Vinyl cushion flooring is the surface covering of choice in a busy home with a lot of foot traffic. It is easy to fit and can mimic tile or wood so people would never know it came off a role. Vinyl cushion flooring is easy to maintain and can take a lot of wear and tear but if you don’t look after your flooring it can become dirty and stained.
How to clean your vinyl flooring
Instructions: Before you put any chemicals on your vinyl cushion flooring, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions. The paperwork that came with your flooring will list any hazardous materials that could damage your flooring but if you are still unsure then try a test patch in a hidden area first.
Regular maintenance: To keep your vinyl in tip top condition, make sure to clean it on a regular basis. A weekly vacuum or sweep will brush away any dirt, dust or small stones that may become ingrained in the floor. This residue may scratch the surface of your vinyl cushion flooring or dull its shine so a quick clean can keep it looking fresh for longer.
Correct equipment: Start off with a cloth or mop, but if there are stubborn stains then progress to a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Be careful not to drench your vinyl if a stain is proving tough to remove. Excess water can get into any cracks or seams and destroy the glue bond which holds the vinyl cushion flooring to the ground. After time, your vinyl will begin to come loose and the corners will curl with excess water exposure.
Chemicals: Strong chemicals can damage the surface of your flooring or leave a residue, so if you are cleaning on a regular basis, avoid these. Mop with a mixture of hot water and either vinegar or ammonia.
If there is a wax build up then break through it with isopropyl alcohol and water with a good scrub. If the flooring is scuffed then use lighter fluid or paint thinner before washing away. With vinyl cushion flooring in bathrooms there may be a build-up of hairspray or other toiletries. Get rid of these with the same shampoo you’d use on your hair. Finally, for those pesky ingrained stains, pull out the bleach.
Prevention
Once you’ve spent an afternoon on your hands and knees scrubbing your floor you will not want to do it for a while so prevent damage and soiling with simple but easy measures.
Invest in a quality door mat to stop dirt being trampled through your home. Tracked in dirt not only means extra cleaning time but any grit picked up by your shoes can scuff the finish of your floor. Wiping your feet in a doormat will also clear any chemicals from your soles. You may not realise it, but chemicals from pavements or other floor surfaces can stick to your shoes. If you then walk on your vinyl cushion flooring it may fade or yellow.
Place protective feet on the legs of any heavy furniture to prevent the weight from denting the vinyl. These are reasonably priced and available from most hardware stores and supermarkets. When you move this furniture, try to lift rather than drag. Vinyl can pull away, bubble or crease so look after it to extend its lifespan.
Carpet and Flooring Fanatic 