Vinyl flooring needs to be well taken care of. When cleaning vinyl plank flooring, the requirement is a lot higher. In this article, we show you how to mop this flooring, as well as what you use for the mopping.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
It is a type of vinyl flooring, designed to mimic the looks of tile or hardwood flooring. The attributes include versatility of design and ease of installation.
Can You Mop Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Generally, vinyl flooring needs constant care to look its best. The usage in high-traffic areas justifies the reason why your vinyl plank flooring needs to be cared for.
As for mopping it, yes, it is possible to restore the shine by mopping it. The general rule is to use water and a clean mop for the job.
What to Use to Mop Vinyl Plank Flooring
Now that we’ve ascertained the possibility of mopping the flooring, let us look at some of the tools you need to get the job done.
Best Mop for Vinyl Plank Floors
This is where some homeowners experience difficulty. The choice of mop for tidying the floor is based on different factors, such as the ease-of-use and versatility.
The following are some of the common mops to use:
a. Spin Mops
You can use these mops to clean the floor faster, due to the composition of both the mop and a bucket that makes water wringing easier.
Besides, spin mops have a microfiber head that makes cleaning easier – and which can be replaced faster.
b. String Mops
Made from either synthetic fibers or cotton fibers, string mops are used for cleaning bigger parts of the room where vinyl plank flooring is used.
The downside is the increased chance of leaving excess water on the floor, which aggravates the risks of damage.
c. Steam Mops
These are the mops that use steam to get rid of stains and grime on floorings. However, we wouldn’t entirely recommend them for use with vinyl plank flooring because of the risk of damage, due to excess heat on the surface.
d. Flat Mops
In place of steam mops and to increase the cleaning of the floorings, go for the flat mops. These offer versatility, in terms of function for both dry and wet cleaning of the floor.
You can also use flat mops for sweeping and cleaning activities. When dipped in water, they don’t leave excess water on the surface.
These are other tools you need to mop vinyl plank flooring:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- White vinegar and;
- Vacuum cleaner
The Traditional Way of Mopping Vinyl Plank Flooring
You are better off mopping the floor with just water and mopping. To do this, you must have swept the surface and be certain debris is not left behind.
Next, pour a bowl of warm water into a bucket, dip the mop into it, wriggle excess water off, use it to mop the floor, and make occasional dipping to clear the dirt on the mop.
Method #2: Use Wet Mopping Technique
If the water and mop method doesn’t work, then it is a call for more intensified efforts. You can use the wet mopping technique and the steps have been detailed below.
1. Vacuum the Area
The first step is to vacuum the area of the dirt and dust debris. You need a vacuum cleaner to get this done. If you choose to go manual, use a dry mop and get rid of the dust particles on the surface.
Here are some tips to use:
- Always remove the debris and dust that sticks to the broom or mop. This makes it almost impossible for scuffs to be made on the flooring.
- Remove the surface dirt on the floor, as well as the ones along baseboards, under furniture, and in corners.
2. Mix up a Cleaning Solution
It is now time for mopping the floor. You need to mix up a cleaning solution. Here are the items you need:
- Warm water
- White vinegar and;
- Dish soap
Get a bucket and pour in a cup of white vinegar. Add a gallon of warm water and stir to mix. This should get the mixture ready for disinfecting and getting rid of stains on vinyl plank flooring.
However, if the stain is very thick, you can add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the mixture. It helps to loosen the stains faster, as well as dirt and grime.
Note: you could also prepare the mixture in a spray bottle. All you have to do is add equal parts of warm water and white vinegar to the bottle and shake to mix properly. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to aid in dirt, grime, and scuff removal on the floor.
3. Clean the Floor
Get a dry mop, dip it into the mixture, wriggle excess water off, and apply the damp mop to the floor. Clean in smaller circles and return the mop to the bucket for another to aid in dirt removal.
4. Dry the Vinyl Plank Flooring
You must dry the surface because the floor doesn’t need water as it can be damaged. To dry the floor, you need to get a dry mop.
To do this effectively, dip the dry mop into a bucket of clean water, wriggle off excess water, and run the damp mop on the floor. Continue doing this until the excess water is absorbed.
Extra Solutions to Mopping Vinyl Plank Flooring
Sometimes, conventional mopping with water and white vinegar might not do the work. In this case, using an extra cleaning solution will be the real deal.
We recommend the following:
a. Rubbing Alcohol
You should use rubbing alcohol to tackle stubborn stains, such as ink stains, lipstick, and hair dye on the vinyl plank flooring.
b. Jojoba Oil
You should use jojoba oil or substitute it with WD-40 lubricant. This is essential if you are trying to remove stubborn scuffs on the floor. Apply the oil or the lubricant to a clean towel, apply it to the area, and rub it to get rid of it.
Once done, make a mixture of warm water and white vinegar to remove traces of the lubrication.
c. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Instead of using white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar. The same way you applied the white vinegar and warm water, is also the same way to use the apple cider vinegar mixture.
The following are steps to preparing the mixture:
- Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a bucket.
- Pour a gallon of warm water into it.
- Stir the two to mix.
Dip a dry mop into the mixture to make it damp, then, apply to the floor. The effect of apple cider vinegar is to disinfect the floor while mopping it and clearing the stains at the same time.
d. Use Common Household Solvents
Traditional household solvents can help you get rid of stains on vinyl plank flooring. Make sure to use a soft, nylon-bristle brush along with common household solvents to remove the stains on the flooring.
e. Use Baking Soda
Making a paste of baking soda and water can help you remove food stains on the floor. Whether the stains are caused by tomato sauce, grape juice, or mustard, rest assured that the paste will remove them.
FAQs
1. Should You Mop Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Yes, you need to mop your vinyl plank flooring. You can use warm water and white vinegar to do this, but make sure not to leave excess water on the mop before applying it to the floor.
2. How Often to Mop Vinyl Plank Flooring?
It is ideal to mop vinyl plank flooring every day if you can afford that time. But if the flooring is not in a high-traffic area, you can mop it twice or thrice a week.
3. Which is Better: White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar?
Using vinegar to mop vinyl plank flooring helps to facilitate dirt and stain removal. While white vinegar is generally used for deodorization and as a natural disinfectant, apple cider vinegar’s acidity helps to remove dirt without leaving streaks behind.
4. How Do You Minimize Damage to Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Extend the lifespan of your vinyl plank flooring by situating a quality area rug or doormat at the entrance to the home. This helps to prevent excess dirt and debris in the home. You should also lift furniture when being moved, instead of dragging it along the floor.
5. How to Treat Scuffs and Stains in Vinyl Plank Flooring?
For deeper stains like ink and lipstick, use rubbing alcohol. For marker and crayon stains, you can use mineral spirits to remove them. To get rid of scuffs, add a few drops of liquid dish wash into a white vinegar and white solution. You can also put a few drops of jojoba oil or the WD-40 lubricant on a clean towel and use it to scrub the stained area.
Conclusion
Mopping vinyl plank flooring helps to keep the surface clean and free of germs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will use your floor for a long time to come.