Vinyl flooring is not only extremely durable and long-lasting, but it’s really attractive too – and it lives up to even the highest traffic areas in the home. But vinyl is by no means indestructible.
Cleaning vinyl flooring in Melbourne, though, is incredibly easy and inexpensive. And with proper care your floors will be easy to maintain and keep them looking like new.
Cleaning Your Vinyl Floors
One of the most important tips for vinyl flooring is to try to minimise stains, dirt and abrasions before they even happen. With time, dirt and dust can wear down the vinyl’s finish so it’s always a good idea to place a good quality rug or door mat in front of entrances so that grime doesn’t even get into the house.
Another great idea is to use a sheet of paneling or plywood whenever you need to move furniture across the vinyl floors. This helps to prevent tears and scuff marks. Vinyl coasters under the feet and legs of heavy furniture will also help to safeguard the floor against permanent markings.
How to Clean Your Vinyl Flooring in Melbourne
As for cleaning your floors, you really can’t go wrong with plain water and a sponge type of mop. You should wipe up spills as soon as they happen and frequently mop with ordinary, plain water.
Intensive Cleaning Tips
Dry mop or vacuum the floor to remove surface dust, hair and dirt before wet cleaning. Remember to get under the furniture, along the baseboards and into the corners.
Apple cider vinegar may have amazing health benefits for us but it’s also one of the best cleaners for vinyl flooring in Melbourne. The vinegar’s acidity helps to get rid of dirt without the build up of wax or soap. All you need to do is mix a cup of apple cider vinegar and a gallon of hot water. Use a damp mop to clean the floors and rinse it frequently in the water. If you want to disinfect your floors you can substitute with white vinegar instead and if the floor is particularly dirty, add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid to the mixture. Mop once with the soapy mixture and then with the vinegar and water. To add extra sheen you can add a few drops of baby oil to the vinegar solution.
If your floors have a few stubborn scuffs, you can rub the area with WD-40 lubricant or even jojoba oil on a towel. Once you’ve rubbed the scuffs away, clean the area well with the water and vinegar solution.
Irritating food stains like tomato sauce, grape juice and mustard are also easy to remove. Create a paste of water and baking soda and rub gently. Once the stain has disappeared, clean well to remove baking soda traces.
A nylon-bristle soft brush is great for getting rid of stains. Try rubbing alcohol to remove hair dye, ink and lipstick stains and mineral spirits to remove paint, marker and crayon marks. Acetone-based nail polish remover works to rub off nail polish stains.
Products to Avoid
There are a few products to avoid when cleaning vinyl flooring in Melbourne.
Don’t use a beater bar attachment when vacuuming the floors as it can scratch surfaces.
Stay away from highly-abrasive steel wool and scrubbers
Don’t use detergents, mop and shine products or abrasive cleaners that can leave a dull film on the vinyl.
Stay away from paste wax and solvent-based polished.
Never used ammonia or even ammonia-based cleaning products which can break down vinyl and cause the floors to crack.
There several commercial cleaners on the market that have been designed especially to clean vinyl floors.
With a little elbow grease, your vinyl flooring in Melbourne can withstand years of foot traffic and abuse and still look in brand new condition.
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