How To Clean Vinyl Floors So They Look Brand New Again

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These days, vinyl flooring is far from a second-rate option — it's a smart, durable, and affordable flooring material that adds style to any space. There are so many types of vinyl flooring on the market today that provide the exact look and functionality you're after. As long as you properly care for vinyl flooring, the investment will pay off for years to come. The secret to clean, shiny vinyl floors is found in a three-step process using an unlikely trio of ingredients: baking soda, WD-40, and jojoba oil. The baking soda tackles tough stains, WD-40 buffs out scuffs, and jojoba oil gives your vinyl floors a polished shine to keep them looking and performing at their best.

While vinyl floors are low-maintenance, they do require certain care considerations. Since they're made from synthetic materials (namely polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), there are a few things you should never do if you have vinyl floors, like cleaning with harsh chemicals or oversaturating the floor. Even still, vinyl floors succumb to daily wear, and like any flooring material, can start to look a bit dull and drab. Some homeowners might worry this is the price of using a less expensive material, but don't fret — there is a way to make vinyl floors look brand new again.

If your vinyl floors are looking a little worse for wear, start with a deep clean. Baking soda is a powerhouse cleaning ingredient that is tough on dirt and grime but gentle on floors. If you have specific problem areas, make a baking soda paste by adding a few drops of water and apply it to the area, then lightly rub it in with a cloth. After a few minutes, wipe the paste away and repeat as needed before moving on to the next step. Baking soda paste can be particularly effective in removing discoloration stains from spilled drinks as well as pet urine, and it's also a great deodorizer. 

While there are tons of uses for WD-40 around the home, cleaning might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But when tackling scuffs on vinyl floors, WD-40 should do the trick. Just dab a small amount on the floor with a cloth or soft brush to gently scrub the scuff away. With the floor stain- and scuff-free, it's time to finish the job with some jojoba oil, similar to Handcraft Blends USDA Organic Jojoba Oil. Rub in the oil using a cloth or flat mop, and bask in the beauty of your like-new vinyl floors. Remember, when it comes to vinyl flooring, less is more — be careful not to apply too much oil to the floor, to avoid buildup and slip hazards. To keep up the shine between deep cleans, add a few drops of jojoba oil, olive oil, or baby oil to your regular cleaning solution. Diluted white or apple cider vinegar — one cup of vinegar to one gallon of water — makes a great vinyl floor cleaner!