Pro Tips for Maintaining & Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring

Whether your home already features vinyl plank flooring or you’re looking to have it installed, it’s important to know how to properly care for it. Maintenance requirements can vary from one brand and model to another, so you should always follow any directions provided by your vinyl flooring manufacturer or installer. With that said, here are some general tips for how to maintain and clean your vinyl plank flooring:

Sweep Before Mopping

It’s a good idea to remove debris from vinyl plank flooring using a broom, a dust mop, or a vacuum before you proceed to wet mopping (if using a vacuum, be sure to avoid using the beater bar attachment, since that could damage your floors). Once it’s time to mop, use either plain water or a gentle cleaning solution (for example, a mixture of water and vinegar, or a product specifically intended for vinyl flooring). You should avoid using:

• Ammonia-based cleaners
• Wax- and solvent-based polishes
• Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers (for example, steel wool pads)

Avoid Using Steam Cleaners

One of the main benefits of vinyl plank flooring is that it’s waterproof. As such, many homeowners believe they can use steam cleaners on their vinyl floors, but that’s actually not the case. The combination of water and heat can damage vinyl plank flooring, so it’s best to stick to normal mopping.

Don’t Wait to Address Spills

Routine cleaning is generally enough to keep your vinyl plank flooring looking like new, but if something spills onto your floors between cleaning sessions, it’s important to promptly address it to prevent staining. The right cleaning solution will depend on the spill—for example, food stains can often be removed using a paste made of baking soda and water, while lipstick and ink stains are often better addressed with rubbing alcohol (be sure to test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous location first). Especially tough stains may require the use of a soft-bristled nylon brush.

Your Local Source for Vinyl Plank Flooring

If you own a home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or the surrounding area, you can turn to Pittsburgh’s Best Remodeling for all of your vinyl flooring needs. We’re the region’s premier design/build home remodeler, offering vinyl plank flooring installations along with a wide array of other renovation services. We source our vinyl flooring from top-name manufacturers and have trained, background-checked company employees expertly install it. You can feel confident knowing that we prioritize customer satisfaction and that we maintain a prestigious A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Contact Pittsburgh’s Best Remodeling today to take the next step with having vinyl plank flooring installed at your home. We have multiple showrooms across the greater Pittsburgh area, and we’ll be happy to schedule a free design consultation at the location of your choosing. When you come in, we’ll tell you more about our company, walk you through the various vinyl flooring options we have available, and provide you with personalized product recommendations. We’ll also answer all your questions so that you feel confident moving forward with your flooring installation.