Vinyl isn’t just an affordable way to get your chosen aesthetic — it’s a hard-wearing floor material that’s easy to maintain.
However, just because vinyl floors are low-maintenance doesn’t mean you can neglect them! Dust and dirt buildup can dull the look of your floors or even lead to scratches.
Sweep or vacuum vinyl flooring at least once a week to remove dirt. Then mop the floors every 1–2 weeks with dish soap, vinegar, or a pH-neutral floor cleaner.
Vinyl floors shine when they’re well-maintained and cared for. We’ll break down how to clean vinyl floors so your rooms always look their best!
What to Clean With | How Often to Clean | Routine Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Removing Stains and Streaks | Maintenance Tips
What to Know About Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl plank floors are popular and cost-effective alternatives to hardwood, natural stone, and tile. The planks are made of several layers of synthetic materials, including acrylic, PVC, and fibreglass.
They’re different from linoleum and laminate — linoleum is typically made from natural materials like cork and linseed oil, while laminate has a wood-based core.
Vinyl is typically more water-resistant (or waterproof) than both linoleum and laminate, especially newer types that have fibreglass. However, it has a less realistic appearance.
There are several types of vinyl flooring, such as:
- Luxury vinyl planks: Individual planks that “click” into place, usually as floating floorboards
- Sheet vinyl: A continuous sheet of synthetic material that covers a wide area
- Vinyl composite tile: Made by fusing crushed limestone and other materials
You can clean most types of vinyl flooring using the same methods, though sheet vinyl is easiest since there are no gaps!
What’s The Best Thing to Clean Vinyl Floors With?
Vinyl flooring is fairly low-maintenance and easy to clean!
All you need is a good mop and an appropriate floor cleaner — or just leave your floors to a Maid2Match professional housekeeper.
What vinyl floor cleaner to use
You can keep it simple — the best way to clean vinyl floors is with one of the following:
- Dish soap (like Dawn)
- Diluted white vinegar
- Vinyl-safe floor cleaner
No need to mix the soap and vinegar, BTW! Since soap is alkaline and vinegar is acidic, combining them makes them less effective when cleaning.
When choosing an appropriate floor cleaner, look for one that’s pH-neutral and safe for vinyl.
Avoid using too much product, as this can leave your floors feeling sticky even after mopping.
What mop to use for vinyl floors
While vinyl may be water-resistant, it’s still better to limit moisture when cleaning! Exposure to too much water can lead to swelling or moisture damage.
The best mop for vinyl floors will be a microfibre spin mop. Microfibre is highly absorbent, so it won’t leave too much water, and the spin mechanism will help wring out the mop head.
Cotton mops tend to leave moisture and streaks, while sponge mops can push water around.
What not to use on vinyl floors
In general, avoid using abrasive cleaners (like steel wool) or harsh chemicals (like bleach). These can discolour the vinyl or damage the protective coating.
Do not use wax polishes, shine products, or oil-based products, which can leave a film on the floor. The residue builds up over time and may attract more dirt or dull the vinyl’s appearance.
No laundry detergent, either — it might be too alkaline or potent for floors!
How Often to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring
A good general rule is to sweep or vacuum vinyl floors at least once a week, especially in high-traffic areas. If you have pets or small children, you may need to vacuum more frequently!
Deep clean your vinyl floors every 1–2 weeks by damp mopping.
And of course, tackle any spills or stains immediately!
Routine Vinyl Floor Cleaning
Preventing dust and dirt buildup is key to maintaining your vinyl floors. If you leave dirt to accumulate, it can dull the appearance of the vinyl or even lead to scuffing.
At least once a week, go over your floors with one of these cleaning tools:
- Dust mop
- Soft broom
- Vacuum cleaner
When using a dust mop, keep it flat to the floor while going from one side of the room to the other. If you prefer sweeping, use a soft broom to prevent scratches.
Remove small stains with a little 70% rubbing alcohol, then wipe the affected area clean.
For more stubborn stains, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply some to the stain and wait a few minutes, then gently scrub the area with a soft cloth. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth.
How to Deep Clean Vinyl Floors
Every 1–2 weeks, deep clean vinyl floors with a thorough damp mopping.
While vinyl is usually water-resistant, it’s still best to minimise moisture when cleaning! This helps prevent streaks — and stops your floor from becoming a slipping hazard.
Before cleaning
Before mopping, always dry mop or vacuum the floors to remove loose dirt. Otherwise, you’ll just push the grime around!
Use separate buckets for your floor cleaner and rinse water, and rinse the mop frequently.
