Vinyl floors require special care. However, when dealing with ground in dirt, you have to be extra careful to get rid of them. In this article, you learn just how to clean a really dirty vinyl floor and remove the ground in dirt at the same time.
What is Ground in Dirt?
It refers to the dirt or debris particles that have been “ground into” the floor. It can be really difficult to get rid of such stains, but with the methods shared in this article, you will find out just how to go about it.
How to Identify Dirty Vinyl Floors
If the flooring is said to be dirty, how can you get around it? The process starts with the identification of the dirt. How do you know that your vinyl floor is really dirty? Here are some pointers:
Look for Stains on the Grout
The first step to identifying the dirt is by looking at the stains around the grout. This shows that due to the non-cleaning, the flooring has been stained not just within the entire area, but has had the stains lurking at a corner.
Is the Vinyl Floor Muddy?
Muddy flooring shows that the deep-cleaning process is at hand. When the floor has wet soil on a corner; it means that it will benefit from deeper cleaning.
Discoloration is another Sign
You will also find out that the vinyl floor has been discolored from the original coloring. This is possible due to these factors:
- The dirt elements have accumulated on your vinyl flooring.
- You will find out that the discoloration is in the form of permanent spots.
- Another clue to the discoloration is the movement or concentration of oils, grime, and dirt in the area.
How to Deep-Clean Vinyl Floors
In this section, we explain how you can deep-clean your vinyl floor, as a way of getting rid of the ground in dirt.
a. Gather the Tools and Materials Needed
For the ground in the dirt to be removed, you need to work with specific materials. Below are some of the tools and materials you need for the job:
- A washcloth
- A steam iron
- Vacuum cleaner (go for the cleaner that has a hard floor attachment)
- Warm water
- Dustpan
- A broom
- A microfiber mop
- A bucket
- A vinyl floor cleaner
If you’ve gathered these tools and materials; here are the steps you need to clean the floor:
b. Remove any Debris from the Vinyl Floor
You will need the broom to sweep the floor, but you can also use the vacuum cleaner to get rid of the loose debris and dirt from the vinyl floor.
When you are done, use the microfiber mop and the vinyl floor cleaning solution to get rid of stains from the flooring.
c. Prepare the Washcloth for Use
You need to use the washcloth to remove the dirt. To do this, these are the steps to follow:
- Dip the washcloth inside a bucket of warm water. It should be damp and not wet. Therefore, wring out excess water from the cloth before the next step.
- Fill the steam iron with warm water.
- To make use of the iron, you need to set it to the lowest and wait for the iron to heat up.
d. Put the Steam Iron to Good Use
The next step is to put your steam iron to good use. Start by spreading the damp washcloth over the area that has had ground-in dirt.
You are now ready to use the iron. Place it on the damp washcloth and leave it for about 10 minutes. For an effective cleaning, move the steam iron over the different spots/areas where the washcloth has been spread.
e. Complete the Cleaning Process
It is now the time to complete the cleaning process. For this, you have to do the following:
- After 10 minutes of leaving the steam iron on the washcloth, you can now remove it.
- Now that you are done running the iron on the washcloth, remove the washcloth from the vinyl floorboards.
- Be careful when lifting the washcloth from the floor. This is because it will be very hot. Inspect the cloth to see if it has picked up the grime and dirt particles from the floor. If the dirt and grime haven’t been picked up, you can repeat the previous processes.
The beauty of this process is that it soaks up the grime and dirt particles from the floor. This is why the use of steam iron and washcloth helps to leave the vinyl flooring effortlessly clean.
How to Remove Ingrained Dirt from Vinyl Flooring via Mopping
The use of steam iron and washcloth can help you remove and get rid of grime and dirt from the vinyl floor. However, you can be sure that the process is not the entire process. You can also use moping to remove the ingrained dirt from the floor.
This is how to go about it:
a. Preclean the Flooring
Start by removing any décor and or furniture on the vinyl floor. Remove the loose debris and dirt from the flooring using a vacuum cleaner or broom.
Note: If you are using the vacuum cleaner, it should be the one that has a hard floor attachment. This helps to remove the debris and dirt from the surface with ease.
Complete the precleaning process by using a damp mop to wipe the vinyl floor. This helps to pick up the remaining debris and dirt particles from the floor. Having a clean floor is an assurance that the floor won’t be scratched.
b. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
You now need to prepare the cleaning solution for the vinyl flooring. This is how to mix it:
- Get a bucket.
- Mix equal parts of the vinyl floor cleaner with warm water in the bucket.
- Dip the microfiber mop into the bucket of cleaning solution.
- Wring out excess water from the mop. This ensures that the mop is damp and not wet.
c. Clean the Floor with the Solution
After mixing the solution thoroughly, you now need to apply it to the vinyl floor. The best way to go about this is by doing the following:
- Applying the microfiber mop in smaller sections of the vinyl flooring.
