Viny plank flooring is a great addition to your home, due to the versatility – and of course, the waterproof design. When it is designed this way, it implies that the flooring can keep off surface water as much as possible.
On the other hand, Waterproof Vinyl Flooring, otherwise called WPC Vinyl Flooring has a stronger waterproofing capability, due to these factors:
- Durable core
- It has a core made out of plastic and wood.
Cleaning the waterproof vinyl plank flooring is purely dependent on your preferences, as it supports a wide range of options. You can get rid of the stains with lukewarm water, using cleaning products, or preparing a homemade vinyl floor cleaner.
Method #1: Clean with Water & Dish Soap
This is one of the best cleaners for vinyl plank floors. You need to make a mixture of liquid dishwashing soap and warm water.
Follow these directions and you will get it right:
a. Clear the Flooring of Debris
The first step is making sure the surface is clean. For this purpose, get a broom or dustmop and use that to get rid of the dust particles.
You may also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove the debris faster. When this is done, proceed to the next step.
b. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
The cleaning solution comprises a bucket of warm water and a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap.
Stir the bucket to mix the content thoroughly.
c. Mop the Floor with the Solution
Here are the exact steps to take:
- Dip a microfiber cloth into the bucket containing the mixture. Make sure to wring out excess water; leaving the cloth damp.
- Start mopping the floor – beginning from the outer edges towards the exit of the room. You can occasionally rinse the mop with clean water to get rid of excess suds.
d. Tackle the Stains Heads-on
There is a chance that the initial cleaning process wouldn’t tackle the stains. In this case, following the steps below will help you get rid of such:
- Use either a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stained part of the flooring.
- Rinse with clean water and inspect the surface to be sure there are no stains left behind.
e. Rinse the WPC Flooring
You are almost done! Rinse the floor with clean water, only if you are sure both the stains and debris have been removed. You also want to check for any soapy residues – and have the same rinsed at the same time.
f. Dry the Floor
Complete the process by going over the area with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. If this seems to create more work for you; then use a microfiber mop for the same purpose.
Method #2: Clean the WPC Floor with Vinegar
Both white and apple cider vinegar work fine for the waterproof vinyl plank flooring. We’ll now show you how to clean the floor using this solution.
a. Clear the Floor
Sweep the dirt particles out of the area or use a vacuum cleaner to get them all out at once. Once this is done, read the next steps that follow.
b. Prepare the Vinegar Solution
You have the choice of picking between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar. You can use the latter if you just want to clean the floor. But if you are also looking to disinfect the flooring, use apple cider vinegar.
The measurement to use is:
- 1 cup of vinegar (white or apple cider)
- A gallon of water.
c. Mop the Floor
Dip a microfiber mop into the bucket containing the mixture, bring it out, wring excess water out of it, and use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to wipe the flooring.
d. Rinse the Floor with Clean Water
You can either:
- Dip a clean, microfiber cloth into a bowl of clean water or;
- Dip a microfiber mop into the same.
Note: avoid pouring water on the surface, because that would only lead to moisture penetrating the seams.
e. Dry the Floor
Get a dry, microfiber cloth and use that to wipe the cleaned area. In no time, the flooring will become free of dirt and stains. You can then open up the windows to let natural air into the room.
Method #3: Cleaning Scuff Marks out of WPC Flooring
If you notice scuff marks, either caused by shoes or furniture – having them removed is the next step. Of course, the process is entirely different, because you wouldn’t just be cleaning the light stains, but also the deeper ones.
Here is our go-to guide:
- After cleaning the flooring with either vinegar or dish soap, prepare to clean the scuff marks.
- To do that, you need to buff out the marks using either a sponge or a buffing pad.
- When you are done, rinse the floor with a clean cloth dampened by clean water.
- Dry it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- Leave the area to get dried either by letting the windows open for natural air or turning on the fan.
Method #4: Clean the WPC Floor with Mild Cleaners
Due to the sensitivity of the flooring, you don’t want to damage its aesthetics by introducing harsh or abrasive cleaners. Instead, go for the mild cleaners. The rule of thumb is to avoid the following kinds of vinyl floor cleaners:
- Ammonia-based cleaners, which break down the flooring.
- Cleaners containing harsh chemicals and;
- Acid-based or oil-based cleaning products.
