Vinyl plank flooring is easy to maintain, and technological advancements are making cleaning even easier. Among the top brands in the market is Swiffer. You may have used one of their products or mops in your home. Therefore, you may wonder whether you can use Swiffer on vinyl plank floors.
So, can you use Swiffer on Vinyl plank flooring? You can use Swiffer to clean your vinyl plank floor. Swiffer mops and vacuum cleaners are non-abrasive and will not damage your vinyl flooring. This is with respect to the sensitive nature of vinyl planks to chemicals. In addition, this cleaner offers an effective solution to remove old stains in your home.
Homeowners are switching to flooring options such as vinyl plank for its ease of installation and durability. Vinyl planks offer a durable and a water-resistant flooring solution in your home or office.
On the other hand, this flooring is delicate, and knowing which products to use in cleaning to ensure maximum durability is vital. Read on to understand whether Swiffer is suitable for your flooring and how to use it.
You can use Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring since it will not damage its delicate surfaces. This multi cleaner is also effective against stains yet friendly on the surface, given its non-abrasive feature. However, you should avoid using an excess of this solution, as it may cause your floor to be sticky. Also, during cleaning, avoid scrubbing the flooring too hard as it may cause scratches.
Swiffer provides an easy-to-use mop in households. The best Swiffer for your vinyl plank floor is dependent on your cleaning and maintenance project. This includes whether you want to dust, spot clean, or thoroughly clean your flooring.
Each of these activities will demand different Swiffer products and knowing what products to use is necessary for maximum effectiveness. While manufacturers will recommend different products for your vinyl planks, you can always confirm if you are in doubt about the Swiffer product to use on your flooring.
Also, you should test your solution on a small area before cleaning the rest of the room for any adverse effects. To check this, rub the solution on a small space and leave it for some minutes. If there is no reaction, your solution is safe to use, and you can proceed to clean the rest of your room.
Swiffer has the WetJet product, specifically made to clean vinyl flooring perfectly. The WetJet utilizes water and other cleaning agents to remove dirt and stains from your floor. This offers an efficient means of wiping messes without using stronger detergents that may damage your vinyl plank finish.
You may want to use Swiffer on your flooring for several reasons, but I will explore its safety and time-efficient benefits. Generally, vinyl plank floors are popular for their durability and ease of cleaning and maintenance. Your vinyl flooring can easily be stained with spills and dirt without regular cleaning.
Using the Swiffer WetJet will clean your floor without damaging the finish. Cleaning your floors without leaving scratches is important as these scratches provide room for grime and dirt to accumulate, leaving your floor looking discolored and dirty over time. This, in turn, will affect the overall aesthetics of your home, not to mention its impact on crawling children and pets.
The Swiffer WetJet is an effective solution and will clean better than regular mops and brooms. Hence, you do not have to use more than one piece of equipment in your cleaning. Also, the Swiffer’s cloth is moistened with a dirt-removing solution, requiring less scrubbing, saving you time in the long run. Therefore, using this option will save your time as you will incorporate sweeping and mopping without damaging your flooring, as would be the case with other cleaning options.
While Swiffer proves to be an effective cleaning agent on your vinyl flooring, you should take precautions during cleaning. For instance, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product to avoid damaging your floor. This includes checking the quantities you use on your flooring.
Applying too much of the Swiffer solution will dampen your vinyl flooring’s shine, affecting its aesthetics, not to mention the possibility of seepage through the gaps between planks. When scrubbing your vinyl flooring, stick to the Swiffer pads for stain removal. You should also avoid scrubbing too hard as this can scratch your flooring.
What Is the Best Way To Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Maintaining your flooring to continue to look as good as it looked after installation can be challenging. However, the case is different with vinyl plank floors. One of the reasons homeowners love vinyl flooring is because it offers an easy-to-maintain flooring option. You do not need to invest in expensive products and tools to clean your home. However, if you have not figured it out yet, here is the best way to clean your vinyl plank floor.
The best way to clean vinyl plank flooring is by going low on harsh chemicals that may damage the surface. You can never go wrong with plain water, a mild cleaning solution, and a mop. Also, as much as you can, wipe spills from your flooring immediately since vinyl is water-resistant rather than waterproof. Other techniques you can use include dry mop, cleansers such as apple cider vinegar, and other natural all-purpose cleaners.
Cleaning your vinyl plank floor at least once a week will prove effective. As a routine, you should start by removing dirt and dust from your flooring. Tiny rocks and grains of dirt can scratch your vinyl plank floor, which is why I suggest that you sweep your vinyl flooring daily in high-traffic areas. You can remove dirt, hair, and dust from your flooring through vacuuming or dry mopping, after which you can use wet mops and cleaning solutions.
If you choose to dry mop your vinyl planks, use a dust mop to remove large debris. When using a dry mop, start on the corners and work your way towards the other side of the room to avoid missing spots. You should clean all parts of your room, including the floors and baseboards, sweep the debris into a dustpan, and throw it away.