- For an effective cleaning, start cleaning from the farther end of the room and work your way towards the door. If the ground-in dirt is within a specific area, you want to work from the outer part of the floor and into the innermost part.
- Make sure to rinse the microfiber mop periodically. This helps to get rid of the suds, especially if you used an excessive cleaning solution for the mixture.
d. Rinse Your Vinyl Floor
The floor has some dirt particles in the area. Rinsing it is a good way to tackle these residues. You may need to make a mixture of white vinegar and warm water for this purpose.
Follow the same process as when cleaning the floor – running the mop in smaller sections and wringing out excess water from the mop before applying.
Finish the process by using a clean towel or washcloth to get rid of streaks and or watermarks on the floor.
How to Clean Ground-in Dirt from Vinyl Floor with Baking Soda
You can use baking soda to get rid of ground dirt from your vinyl flooring. This is an extra measure required to tackle the stains faster.
This is how to go about it:
a. Make a Paste
Your first step is to make a paste out of the baking soda. You need to pour the baking soda inside a bucket, bowl, or basin. Continue until it forms a (consistent) paste.
b. Apply the Baking Soda Paste
The paste can now be applied to the affected or stained area on the vinyl flooring. You want to leave it on the surface for a few minutes.
c. Scrub the Vinyl Floor from the Area
The process of removing the baking soda paste from the floor requires using a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the area.
d. Rinse the Vinyl Floor
Now, the area needs to be cleaned. Use warm water and white vinegar to wipe the paste residues from the floor.
Complete the process by using a clean towel to dry the surface.
How to Clean Ground-in Dirt from Vinyl Floors with Ammonia Solution
The ammonia-based cleaning solution will help get rid of ground dirt from the floor. Here is how to prepare it:
- Mix one cup of ammonia (the aromatic variation) with a gallon of hot water.
- Dip the microfiber cloth into the solution. Wring out excess water from it and apply it to the floor.
Use a Multi-Surface Cleaner to Get Rid of Ground-in Dirt from Vinyl Floor
Multi-surface cleaners, just as the name signifies, can be used on different surfaces, including vinyl flooring. In addition to removing grime and dirt particles; the cleaners also help to tackle allergens from the floor.
Here is how to use these cleaners to tackle embedded or ground-in dirt from the floor:
- Apply a few drops of the multi-surface cleaner to the stained areas on the vinyl floor.
- Use a towel or a sponge to wipe the ground dirt out of the floor.
- You can use a bristle-free or soft nylon brush to clean the residues of the embedded dirt or stains from the floor.
How to Use WD-40 to Remove Ground-in Dirt from Vinyl Flooring
Both WD-40 and jojoba oil can be used to tackle the ground dirt from the vinyl floor. They readily come in handy when tackling scuff marks caused by furniture and shoes.
To use any of the two, follow these steps:
- Add a few drops of the WD-40 or jojoba oil on a clean, dry towel.
- Rub the towel on the vinyl floor. Keep at it until the stains are removed from the floor.
- Finalize the process by preparing a mixture of white vinegar and warm water to clean the residues.
Besides those products and cleaning solutions, you can use a couple of other products, such as:
- Mineral spirit
- Rubbing alcohol
- Homemade nail polish remover.
How to Prevent Ground-in Dirt from Vinyl Floors
The best way to handle cleaning grooves and grime on vinyl floors is to prevent it from happening. These are some of the maintenance tips to have in mind:
a. Regularly Clean the Vinyl Floor
Regular cleaning of the floor helps to prevent the ground-in dirt from building up on the floor. These are some of the techniques to implement:
- Clean the floor at least twice a week. This helps to remove both the debris and dirt from the flooring.
- Always rinse the floor with water.
b. Use Mats and Rugs on the Doorways
Placing doormats and or rugs at the entrance to the home helps to prevent debris and dirt particles from the vinyl floor.
Besides keeping off the dirt and debris, the rugs and doormats also help to:
- Prevent water from penetrating the floor.
- The rug or mats also help to prevent the formation of watermark stains on the floor.
c. Consider Using Sealants for the Dirt
You may also want to use sealants to further protect your vinyl floorings from the wear and tear associated with floors that are in high-traffic areas.
d. Be Quick to Attend to Stains
You can be sure to keep spills of any kind of liquid from penetrating the vinyl floor. Thus, be fast to attend to such spills and mop them immediately after they happen.
e. Avoid the Use of Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can also help degrade the vinyl floor. The best bet is to avoid the use of harsh chemicals. In addition, avoid using abrasive tools, especially mops with bristles when cleaning the floor.
Conclusion
Vinyl floors must be treated with care. When the dirt particles and grime have stuck into the floor, you will find it difficult to tackle the stains.
Nevertheless, the steps detailed in this guide will help put you through how to get ground-in dirt out of vinyl flooring.
Besides cleaning the floor, make sure to use extra maintenance and precautionary steps, such as using furniture pads to prevent scuffs and scratches under heavy furniture; as well as avoiding wearing shoes indoors.