You’d agree that pine sol has the magic of giving your home a tonic feel. From delivering a refreshing odor to reliably cleansing your kitchen surfaces, it really hits the sweet spot between affordability and efficacy.
Since it is a multi-surface cleaner, the conflicting question that always comes up is, can you use pine sol on vinyl floors? Yes, you can. A typical way is diluting ¼ cup of sol with a gallon of water, and you’re good to go!
Let’s save you the hassle of poring over countless articles and expatiate on pine sol safety on vinyl floors.
Read on!
Also Read:
Can you use pine sol on Vinyl floors?
For many households, pine sol tends to be the one-cleaner-fit-all kind of cleaning agent. After all, what’s not to like about the crisp feel and invigorating freshness your home has after cleaning it with pine sol?
Whether you need to get rid of an oil stain, pet stain, or clean your bathroom, pine sol has you covered. Interestingly, you can even use this solution as a fly and pest repellant as well as your laundry if it is stained with grease or blood.
With such a rich host of uses, you can trust pine sol to get most cleaning jobs impeccably done. However, can you use pine sol on vinyl floors despite being a viable cleaner for most solid surfaces?
The answer is yes. You can use pine sol to clean and disinfect your vinyl flooring without causing damage. Here’s a hack; depending on your aim, you can use pine sol in its concentrated or diluted form. The more conventional way is diluting pine sol with water rather than using it raw. You don’t want to saturate your vinyl floor but instead, clean it.
Are you curious to know what makes up pine sol cleaners? Well, to start with, it is void of any unsuitable constituents like carcinogenic and ammonia components. It does, however, have two primary biodegradable ingredients, which include;
- Glycolic acid – this is the antimicrobic component that delivers sol’s disinfectant properties. This agent also deals with waning patches, soap scum, and residues from a mineral scale on vinyl flooring.
- Alcohol ethoxylates and propylheptyl ethers – these are the components that are responsible for degrading grease and oil stains.
Vinyl floors are lauded for being highly durable, waterproof, easy to clean, and stain-resistant. This might delude you into thinking that the hardness of vinyl flooring can make it withstand any cleaning product.
Several commercial cleaning products are particularly ideal for use on vinyl floors. Pine sol counts as one of them. Others include Armstrong and pledge. However, there are other readily available products and chemicals that are greatly unfavorable for vinyl floors and include;
- Detergents – The use of detergents on vinyl flooring can result in the formation of a cloudy build-up which is unsightly.
- Abrasives cleaners– you don’t want to mess with the finish of your vinyl floors. Using scouring pads or abrasives eliminates some of the floor’s luster.
- Rubber pads – such mats will have the rubber component reacting with vinyl to create lasting yellow stains.
- Ammonia – cleaners with ammonia in their formulation are bad news for vinyl floors. This is because they have a grease degrading property that makes them capable of degenerating vinyl floors resulting in crack formation. Additionally, controlling where your pet pees tends to be challenging if you use ammonia-based cleaners on vinyl floors.
- Mop and shine products – such cleaners can create a dull film on your vinyl floors.
- Wax – there are synthetic components containing wax that can damage vinyl floors.
- Solvent-based polishes
You may find yourself feeling stumped about the type of flooring you have. This is because there is a tendency to liken linoleum, vinyl, and laminate flooring. If you are not sure of your floor type, it is advisable to test the suitability of the cleaner on an unnoticeable part of the floor first.
How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring with Pine Sol?
Now that you’ve affirmed the safety of pine sol on vinyl flooring, getting a handle on how to clean vinyl plank flooring with pine sol is pertinent. Whether your aim is cleansing, routine cleaning, or spot cleaning, you must learn how to do it right.
Cleaning counts as a critical floor care and maintenance practice. Therefore, if you want your vinyl floors in good shape for an ultra-long time, you should acquaint yourself with ideal cleaning techniques.
For a start, it is advisable that you equip yourself with requisite protective garments like long-sleeved overalls and hand gloves. This is because pine sol bears some allergens (Hexyl Cinnamal and limonene) that have the potential to rate your eyes or akin upon contact.
That said, below is a concise rundown in a stepwise manner on how to clean vinyl plank flooring with pine sol.
Do away with surface dust, dirt, and hair.
You do not want to directly start the job with wet cleaning since the abrasive dirt, debris, or grime probably lacerates the vinyl surface while you clean. Therefore, begin with removing surface dirt by either vacuuming or dry mopping your vinyl floor. Be sure to access corners, beneath furniture, and along baseboards.
Prepare the cleaning agent.
This step depends on your aim. If you plan to scour and polish your floors, you will need to mix the solution. You achieve this by transferring a gallon of water to a bucket and then adding ¼ cupful of pine sol. Stir to mix. Avoid overdoing pine sol cleaner to prevent dealing with sticky floors.
If your aim is cleansing/disinfecting your vinyl floor, you’ll use the cleaner in its concentrated form, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. In this case, dampen a piece of cloth with pine sol and swab the surface using the cloth.
