The Popular Cleaning Essential You Should Avoid Using On Vinyl Floors At All Costs

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Often, when you clean your vinyl floors, you feel that you're doing them a service — but sometimes you may actually be killing them slowly. Many homeowners are huge fans of vinyl floors due to their low-maintenance requirements and easy installation process. And while there are quite a few different ways to clean vinyl floors to keep them shining and looking their best, there are some that experts simply don't recommend. And one of them is disinfectant wipes. Specifically, if the wipes contain bleach, it can eat away at the material, causing visible changes. For example, the degradation can cause fading, brittleness, and discoloration in spots where the wipes were commonly used.

The truth is, many disinfectant wipes contain harsh chemicals such as alcohol, chlorine, and quaternary ammonium in addition to bleach, which are not recommended for use on vinyl materials. However, spills and other mistakes are bound to happen on any type of flooring, so not cleaning them really isn't an option. But one thing you need to know about vinyl flooring is that any harsh chemicals or ingredients can wreak havoc if used repeatedly. 

And though the effects may not show up immediately, you will likely pay for them sometime down the line. So, what can you use to clean your vinyl floors? Well, it depends on the manufacturer's recommendations for your floor specifically. It's always best to start there. Also, there are tried and true DIY solutions that are often recommended as safe for use on vinyl.

Baking soda generally works well to remove stains and scuffs from vinyl flooring, and without destroying the finish. So, if you have a stain on your vinyl, try mixing baking soda with a cup of water to create a clumpy paste and applying it to the stain. Then gently rub the paste into the stain using a Fixsmith Store microfiber cloth or soft rag. Next, use the rag to wipe away the dried paste and then dry the area. You can repeat this step, or spray a diluted vinegar mixture over the paste after application for deeper cleaning action.

A baking soda and white vinegar combo can also be used to perform your weekly floor cleaning. Note that it's always best to first sweep your floor to remove any loose dirt or debris that may clump up during the mopping process. To create the cleaning solution, pour 1 cup of vinegar and 1 gallon of warm water into a bucket. When dampening your mop with the solution, be sure to do so only slightly, as you don't want to soak the floors.

Note that taking care of your vinyl also means using the best tools to clean it. That being said, using cleaning tools such as wool scrubbers or hard-bristled brushes is something that you should never do if you have vinyl flooring, as they can easily scratch it. Always use soft cleaning cloths or soft brooms to remove stains and scuffs.