Vacuum cleaners also offer a great way to clean your vinyl planks. However, when using a vacuum cleaner, you should ensure that you set it to the correct settings. Vinyl planks require low brush attachment and suction to avoid scratching your floor.
Also, you should use a vacuum cleaner only if your room has pet hairs and dirt build-up, which are not easy to remove with a dust mop. While vacuuming, focus on hidden areas including under the furniture, where pet hair can accumulate over time.
Before mopping your vinyl flooring, you should figure out the right cleaner to use. The product you choose will vary depending on your cleaning frequency. If you clean up daily, you should select a mild solution such as apple cider vinegar to avoid wearing the finish.
You can make an effective cleaner by mixing ingredients such as apple cider and water if you are under a budget. Vinegar is effective as a cleaning agent, and its acidity will remove most stains on your floor without causing any soapy residue.
To prepare this solution, mix a gallon of hot water with a cup of cider vinegar. Using a damp cloth, apply this mixture to the floor and rinse the mop frequently with clean, warm water from another bucket.
You can add some liquid dishwashing soap to your mixture to add power to your solution. Start cleaning your floor with the vinegar solution containing the soap and rinse with the water and vinegar mixture.
Commercial cleaners are effective in cleaning your vinyl flooring. You should choose a commercial cleaner depending on whether you have a waxed vinyl floor or not to enhance durability. If you are uncomfortable with homemade cleaners, you can switch to commercial cleaners to clean your vinyl planks.
Several options are available in the market, but you should be cautious and read the instructions on the bottle to ensure you pick only those labeled safe. Manufacturers are increasingly producing eco-friendly products free of formaldehyde and parabens, but you should always check the ingredients to ensure your safety.
Also, to note when selecting commercial cleaners is that solutions with too many solvents can damage your vinyl plank flooring finish. Hence, read the instructions on how many times you can use the solution on your flooring per week.
Whether you use commercial or homemade cleaners on your vinyl planks, rinsing is a crucial step that you should never miss. It is advisable to incorporate this step into your cleaning routine, even if your product does not require rinsing.
Hence, fill a bucket with clean water and clean your floor after cleaning. Alternatively, you can pour some water on the floor, but you should wipe immediately using a cloth. Dry your floor with a clean towel or cloth for a more excellent finish.
What Should You Not Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring With?
Vinyl plank floors are delicate; therefore, knowing how to maintain them properly is key to ensuring their durability. Read on to understand what you should not clean your vinyl plank flooring with to achieve this.
You should not clean your vinyl plank floor with ammonia-based cleaners, vinyl wax, and steam mops. Using these cleaners on vinyl planks will damage the flooring. Instead, consider mild cleaning solutions such as soap and water or recommended commercial floor cleaners.
Ammonia is unsuitable for your vinyl flooring since the two do not mix well. Using ammonia on your planks will break down the finish and damage your flooring. Hence, consider natural or gentle commercial cleaning options instead of ammonia.
Paste wax and polishes are also unsuitable on vinyl flooring, given that vinyl coating comprises polyurethane. Since vinyl does not need waxing, using such cleaners on your flooring will damage the topcoat leaving your floor looking dull.
Abrasive scrubbers are also unsuitable for vinyl flooring. These scrubbers include steel wool, abrasive sponges, and other rough materials. Using these scrubbers on your flooring will scratch and eat through the top protective coating of your flooring. As such, you should use a soft-bristled brush or a mop for effective cleaning. You also should avoid using the beater bar brush during vacuuming as this can scratch and damage your floor.
Lastly, while steam mops effectively sanitize your floor, they are not recommended for vinyl plank floors. Using these mops on your flooring will damage the floor. Despite their water resistance, vinyl flooring will not stand steam mops, given their high temperature. These temperatures will melt the glue that attaches the planks in position, causing them to bend. This will affect your floor aesthetics and durability.
Also, when using the steam mop, moisture may penetrate the gaps between the planks and damage the planks. If it seeps under the planks, it can harbor mold causing bad smells. Molds are also dangerous should there be anyone in your home suffering from an allergy.
Thus, as much as you can, you should avoid using a steam mop and if you have to, ensure you set it to be as friendly as possible to your flooring. Since steam mops are not ideal for vinyl plank floors, you should consider other cleaning options like mopping, dry mopping, and shallow rinsing.
Wrap Up
Swiffer is generally safe for your vinyl flooring and will save you time and ease the cleaning process. In addition, it is an effective cleaning agent against old stains and is nonabrasive hence friendly on the top layer of your vinyl planks. Since vinyl plank floors are delicate, you should employ the best cleaning practices.
This includes vacuuming and dry mopping to remove dirt, hair, and dust. You should also select the best cleaners, whether homemade or commercial, for the job. Ideally, use mild solutions to avoid damaging your flooring.
If unsure of the reaction, check with your manufacturer, but you should also test the solution before use. Finally, avoid ammonia-based cleaners, steam mops, and vinyl wax, as they can cause adverse reactions on your flooring. With proper care, vinyl flooring can last up to decades.