Tips to make a dull vinyl floor shine again
Flooring like Mannington’s vinyl needs to be loved and cared for to protect its shine. That wet look really is something special – like looking at your reflection in a pond on a windless day. And vinyl flooring is the best flooring for pets that have accidents.
Eventually, though, even with TLC, a vinyl floor will lose its luster. This is especially true in areas with a high footfall – doorways, and the natural path from a worktop to the fridge, for example.
In this article, you’ll learn how to restore the shine to a vinyl floor and then keep it that way with a regular cleaning routine.
Why do vinyl floors lose their shine?
Over time, you may notice your vinyl floor becoming dull. This is most noticeable in high traffic areas. The effects of wear and tear are one of life’s inescapable events. What makes the look even worse is that this dulling is never even. You end up with a patchwork of light and shade across your floor.
Sand and dirt walked in on shoes is especially bad for vinyl floors. The abrasive action removes the surface finish.
How can you bring back the shine to a vinyl floor?
If your vinyl floor has lost its luster, you may need to remove accumulated wax before refinishing. Take these steps to put the shine back on your vinyl:
- Pour a little club soda on the floor. Allow it to stand for a few minutes, and then scrub away.
- Mix a solution of one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of water. Mop the vinyl floor with the solution. You don’t need to soak the floor. Rinse with clean water. You should see the shine return. If not, continue to the next step.
- Make a solution of half a cup of ammonia, half a cup of liquid laundry detergent, and one gallon of water. Don’t use detergent on its own, as this will dull the vinyl.
- Test on an inconspicuous part of the floor, by applying and leaving for a few minutes. The wax should soften. If it, doesn’t add a little more ammonia to the solution.
- Working on one small section of the floor at a time, apply with a mop and wait for the wax to soften. Scrub the wax off using a stiff brush. Treat the entire floor in this way.
- Rinse the floor with clean, cold water and leave to dry.
- Apply a new coating of wax, taking care to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Prevention is better than cure to keep vinyl shiny
Removing wax from a dull vinyl floor is hard work. It takes a chunk of time, too. It’s better to use a little common sense, some house rules, and a regular maintenance routine. Do the following and your vinyl floor should retain its luster for a very long time:
- Use a doormat outside each entrance to your home. This will help prevent dirt, sand and grit from being trodden onto your vinyl floors.
- Use good quality floor protectors underneath furniture, either plastic or non-staining felt.
- Never move heavy furniture by pulling across a floor. Use strips of wood or hardboard runways to protect your vinyl floor from being scratched.
- Close your curtains or blinds to protect your floor from bright sunlight.
- Don’t walk across vinyl floor wearing outdoor shoes.
- If something is spilt onto the floor, wipe away immediately to prevent staining.
- Sweep or vacuum the floor daily. This will remove surface dirt and prevent it being trodden into the vinyl.
- Mop the floor at least once per week, using a solution of non-sudsy ammonia and clean, warm water. Do not use a scouring powder or other abrasive cleaner, nor a detergent.
If your vinyl floor has lost its shine, bringing the luster back is possible, but it’s also time-consuming and physically tiring work. If you don’t have the time to make your floor look like new again, contact Porter's. Our professional cleaning services will bring your floor back to life, and give it the sparkle that makes vinyl so special. And if you want to completely renew your floor, we’ll also be able to help you choose the best vinyl from Mannington’s extensive range.