Refrain from directly smearing your vinyl floor with pine sol cleaner, as this would result in surface saturation. This is unhealthy as moisture can precipitate floor damage if the cleaner penetrates the subfloor.
Proceed to mop
You, by now, have your cleaning solution in a bucket. Immerse a mop into the bucket and then rigorously wring it to ensure it becomes damp rather than dripping wet. This is to avoid using excessive water that would otherwise penetrate through cracks and ruin the subfloor. Apply the mop to the floor and run it over to clean.
Use clean water to rinse
After mopping with the cleaning solution, follow it up with rinsing. Swill the bucket and mop with clean water, and then run over the floor by mopping with fresh water while ensuring you leave no pools of water on the surface. Finally, you can dry the floor using a soft towel.
Alternatives to Pine Sol for Vinyl Plank Flooring
The spotlight so far has been on pine-sol multi-surface cleaner as the principal cleanser for vinyl floors. You might wonder, is pine sol the only authentic cleaner for vinyl surfaces?
In contrast, various alternatives to pine sol for vinyl plank flooring have proven to do the job equally well. Intriguingly, a couple of these alternatives are common household reagents within your rich. Without more delay, here are elucidated alternatives that you can use in place of pine sol for vinyl floors.
Baking soda paste
Have you ever imagined that a usual product like baking soda could be of great use to your vinyl floors? It comes in handy when you are spot cleaning to get rid of stubborn dirt and stains.
You have to mix baking soda with a controlled amount of water and end up with a paste. Rub the paste on the part of the floor with stains and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes. Remember to lightly rub the paste onto the floor to avoid abrading your floor. Wipe off the residue with a wet cloth.
Commercial cleaning agents
You can always try out commercial cleaners if you are not a fan of using home-based reagents to clean your vinyl floors. The advantage of such cleaners is that they are particularly manufactured for LVP/LVT surfaces. Therefore, they will dependably deodorize, cleanse and clean your vinyl floor rather than harm it.
Here’s something to note. When exploring commercial cleaners, look out for deleterious ingredients such as ammonia or abrasives. Classic examples of commercial cleaners that fit the bill are Armstrong and pledge multi-surface cleaners.
Apple cider vinegar
If there is an alternative that towers over pine sol in terms of costs and eco-friendliness, it is apple cider vinegar. Being a naturally acidic agent, vinegar can successfully cleanse your vinyl floor of microbes and dirt. On the upside, if apple cider vinegar is absent, you can also use white vinegar, another home-based agent.
To obtain the proper cleaning solution, add a cupful of apple cider vinegar to a gallon of warm water in a large bucket. Plunge a mob in the bucket and then proceed to swap over the vinyl floor.
In the event that you are dealing with stubborn grime, adding some drops of dishwashing soap tends to be effective. Onto another fascinating tip, introducing a few drops of baby oil to the solution significantly assists in making your vinyl flooring shine.
pH neutral floor cleaner for luxury vinyl
You might be enticed to try out the ‘fast shine’ bandwagon of floor cleaners that tend to promise exceptionally polished floors after cleaning with them. The actual question is, are they really safe for your luxury vinyl floor?
Generally, a pH level that scales above nine or below 5 affects the adhesive of your flooring. Such extremes in pH will result in the failing of the adhesive and degradation of the flooring, eventually diminishing its integrity.
Over time, detergents with an acidic nature will leave a dull film, causing your vinyl floor to appear dirtier. Over time, floor cleaners that have basic properties will affect the acrylic coating on your vinyl floors. For that reason, choosing ph neutral floor cleaner for luxury vinyl is apposite to avoid streaked, dull, or faded floors.
A pH-neutral floor cleaner is one that has a chemically neutral pH, i.e., a pH level of 7 or close to 7. Such cleaners preserve the finish of your floors. A classic example of a pH-neutral floor cleaner for your vinyl floors is a solution containing a gallon of plain water and an ounce of mild dishwashing soap.
Alternatively, you can settle for commercial cleaners that have a neutral pH and are vinyl-friendly. For instance, Rejuvenate Luxury Vinyl Flooring cleaner is ideal as it even dries quickly (about 10 minutes). Bona Pro Series Luxury Vinyl Floor Cleaner is yet another exemplary product suitable for luxury vinyl plank (LVP), wood plastic composite (WPC), and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) floors.
How to clean vinyl plank flooring
Fortunately, vinyl plank flooring does not make you a slave to cleaning. This type of flooring is strong, resilient, and able to withstand daily abuse, making it easy to maintain. Maintenance is achieved by cleaning, meaning comprehending how to clean vinyl plank flooring is essential.
If you’re simply getting rid of day-to-day dirt or debris, mopping with soap and water will suffice. For spills, especially of liquids with radical pH levels such as vinegar, oil, or lemon juice, please make an effort to clean, wipe or treat them instantly. This is to avoid discoloration and unsightly stains.
Getting rid of surface dirt
A typical cleaning routine will begin with getting rid of surface dirt. Whether there are crumbs, tiny particles of dirt or debris, hair or dust, you will need to vacuum or dry mop the floor surface. The particles can easily scratch or scuff your floor as you clean, as sandpaper would do.