Prep your chosen cleaner beforehand. In your mop bucket, mix one of these solutions:
- 1/2 tsp liquid dish soap in 3 litres of warm water
- 1 cup of vinegar in 3 litres of warm water
- pH-neutral floor cleaner (diluted per instructions)
FYI — You can use apple cider vinegar in place of white vinegar!
Deep cleaning vinyl flooring
Dip the microfibre mop into the cleaning solution, then wring out the mop head so it’s only damp, not dripping.
Start from the side furthest from the door, and work in small sections. Mop in even strokes that go with the grain of the vinyl.
When you’ve mopped one section, rinse the mop head in clean water and use that to wash off any residue on the vinyl. Then dip it back into the cleaning solution and repeat until you’ve cleaned the entire floor.
If you’ve only got one bucket, use it for the rinse water! You can pour your floor cleaner into a spray bottle and lightly spritz the floor before mopping.
Make sure to change your rinse water when it starts getting too murky.
To clean vinyl floors with ground-in dirt or tough stains, you’ll likely need a soft-bristled brush! Apply your floor cleaner, then gently scrub the surface clean.
Once you’re done washing vinyl floors, get a streak-free finish by drying the surface with a clean mop or old towels.
Removing Stains and Streaks From Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl may be durable, but it’s not invincible! Stains, streaks, and even scratches happen from time to time — but most of them are simple enough to clean.
How to get rid of stains
Tackle spills or stains immediately — the longer you leave them, the harder they are to remove. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or, for big messes, wiping with a dry mop.
Use one of these homemade solutions to remove stains from vinyl flooring:
- Baking soda paste: Dried stains, especially food or oil
- Diluted white vinegar: Coffee, tea, water spots, wine
- Rubbing alcohol: Blood, crayon, ink, makeup, nail polish
Test the stain remover on a tiny spot first so you’re certain it won’t damage or discolour the vinyl.
How to get rid of streaks
Streaks on vinyl flooring can be caused by things like:
- Uneven drying
- Incorrect floor cleaner
- Too much floor cleaner
- Dirty mops or mop water
If your floors have streaks, try going over them again with a clean microfibre mop and some warm to hot water. Make sure the mop is just damp, not wet, and don’t use water that’s so hot you can’t touch it.
However, if there’s a lingering residue, you can clean vinyl floors with vinegar. Mix a cleaning solution of 1 cup vinegar per 3 litres warm water, then use it to mop the floors.
Dry the floor afterwards with a separate mop or some old towels.
How to fix scratches
Heavy furniture or pet paws can scuff the finish on vinyl floors. For mild scratches, you can usually try to fix them!
Vacuum up any loose dirt in the area first. Then use a dry microfibre cloth or rubber eraser to try and buff the surface — gently!
If that doesn’t work, use a vinyl-safe polish to fill in the scuff marks.
Deep scratches are usually permanent, though. You can “disguise” them a little with vinyl-safe polish, but they can’t be removed without redoing the floors.
Tips for Maintaining Your Vinyl Plank Floors
Make regular sweeping or vacuuming part of your cleaning routine! Otherwise, dirt buildup can dull the appearance of vinyl or lead to scratches.
Don’t forget to clean your mop so it doesn’t transfer grime back to your floors.
Use the floor setting on your vacuum cleaner or lift the beater bar so you don’t risk damaging the vinyl.
Place protective pads or rugs under heavy furniture, such as sofas and tables. This stops them from scuffing the flooring material when lifted or moved.
Groom your pets properly, including nail trimming, so they don’t scratch the vinyl.
FAQs About Vinyl Floor Cleaning
Got more questions about the vinyl floor cleaning process? Here are some common concerns that our cleaners get asked!
Can you steam clean vinyl floors?
Generally, you should not use a steam mop on vinyl planks! The heat and water can cause the vinyl to warp, swell, or loosen.
Excess moisture seeping under the material can also lead to mould or serious damage.
Why are my vinyl floors still dirty after mopping?
Some likely culprits for vinyl floors that are still dirty, even after mopping, include:
- Dirty mop water
- Dirty mop heads
- Not enough floor cleaner
Wash your mop heads and bucket(s) regularly — after every use, if you can. Then, while mopping, change the water when it gets too murky.
Use the appropriate amount of cleaner when mopping. Too little and you won’t be washing off any dirt!
What cleaning products are safe for vinyl planks in Australia?
You can clean vinyl plank floors in Australia with warm water and a little Dawn dish soap! Alternatively, diluted white vinegar also works well.
For commercial cleaning products, try pH-neutral solutions like ZEP Neutral pH Floor Cleaner or Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner.
