If you are like many other people, you primarily clean your vinyl floors by sweeping or vacuuming the debris every day or two. This may be accompanied by the use of a damp mop or a Swiffer-like cleaning tool every week. While these steps are important and beneficial, they are not effective at removing stubborn odors or disinfecting the floors. Ammonia and other harsh products are commonly used for this type of project, but they are not the only solution. In fact, they may not be the best solution for your home. After you learn how to clean vinyl floors with vinegar, you can safely and effectively get the results that you need.
Why You Should Clean Vinyl Floor with Vinegar
Vinegar is primarily comprised of acetic acid, which has a low pH rating. Because vinegar is highly acidic, it can effectively kill bacteria and other types of microorganisms that may be on the floor. This substance also has degreasing properties. While white vinegar is the most acidic and effective type of vinegar to use, apple cider vinegar can also produce desired results.
How to Clean Vinyl Floors with Vinegar
Before you get started, you need to learn how to clean vinyl floors with vinegar the right way. By following the proper steps, you can you protect your floor from unnecessary damage while disinfecting and deodorizing the surfaces. Because of how acidic vinegar is, it can damage some surfaces in your home. For example, it can erode and damage natural stone materials. Before you get started, you need to confirm that the flooring is made out of a vinyl material. Then, you can walk through a few simple steps to take advantage of vinegar’s beneficial cleaning properties.
Vacuum or Sweep the Floor
Vinyl flooring is coated with a soft, waxy topcoat. This topcoat can easily be damaged by dirt particles and other abrasives, so you must vacuum or sweep the floor before you begin mopping. This important step will also enable you to clean the floor more thoroughly. Keep in mind that mopping may not remove all of the debris from the floor. If you fail to dust or sweep first, your mop may move some of these particles across the floor without actually removing them. It is also helpful to remove all floor mats, potted plants, chairs and other items that can easily be moved before you start mopping.
Assemble Your Supplies
White vinegar is the most effective type of vinegar to use as a disinfectant, but it has a strong odor. If you choose to clean with white vinegar, you can dilute one cup of the vinegar in a bucket filled with a gallon of hot water. Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil can cut the smell. An alternative is to use apple cider vinegar. While it has a higher pH balance, it is still an effective cleaning agent.
Mop the Vinyl Floors Strategically
A two-bucket cleaning system is a smart idea. One bucket will have the vinegar and hot water solution, and the other bucket will be filled with clean water. Mop the floor in sections with the diluted vinegar. Then, follow this up with a clean mop. Always pull the mop to you as you clean for the best results. Your bucket of clean water will progressively get dirtier. Replace the water as needed so that you are always using clean water to rinse away the vinegar solution.
Tackle Stubborn Spots Carefully
While vinegar has solid disinfecting and deodorizing properties, it may not be effective at removing stains and scuffs. Several products can be used to safely remove various types of stains. For example, WD-40 or another type of gentle oil can be used to spot-clean scuffs gently without damaging the wax topcoat. Paint can be removed with mineral spirits. Rubbing alcohol may remove makeup stains. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to remove food stains.
Now That You Know How to Clean Vinyl Floors with Vinegar
After you learn how to clean vinyl floors using vinegar, you can easily overcome filthy floors and create a healthier home environment for you and your family. Pull together the supplies that you need today so that you can take advantage of the incredible benefits of vinegar soon.
Learn more: Vinyl Flooring Over Tile
