Vinyl flooring is very durable and suitable for any room in the home. But when it comes to care, what are the best cleaning methods to keep them looking new? How can you ensure they’ll resist the dreaded dull?
Fortunately, vinyl flooring is one of the most simple, low-maintenance flooring types available for homeowners. With some day-to-day upkeep and regular cleaning, you can keep the sheen on your vinyl floors lasting for a long time.
From day-to-day care to long-term maintenance, here are tips and steps on how to clean vinyl flooring;
How to Clean Vinyl Flooring: The Everyday Approach
Even though vinyl floors are quite durable, capable of taking on busy households of rowdy children and pets, they still need some everyday cleaning. Tracked in dust and debris, no matter how fine the particles, will scuff the surface of vinyl flooring like sandpaper. So if you intend to keep your vinyl flooring planks or tiles looking polished and new, you need to keep a daily sweeping routine, at the very least.
A good old-fashioned sponge mop and water work quite nicely to clean vinyl flooring. Vacuum and mop regularly, approximately once or twice a week, and address any spills, wiping them up pronto with a pH neutral cleaner.
How to Clean Vinyl Flooring: The Deep Clean Method
Aside from the day-to-day sweeping, your vinyl floors need a deep clean from time to time. Every so often, vinyl floors need to be mopped to get up any sticky grime.
Always be sure to double-check your flooring specifications and manufacturer recommendations before cleaning. Some cleaning products may be too harsh for vinyls, and it’s best to know beforehand! However, here is a basic guide to cleaning vinyl floors.
Sweep or vacuum before mopping–always! Small particles of dirt can scratch the vinyl’s surface, much like sandpaper. Be sure to get those hard-to-reach places beneath furniture and in nooks and corners.
Choose a proper mop–preferably one with a non-abrasive microfiber head and a built-in scrub brush to buff up sticky gunk. (Take a look at more tips below for specific stains.)
Add a pH neutral cleaner to a bucket of warm water. Better yet, consult your manufacturers' Care and Maintenance Guidelines for recommended cleaners. Many manufacturers make their own cleaners. Regardless, check your cleaning product label to ensure it is "pH" neutral. A pH level of 7 is neutral. The use of cleaners other than those recommended by your manufacturer may void your warranty and dull the finish of your floor.
Using a damp mop (but not soaking), clean the area. Rinse the mop frequently.
Go back over the vinyl flooring with a clean wet mop to remove any excess cleaner.
Here are some specific tips for deep cleaning your vinyl floors that could come in handy:
Use a soft nylon brush head to remove certain gunk and hard to remove spots.
If you come across stubborn scuffs, use a buffing product recommended by the manufacturer.
For food stains, such as spilled wine droplets from parties or mustards from your weekend barbecue, make a gentle, non-abrasive paste of baking soda and water to rub across the stain. Remove any traces of the baking soda once the stain disappears.
Rubbing alcohol removes lipsticks, hair dyes and inks but will dull the surface of the area.
Mineral spirits tackle crayons, paints and markers from your kids’ craft projects but may also result in a dullness in the area cleaned.
What NOT To Use On Your LVP Floors
Avoid using a vacuum “beater bar” attachment, which could damage the surface.
Never steam clean vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are often waterproof; however, this does not imply steam! Only use a mop or Swiffer-like tool.
Avoid abrasive scrubbing brushes or steel wool. A Magic Eraser can also damage the pattern.
Avoid detergents and abrasive powders and soaps that leave vinyl floors filmy and dull.
Never use paste-like wax or a solvent-based polish with acetone.
Never use ammonia cleaners or solutions with any trace of ammonia, as it breaks down and causes cracks in vinyl.
Position furniture legs and feet on felt pads to eliminate accidental scratches and indentations.
Avoid furniture on rollers (like bar carts, office chairs, etc.) unless placed over a rug to protect against scratches.
When moving heavier items (like appliances or bed frames), put down plywood to handle the impact.
Ultimately, even though it’s durable, vinyl flooring still needs proper care and a bit of caution. Vinyl is relatively softer than other hard-surfaced floorings, which means it can be penetrated by sharp or heavy objects if not careful.
How Much Does It Cost?
Take advantage of savings you can stack during the Mohawk Floor Adore Event.
First, select one of our beautiful and practical LVPs. One of our best sellers is the style Serene Marsh. During the Floor Adore sale you will not only get 5% off the regular price of $6.40 per sq ft (this includes the basic installation), you will qualify for at least a $250 rebate based on how many square feet you purchase*.
Then get in on the special 18 month interest free financing**. That's right -- you can spread your payments out over 18 months, finally finding a price that fits into your budget!
Come in today and find a color that your adore -- maybe Toast or Maple Syrup, both popular choices. And stack your savings during the big sale!
*500 sq ft minimum **w/ approved credit
Design Tip
As we ease into the spring, it’s time to ditch anything heavy. Now is the time to shed heavy fabrics, like velvets and chenilles, and instead opt for breezier textiles, like cottons and linens in more vibrant colors.
Along with lighter accents, consider adding a piece or two of rattan or woven wicker furniture. These textures add a warm and natural spring vibe to your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Thank You! We are proud to be named as the 2022 winner Best of East Cobb for Best Flooring Showroom!
Wonderful World of Window Treatments
Cleaning Window Blinds and Shades
Window blinds are a popular, stylish alternative to curtains for managing your home’s privacy, temperature, and appearance. The right blinds can help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Whether you’ve chosen fabric, plastic, or wooden blinds, horizontal or vertical slats, or classic solar shades, one thing is true: window blinds attract dust. Follow these cleaning tips to eliminate dust and dirt and keep your blinds looking as good as new.