Note that vacuuming is more favorable than sweeping. This is because the sweeping action drugs dirt particles across the surface and might cause scratches. The vacuum cleaner should have a smooth contour on the nozzle and lacks metal plates which would otherwise cause scuffs and nicks.
Mopping
After removing surface dirt, the aim is to now leave your floor disinfected, clean, and cleansed. A common household reagent, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, is possibly your best friend when it comes to vinyl plank flooring since it does not create a soapy film.
You prepare the solution by adding a cup of white or apple cider vinegar to a gallon of warm water. Dip your mop into the solution and dampen it. Then, get to mopping while following the direction of the planks. Ensure that the mop is not attached to a scrubber, which could scuff your floor. Use a soft-headed mop, preferably a microfiber mop.
It is advisable to use elbow grease and water often to mop your floor to preserve its luster for many years. Do not use vinegar as your regular cleaner since its acidic properties will eventually harm your floor.
Removing stains
If you want to do away with a drastic stain, equip yourself with a soft nylon brush and baking soda paste. Such a brush will help you gently scrub the stain off without scratching the finish of your floor. Apply the paste onto the brush and gently rub the stain on your floor. If the stain proves to be stubborn, you can apply hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol.
Removing scuffs
Scuffs can be quite unattractive. You can apply jojoba oil or WD-40 lubricant on a towel and rub it down on the scuffed section till it ceases to be visible. Then, use a solution of vinegar and water to erase traces of lubrication/
Best cleaner for vinyl plank flooring
While the vinyl floor is loved for its remarkable ability to stand up to abuse and maintain its beauty, you should still care for it. One way you are sure to obtain optimal service from your vinyl plank flooring and still maintain it in good shape is by cleaning.
This is the reason why opting for the best cleaner for vinyl plank flooring is critical. A common top-rating cleaner is white or apple cider vinegar. It is not only cheap, breaks down stain, dirt, and grime but is also economically responsible. In addition, you will not have to deal with streaks, dull or soapy film after using vinegar.
This home-based cleaner is easy to prepare; mix a cup of white or apple cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water, and you are done. Immerse a soft-headed mop in the solution and run it over your vinyl floor.
Another pretty fail-safe way to clean and refresh your vinyl floors is using spray cleaners. Simply look for a harmless supply of concentrated cleaners that you can put into a spray bottle or a bucket.
Frequently Asked Questions -FAQs
Can you use Pine-Sol on all floors?
It is not advisable to use pine sol on some floors. These include waxed or oiled wood floors, damaged or unsealed floors, aluminum and marble. You can use pine sol on ceramic tile, plastic, cement granite, carpet, laminate, and all wood floors, including finished hardwood.
However, in the case of wood floors, remember to first dry mop before applying pine sol cleaner. Also, when you use pine-sol on laminate floors, seek to know the application technique as it differs from vinyl.
What floor cleaners are neutral pH?
Some commercial neutral floor cleaners are mostly ideal for hardwood flooring. They include Bona, Pallman, Woodwise hardwood floor cleaner, and Glitsa clean. Such cleaners do not have a detrimental effect on the ecosystem, people, and pets.
What should you not use on a luxury vinyl floor?
It would help if you desisted from using abrasive cleaners like steel wool or cleaning agents because they degrade the protective top coating on luxury vinyl floors. Also, avoid using ammonia or cleaners bearing ammonia, detergents, paste wax, and mop and shine products. Most of the mentioned agents have adverse effects on vinyl floors.
Is Bona a pH-neutral floor cleaner?
Yes, it is. Bona hard-surface floor cleaner has a pH level of 7.0. This makes an excellent option since it is an eco-friendly cleaner and preserves the finish of your floor, and prevents discoloration. You can rely on this cleaner for your daily cleaning routine to deliver impeccable luster and long-lasting protection.
How to maintain vinyl flooring
As much as there is great emphasis on how easy it is to clean and maintain vinyl floors, it would be best if you actually put in the effort. A good thing needs optimal care. With the lifespan of vinyl floors rated anywhere between 5 to 25 years, it is solely on you to ensure that you enjoy maximum service from your floors.
Therefore, schedule to instantly wipe spills, sweep regularly, and clean your floor once they start showing detail of dirt. Also, anytime you are moving furniture, avoid dragging it across the floor. Instead, use paneling or a sheet of plywood to avoid causing tears or scuff marks on your floor.
Another useful tip is to install soft furniture paddings or vinyl coasters beneath the legs of the furniture. This measure helps in preventing permanent indentations, scuff marks, and scratches.
Conclusion
Pine sol has proven to be a miracle worker in many households. You can have your home give a pleasant odor, disinfect shelves and other solid surfaces, and clean your bathroom, all with this exemplary cleaner.
Even more, the question, can you use pine sol on vinyl floors, has satisfactorily been answered, much to the delight of homeowners with vinyl flooring. You no longer have to question the safety of pine sol on vinyl. Go ahead and trust pine sol to get the job done!