-on stains. Rubbing alcohol effectively removes the following:
- Ink stains
- Lipsticks
- Hair dyes
d. Mineral Spirits
You can use these mineral spirits to remove even tougher stains. Examples are marker stains and stains from pencils and crayons.
e. Nail Polish
The best way to tackle nail polish stains on LifeProof flooring is by using a nail polish remover.
Other cleaning solutions to use are:
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar and;
- Melamine pad for removing scruffs from the floor.
FAQs
1. Can Vinegar Clean LifeProof Flooring?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar and a gallon of water to clear the stains on your LifeProof flooring.
2. How to Remove Scruffs from LifeProof Flooring?
You can use any of the following – an oil-based solution, such as baby oil and jojoba oil; tennis ball and rubber eraser.
3. What is the Best Way to Clear Debris from LifeProof Floors?
Use either a vacuum or dry-mop the floor to get rid of hair, dust, and any other particles on the surface before cleaning.
4. How Do I Improve the Lifespan of My LifeProof Floor?
Always place an area rug or a doormat to help minimize the inflow of dirt particles and dust into the home. Also, lift furniture when moving, as this helps to minimize scruffs.
Final Words
You can get your LifeProof flooring shining again if you follow the steps detailed in this guide. As always, test any of the cleaning solutions in a smaller part of the floor to be sure of the performance before embarking on a full clean.