For many homeowners, mopping and cleaning floors are often pushed to the bottom of the list. Sparkling, clean floors are something we all aspire to have in our homes. But who truly enjoys spending their limited free time on hands and knees scrubbing away? That’s why when Mohawk vinyl plank flooring is chosen for a home, it’s crucial to learn how to clean it without too much effort.
Mohawk’s durable vinyl planks replicate the look of natural wood but are entirely waterproof and require minimal maintenance. Of course, no flooring stays clean all on its own. So, over time, it’s important to develop an efficient system for keeping vinyl planks looking fresh and new. The good news is it only takes about 30 minutes per week and a few simple supplies to correctly clean Mohawk vinyl flooring.
There’s no need to spend entire weekends trying to scrub these floors spotless. With a quick routine of regularly sweeping, mopping, and occasional deep cleaning, anyone can maintain the smooth, shiny vinyl planks that first impressed them during installation. Let’s explore the simple steps for properly cleaning Mohawk vinyl flooring to keep it fabulous for years to come.
How to Clean Mohawk Vinyl Plank Flooring
Supplies Needed
Before you start cleaning your Mohawk vinyl plank flooring, gather the following supplies:
- Microfiber mop
- Soft-bristled broom
- pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner
- Clean towels or microfiber cloths
Avoid using steam mops on vinyl plank flooring, as the heat and steam can damage the floor over time. You’ll also want to steer clear of oil-based soaps, abrasive cleaners, and citrus-based products, as these can break down the vinyl material.
Mohawk Vinyl Plank floor Cleaning Process
Sweeping
The first step is to thoroughly sweep your vinyl plank flooring to remove any dirt, debris, and grit. Using a soft-bristled broom, sweep across the entire floor, getting into the corners and along the baseboards.
Sweeping regularly prevents abrasive particles from building up and scratching your vinyl flooring. It also ensures the floor is free of debris before mopping.
Dust Mopping
For an even deeper clean, you can follow up by sweeping dust and mopping your floors. Work in small sections using a microfiber dust mop to gather dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris. Make sure to use slightly overlapping strokes to cover the entire floor.
Dust mopping before wet mopping will allow your floors to be fully clean without pushing debris around. It’s a great way to maintain vinyl plank flooring between deep cleans.
Spot Cleaning
Before mopping your entire vinyl floor, do a quick spot check for any stuck-on messes or spills. Use a damp microfiber cloth to spot-clean areas that need more elbow grease.
For very stubborn spots, spray a small amount of vinyl floor cleaner directly onto the area and allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes. Then scrub with a soft-bristled cleaning brush or non-abrasive sponge. Avoid excessive rubbing as this can damage the vinyl surface over time.
Thorough spot cleaning prevents you from spreading stuck-on grime and spills during the full mopping.
Mopping
Once you’ve swept, dust mopped, and spot cleaned, you’re ready for a thorough mopping. This helps remove any remaining dust and dirt, as well as floor cleaner residue.
To mop Mohawk vinyl plank flooring:
Step 1: Fill a mop bucket with warm water and add a small amount of pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner. Too much cleaner can leave a hazy residue. Follow the dilution guidelines on the product label.
Step 2: Submerge your microfiber mop head in the water and wring it until damp but not sopping wet. Avoid over-saturating the floor.
Step 3: Working in small sections, mop the floor using a figure-8 pattern. Rinse and re-wet the mop pad frequently.
Step 4: When the water starts looking dirty, empty the mop bucket and refill with clean water and floor cleaner. Repeat mopping until the entire floor is cleaned.
Step 5: Let the floor air dry completely before walking on it. Avoid leaving puddles or moisture on the vinyl planks.
Be sure to rinse dirty mop pads thoroughly after use and allow them to fully air dry before using again. This prevents dirt, grime, and bacteria from accumulating in the pads.
Restoring Shine
If your vinyl plank flooring starts looking dull between deep cleanings, bring back the shine with a dry mopping. Use a clean, dry microfiber mop pad and buff the floors with the grain. This helps realign the vinyl molecules to restore gloss.
Avoid applying wax, oils, or acrylic finishes to Mohawk vinyl plank flooring, even if the shine starts fading over time. The polyurethane coating already on the floor protects against wear and tear.
Deep Cleaning Tips
For a more thorough clean of your Mohawk vinyl flooring, follow these tips:
- Clean grout lines – Use an old toothbrush and baking soda paste to scrub grout lines between vinyl planks if they start getting dingy. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
- Disinfect floors – Adding 1⁄2 cup of bleach to the mop water helps kill germs and sanitize floors. Rinse twice after mopping.
- Remove scuffs – Rub gentle, non-gel toothpaste on scuff marks using a soft cloth. Wipe away residue and rinse.
- Eliminate odors – Mop with equal parts water and distilled white vinegar to remove funky smells from vinyl floors.
- Remove wax buildup – If any wax or residue has built up, use a stripper specifically formulated for vinyl. Follow product instructions carefully.
Bottom Line
With the right tools and techniques, keeping Mohawk vinyl plank flooring sparkling clean doesn’t require hours of scrubbing. Be sure to sweep and mop regularly using proper vinyl floor cleaners. And perform occasional deep cleaning to remove grime buildup and restore shine.
Following these steps will keep your vinyl plank flooring looking fresh, help prevent damage, and extend its lifespan.