We recommend the following types of mild cleaners:
- Mild detergent soap and;
- Diluted bleach
These are the steps to put those cleaners to good use:
a. Clean the Floor
Vacuum the flooring if there is much debris or dirt particles. Otherwise, use a broom or a dustmop to get rid of the particles.
b. Prepare the Mild Cleaners for Use
Start by mixing the mild detergent soap and water. Ensure that the water is not too soapy so it doesn’t leave residues when you are done.
c. Apply the Cleaner to the Area
Dip a clean, microfiber cloth into the solution, wring out excess water, and ensure it is damp, before using it to wipe the stained area.
d. Get Ready to Use the Diluted Bleach
There may not be a need for this, only if the area is sparkling after wiping with the mild detergent soap mixture.
Otherwise, you would need to dilute bleach with water to help remove the stick-in stains.
e. Rinse and Dry the Floor
Complete the cleaning process by using a damp, microfiber cloth to go over the area and wiping out excess moisture with a clean, microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Methods for Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
When it comes to cleaning waterproof floors, having an array of options often helps. For the WPC flooring, we present you with a variety of options to consider.
1. Dry Cleaning Comes First
Do not be in a hurry to put the damp microfiber cloth or mop to use – because this method comes last.
Dry cleaning the floor comes first. In this case, you must prepare the area for cleaning by:
- Sweeping the flooring regularly to get rid of dust particles or;
- Vacuuming the area to remove the debris, dust, and hair particles.
- When you are done, tackle the debris, by way of dusting the flooring, and cleaning the corners of the room, the baseboards, and underneath the furniture.
2. Wet Clean the Flooring
When the dry-cleaning process is completed, you are now free to implement any of the wet cleaning methods, such as using vinegar, liquid dish soap, and mild cleaning products. These should help you get rid of the stains.
3. Maintain a Daily Cleaning Routine
Sometimes, excess dust and dirt particles build up on the waterproof vinyl plank flooring, because the maintenance is not in place. It is for this reason that we recommend daily sweeping, to help reduce the proliferation of particles and debris.
The process is also simple, as what you mainly need is basic cleaning tools, such as:
- A dustmop or a broom
- A vacuum cleaner
- A microfiber cloth.
4. Opt for the Weekly Cleaning Routine
If you don’t have time on your hands; daily cleaning might not be a better way to care for the waterproof vinyl plank flooring. If so, we recommend that you do it weekly.
The difference between the daily and weekly cleaning routines is that the former can be done with just vacuuming and mild cleaning, while the latter combines vacuuming with extensive cleaning, usually by using any of the recommended vinyl floor cleaners.
Post-Cleaning: How to Tackle Stains on WPC Flooring
You can remove a good part of the stains when mopping the flooring with neutral/mild detergent or any of the recommended cleaners. Yet, not all of the stains will go away.
If you are dealing with stick-in or stubborn stains, here are some of the remedies we recommend:
1. Use a Vinyl Floor Cleaner
Using the recommended vinyl floor cleaning products does most of the job, especially, if they are pH-neutral. Combine the cleaner with distilled water and wipe the stained area for the best results.
2. Use the “Baking Soda Paste” Method
The former method works best if you are removing light stains from the WPC floor. If you are dealing with more serious stains, using the baking soda method is what would suffice.
- Mix equal parts of baking soda and water.
- Stir until a consistent paste is formed.
- Use a soft rag to scoop and apply the paste to the stained part of the WPC flooring.
- Rub the paste gently into the area and continue with it.
- Wipe the stained area, alongside the paste, with a clean, damp cloth.
- Rinse the floor with a damp cloth and dry with another microfiber cloth.
Maintenance Guide for the Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
Whether you have cleaned the floor or are about to, following some cleaning tips might help you do the job better. Besides the cleaning methods and techniques that we’ve already shared; maintaining the floor the right way will also go a long way to boost the aesthetics.
1. Attend to the Unexpected Spills Immediately
Allowing the spills (whether from wine or water) immediately helps to reduce the risk of leaving a stain behind. This is why we recommend wiping the unexpected spills immediately after they happen.
You only need a clean, microfiber cloth and water to make it damp.
2. Regular Sweeping Helps
Although you may not be up for it, regularly sweeping and dusting the flooring helps to prevent the accumulation and or build-up of dirt and dust particles. When they accumulate, they only end up dulling – and scratching the floor.
