There are many different types of flooring out there for you to choose from including laminate, carpet and so much more. Many households decide to go with vinyl, as it is known for being a more durable and longer-lasting choice than many of its peers. This does not mean that it is impervious to harm, however, and there are several ways in which your vinyl floor can be damaged and even ruined. Here we will look at some of the materials and chemicals to avoid, to keep your floor looking good for longer.
What can ruin vinyl flooring?
In general, vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for any household. It can take a great deal of wear and foot traffic, holds up in rooms with high moisture like the bathroom or kitchen, and is easy to clean. There are of course different types of vinyl flooring, and those that are at the cheapest end of the spectrum will naturally be less hard-wearing than those at the top end.
One way in which vinyl flooring can be ruined is by placing the wrong kind of rubber backing under rugs and mats that are placed on top of the vinyl floor. If it is improperly attached to the rug, or especially if it is of inferior quality, the rubber backing can stick to your vinyl floor or discolour it, both of which can ruin your floor.
Extreme heat can ruin your vinyl floors though the high PVC content means that they are unlikely to actually catch fire. Dropping cigarettes, hair curlers or other items that have a high temperature can cause damage and should be avoided wherever possible. You can also have issues with too much moisture, scratchy hoovers and more, though this is true of most types of flooring as well as vinyl.
Can you steam mop vinyl flooring?
It is not recommended that you use a steam mop on vinyl flooring as an alternative to a wet mop. They both can allow too much moisture to get into the flooring and warp or cause the glue to come away and damage your floor. Steam can also get into the fibrous core and cause structural weakness as well as the possible peeling and destruction of your vinyl. While a lot of vinyl flooring is waterproof, using a steam cleaner can force excess moisture into places it should not go and should be avoided.
The best ways to clean your vinyl floors are with regular sweeping and the use of a dry mop. A dry mop doesn’t carry the moisture and therefore the associated risks that a normal wet mop or steam mop does. Before you clean your floor always check that the mop and products you are using are suitable for vinyl flooring to avoid unnecessary damage that can lead to the floor having to be replaced.
Does bleach ruin vinyl floors?
Again the simple answer is that yes, bleach does ruin vinyl flooring and should not be used to try and clean your floors. Bleach is a powerful chemical, excellent in many areas of your day-to-day cleaning like the bathroom, but it is too strong and corrosive for use on vinyl planks, tiles or many other types of floor.
The corrosive nature of bleach will wear down the top layer of your vinyl flooring and cause it to flake away. Even the occasional use of bleach can cause irreversible damage and lead to your entire floor needing to be replaced. Further, the use of chemicals like bleach will also make your floors look dull and lifeless.
You should only use cleaning materials that are recommended for vinyl floors. The correct ones will still ensure that your floors are as clean as can be, but without the potential damage that some chemicals cause. You will also find that using the right cleaning fluid will bring out the best shine possible, leaving your floors not only clean but beautiful too.
Can I mop vinyl with vinegar?
One superior alternative to bleach, and something that you can make and use at home easily, is to make up a vinegar solution to use on your vinyl floors. It is important to dilute the vinegar with the same amount of boiling water, and there are many different recipes that promise the best results. Some suggest adding a drop of baby oil for an extra shine, others some washing up liquid to get a superior clean.
Vinegar has long been used in hospitals and other places that wished to sanitise thoroughly, especially before the more common use of household cleaners today. If you choose to use a vinegar solution on your vinyl floors you should find that you get a shiny, clean end result with no damage done along the way.
Conclusion
To Sum Up:
- Vinyl floors are an excellent choice for most homes. They are durable and hard-wearing when compared to most floor types, but there are still ways in which you can damage your floor.
- Extreme heat and the rubber backing on some rugs and mats can ruin your floors or cause permanent damage and should be avoided.
- Steam mopping is not recommended, nor is using a very wet mop. Despite a lot of vinyl being waterproof, it does depend on the quality of your floor and an excess of moisture can still ruin vinyl in some cases.
- Bleach is too harsh and corrosive for use on vinyl flooring, you should only use approved chemicals to avoid damage.
- Vinegar makes a good natural cleaner and won’t cause damage, and cleaning solutions like this should lead to a shiny clean floor.
If you take good care of your vinyl it can last a long time, so make sure you know the do’s and don’ts of your vinyl floor before you have it installed.