Whatever type of blinds or shades you have, remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning. Spot test an inconspicuous area with any new cleaning solution before using it across the whole blind, and always clean from top to bottom. Otherwise you’ll end up spreading dust across areas you’ve already cleaned.
How to clean fabric window shades
Shades are a great alternative to window blinds, and the lack of slats makes them much easier to care for and less likely to accumulate dust. However, that doesn’t mean they never need cleaning. By carrying out quick maintenance cleans once or twice a month, you’ll keep your window shades looking as fresh and bright as the day they were installed. Here’s how to clean each type of fabric shade, from cellular to Roman.
How to clean solar or Roman shades
Solar shades are designed to reduce the amount of sunlight that gets into your home, helping to keep rooms cooler and reducing glare. They’re usually constructed from a single piece of fabric suspended on a roller. Roman shades loop into folds or pleats at the top of the window when raised, and can be made from fabric or bamboo. Equipment checklist:
Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
Lint roller
Clean microfiber cloth
Fresh water
Step 1: Using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, remove any dirt and dust from your blinds. Step 2: If you live with pets, or in a dry environment where static is a problem, use a lint roller to remove stubborn hairs and dust. Step 3: Spot clean stains or dirt using a cloth dampened with fresh water. Dab at stains, never rub them.
How to clean cellular or pleated shades
Cellular, or honeycomb shades get their name from their hexagonal shape. They’re thicker than most other window blinds, and are used as insulators as well as to control light. Their open cell shape traps air, preventing heat from being lost through windows. Unfortunately, that shape also collects a lot of dust! Pleated shades are very similar to honeycomb shades, however they are made from a single layer of cells, while honeycomb shades have two or three. As a result, pleated blinds aren’t such good insulators, but they are less bulky, admit more light, and are more economical to install. Equipment checklist:
Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
Hairdryer
Microfiber cloth
Step 1: Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove as much dust as possible from the outside of your pleated or honeycomb blinds. Step 2: Take your hairdryer and using a cool setting, blow away the dust and dirt from inside the cells. Step 3: Vacuum up the excess dust. Step 4: Spot clean stains with a damp, clean cloth.
Pro Tip: Use a rubber sponge (also known as a dry sponge) to remove dust and dirt from fabrics. You’ll find them in most hardware stores. Made of vulcanized rubber, they are non-greasy, residue free, and gentle on delicate surfaces.
If your fabric shades are very dirty, avoid the temptation to put them in the washing machine. Instead, take them to a dry cleaner to ensure they are cleaned properly without getting damaged.
How to clean wooden blinds
Wooden blinds are a durable, lightweight, and traditional way to shield windows from prying eyes and glaring light. Whatever wood your blinds are made from, they can all be cleaned with similar methods. Remember to avoid getting wooden window blinds wet whenever possible. Even though the wood is treated, water can cause warping and discoloration. You should also avoid using any harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the seal or stain of the wood. Equipment checklist:
Microfiber cloth or duster
Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
Wood polish
Fresh water
Paper towels
How to quickly clean wooden blinds
Step 1: Open the blinds and rub a clean, dry microfiber cloth or soft feather duster between the slats to remove dust. Step 2: Close the blinds so the convex side is facing toward you. Wipe down the blinds from top to bottom. Step 3: Remove dust from hard-to-reach corners using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Step 4: Vacuum any dust that might have fallen on the floor.
Pro Tip: You can reduce the amount of dust that settles on your wood or bamboo window blinds by applying wood polish after cleaning. Simply dampen a clean cloth with a little wood polish and rub it over the slats.
If your wooden blinds are dirty and wiping them down isn’t enough, you’re going to have to get them wet. In order to minimize the risk of damage, only use a damp cloth, never a soaked one, and be sure to wipe away any excess immediately.
How to deep clean wooden blinds
Step 1: Get your blinds as dust-free as possible by following the quick cleaning steps above. Step 2: Dampen a clean microfiber cloth and gently rub the stain or dirt to remove it. You may need to hold the slats securely to do this. Step 3: Wipe away any excess moisture with paper towels, making sure to blot everything up.
Wooden blinds look effortlessly elegant, but they can be much more expensive than PVC or vinyl blinds. Protect your investment and ensure your home looks great by following our instructions to clean wooden window blinds without causing any damage. With the right care, your wooden blinds will last for years.
How to clean vertical and horizontal blinds
Whether your blinds go up and down or left to right makes a difference to how you clean them. Most household blinds are horizontal Persian or Venetian blinds. They are easy to install and maintain, but they have lots of horizontal slats that collect dust and dirt. A quick and easy way to clean horizontal blinds is to put an old sock over your hand and rub it across each slat while the blind is open.
Vertical blinds are less likely to attract dust because there are less flat surfaces for it to settle, so they need cleaning less often than horizontal blinds. When cleaning vertical blinds, use a duster, or the brush attachment on your vacuum, and always clean in a downward motion. This prevents the blinds from becoming unhooked.
After cleaning your window blinds
Once you’ve cleaned your window blinds or shades, don’t forget the strings. Strings attract dust just like blinds do, and can quickly become discolored in bright sunlight. To clean them, dip a microfiber cloth into warm water and fabric cleaner, grip the string with the cloth, and clean from top to bottom.
What’s New At Enhance
Beautiful new carpets from Stanton. Perfect for staircases, rugs,
and the rooms you really want your design flair to shine!
Plus updated Stanton LVP -- lots of great colors to choose from!
And a beautiful new laminate line -- Living Tree by Hearthwood.
The wood visuals are incredible! Great introductory sale pricing, too.
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