When you get rid of them every day, you will only have a few to contend with.
3. Be Careful with Water
Generally, waterproof vinyl plank flooring doesn’t stand up to water for a long time, despite being 100% waterproof. If left unattended, the water seeps into the seams, further damaging the flooring.
Here are some ideas on how to take care when water is in contact with the surface:
- Mop excess water out with a clean, dry cloth.
- When cleaning the floor, stick to using a damp cloth. The less water is used, the better.
- It is best to use lukewarm or warm water for the cleaning. It helps to get both grime and dirt out faster than cold water could have.
- Always wipe the flooring with a clean, dry cloth or rag after cleaning. That helps to get out the remaining moisture.
4. Abrasive Cleaners must be Avoided
In the list of best cleaners for vinyl plank floors; you wouldn’t find abrasive cleaning products. While the abrasion helps get the stains out faster, you will only be doing that at the detriment of the WPC floor’s aesthetics.
In addition to avoiding abrasive cleaners, you must also dilute bleach and use mild detergent when cleaning the flooring.
5. Lift Furniture with Care
The furniture in your room could also cause more damage to the flooring than the accumulated debris would. For this reason, we recommend doing the following:
- Use non-staining floor protectors in place of small diameter buttons on the furniture legs.
- When moving the furniture, you can either lift it or use glides. That way, the WPC flooring will be protected from indentation caused by the furniture’s wheels.
- You can use felt pads to transport the furniture across and around the room, instead of dragging.
6. Direct Sunlight or Exposure to Heat is not Ideal
While the waterproof vinyl plank flooring is to a great extent, free of damage from liquid; it might not be entirely free from heat. As a general rule, vinyl floors (of all kinds), must be prevented from heat.
Here are some of the measures to take:
- The flooring should be installed many meters away from heat-inducing appliances, such as heating units and insulators.
- Prevent Ultraviolet (UV) rays from hitting the floor. You can do this by using blinds and curtains in the areas from where direct sunlight is likely to hit the floor.
7. Protect the Floor from Scratches
Besides stains, waterproof vinyl plank flooring is also susceptible to scratches. On your part, doing any or more of the following will help prevent those from happening:
- Regularly trim your pet’s nails.
- Also, endeavor to trim your nails before cleaning the flooring.
- Do not use specific types of cleaning products, capable of scratching the flooring. Examples include chlorinated cleaners, abrasive cleaners, steel wood, and ammonia-based cleaners.
- Do not allow the debris and particles to stay on the floor for too long, lest they cause scratches when being wiped.
8. Avoid Using some Cleaning Products
In addition to causing scratches, some cleaning products could also aggravate the risk of reducing the flooring’s aesthetics. Hence, avoid using the following:
- Acidic cleaners
- Turpentine
- Wax
- Undiluted bleach
- Oil-based cleaning products and;
- Chemical-based cleaners
9. Install an Entrance Mat
Having a non-rubberized mat or a walk-off mat will help catch moisture, grit, and dirt that could have otherwise, ventured into the room.
In place of the mat, you can also use an area rug, especially in high-traffic areas, where you are certain of trapping water spills and dirt.
Note: do not use rubber mats or latex mats, because they can cause permanent stains on the floor.
What Should You Not Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring with?
Below are some of the items and or cleaning methods that do not go well with waterproof vinyl plank flooring:
- Steam Cleaners: do not use a steam mop, because due to the excess heat emanating from it; there is a likelihood of causing damage to the waterproof vinyl plank flooring.
- Vacuum without a Beater Bar: if your vacuum cleaner has a beater bar, make sure to detach it before use. Otherwise, it would dent or scratch the floor in the process of cleaning.
- Oil-Based Detergents: you must avoid using oil-based, acid-based detergents; wax, and soap. Using them only leaves behind a greasy film, which dulls the flooring after cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a waterproof vinyl plank flooring is a stress-free process, only if you avoid the cleaning products that were not recommended for use; mopping the spills on time and tackling tougher stains with the help of diluted bleach, baking soda paste and vinyl floor cleaners.
Finally, boost the flooring’s aesthetics and lifespan, by investing in quality doormats to trap grit and moisture; and maintaining a normal, indoor temperature throughout the year.