Owning vinyl flooring is something to revel in. You’d agree that caring for your floors through cleaning suffices. However, there is a great deal of cleaning products in the market that it even gets inundating to choose what’s best for your floor.
Whether it’s from online furor or other homeowners, you probably have heard how Swiffer is a superstar in the cleaning products pantheon. Even so, can you use Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring with certainty that it will not damage your floors?
Well, stick around to find out!
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Can you use Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring
The elegance of vinyl plank flooring is beyond question. You can assuredly bet on it to make a statement for any room, whether in a commercial or residential space. If you already have vinyl flooring installed in your home, you’d agree that it is quite the dramatic bargain that does not need you to break the bank.
One superior trait of vinyl plank flooring is its remarkable durability. Even so, if you want your floor to remain in shipshape condition, you ought to look after it. After all, any good thing requires caring after, right?
If there is a way to tend to your floors, it is by cleaning. You sure do have a cleaning routine for your floors. While at it, it is best to use the finest cleaning tools and products to help you hit a home run. This way, you can maintain your floor’s appearance and prolong its service time.
Even with its incredible toughness, vinyl plank flooring is still defenseless against harsh chemicals and some cleaning equipment. You might wonder, are all top-rated cleaning products ideal for your vinyl floors? More so, can you use Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring?
Thankfully, you can use Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring without worrying whether it will damage your floors. Swiffer mops are gentle on vinyl floors, so you can count on this multi cleaner to productively deal with stains and still maintain your flooring.
Whatever cleaning or floor maintenance routine you plan to partake in, you can be sure that Swiffer will get the job done, be it spot cleaning, dusting, or deep cleaning your floor. A dry Swiffer mop is particularly applicable when you wish to get rid of debris, pet hair, or dust before getting to deep cleaning your floor.
For the Swiffer WetJet, you’ll want to refer to your product’s guidelines. Confirm if your vinyl product is waterproof before using a Swiffer wet mop. For your vinyl floors (Luxury Vinyl Flooring), it is recommendable to procure an appropriate cleaning solution that is particularly healthy for your floors.
To help you get your arms around this Swiffer product, poring over a concise overview of its particulars is essential. The Swiffer sweeper is an ingenious blend of mops that can utilize wet or dry-type disposable cleaning pads.
As mentioned earlier, you can use the dry type to capture lint, dirt, hair, and dust. On the other hand, the wet type is for mopping and is designed with a reservoir that holds the cleaning solution.
It also features a brilliant spray mechanism worked by 4 AA batteries so that when you press a button, the mop head dispenses cleaning solution onto your floor via tiny holes. You employ the button to regulate the amount of solution sprayed.
That said, you may then wonder how Swiffer mop differs from other conventional cleaning products. After all, a broom or vacuum tends to cut the mustard when cleaning your vinyl floors. The Swiffer mop towers over other cleaning products since it is a compact tool, allowing you to execute sweeping and cleaning with just a single tool.
Cleaning products safe for vinyl planks
Have you experienced a floor that demands a cleaning routine that forces you to work your fingers to the bone? Such demanding floors can be quite unpleasant in that respect. In contrast, vinyl plank flooring saves you the grind and hassle of keeping it clean. It is simply easy to clean and maintain.
To make your cleaning routines even easier, you ought to get your hands on cleaning products safe for vinyl planks. This way, you will make your vinyl floors look fresh and in good shape for a long time.
You sure don’t want to cause damage to your floor by using inappropriate products. Some cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals that have an abrasive effect on your floor’s surface. Delineated below are some safe solutions for your vinyl planks, including;
a) Sponge mop and water
If you plan to spot clean or lightly clean your vinyl planks, a sponge mop and plain water often suffice. This cleaning solution will get the job done as basic as it seems. On the upside, it counts as an economical idea, and there would be no deleterious effect on your floor. Mopping using water also comes in handy, especially when immediately dealing with spills.
b) Natural hard-surface cleaners
For a thorough clean of your vinyl planks, it would be wise to turn to some particular commercial cleaners. Such cleaners bear essential oils and other helpful ingredients that tackle dirt and grime on your floors without damaging them.
These cleaners include method all-purpose cleaner, Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Concentrate, Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar wash floor cleaner, and method squirt & mop hard floor cleaner. Remember always to read the label first when purchasing a commercial floor cleaner.
c) Apple Cider Vinegar
Rather than dig deeper into your pockets to procure commercial cleaners, you can opt to use apple cider vinegar. This home-based ingredient will dependably clean your vinyl planks.
The acidic nature of vinegar allows it to cleanse your vinyl floor of dirt and grime. Even better, you will not be left with a build-up of wax or soap. Remember, don’t use apple cider vinegar in its concentrated form to avoid dulling your floor’s finish. Just combine a cup of vinegar with a gallon of hot water.
d) White vinegar
White vinegar has numerous uses at home. Interestingly, you can also use it as a substitute for apple cider vinegar to clean your vinyl floor. It is safe for use on luxury vinyl flooring.
e) Baking soda and water
Are you wondering how you can eliminate unsightly food stains from your vinyl floors? You can mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Use this paste to rub ketchup or grape juice off lightly. After the stain fades, clean the spot to get rid of baking soda traces.
f) Liquid dishwashing soap
This solution does not directly count as a cleaning product. It is simply an add-on ingredient that you can use when tackling grimy floors. Usually, you can add some drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the solution before cleaning.
After mopping with the soap mixture, mop again with the vinegar-water solution to make your floors crisp. Here’s another fascinating trick: add some drops of baby oil to the vinegar-water solution to restore your floor’s shine.
g) Other chemicals
When dealing with other stubborn stains, you can employ some solvents to tackle stains. For instance, you can rub mineral spirit to eliminate marker or crayon stains. Also, alcohol reliably removes ink, lipstick, and hair dye stains.
h) Microfiber mop
A microfiber mop comes in handy when your floor needs cleaning. It is even preferred to a regular wring mop. You can use it to eliminate standing liquids on your floor, which could otherwise cause staining or more damage. Before deep cleaning your floors, ensure that you use a broom or a vacuum to remove surface dirt and debris.
Can you use wet Swiffer on hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are distinct for their evocative look and natural feel. If your home has this type of floor, it is in your interest to preserve its distinguished look for the longest time possible. This all depends on how you care for your hardwood floors.
Numerous products and routines are often paraded as the best for your flooring. Among them is wet Swiffer. A question that commonly crops up is whether you can use wet Swiffer on hardwood floors.
You’d be glad to know that you can use the Swiffer mop on finished hardwood flooring. You can opt to use the wet or dry refill cloths on the Swiffer mop, provided that your hardwood flooring has a finish.
However, when using the wet Swiffer on finished hardwood, you should be careful. This is because the solvent in wet Swiffer is water-based. Bearing that water is an enemy to wood or laminate floors, using wet Swiffer poses a risk of damage. This solvent easily disintegrates stubborn sticky messes to disclose the beauty of your floors.
The solvent may seep through a new finish to cause damage or penetrate through cracks between boards to result in curling and swelling. Wet refills also pose a spotting risk to any worn part of the floor. For this reason, settling for the dry refill cloths when using a Swiffer mop to clean your hardwood floors is advisable.
You can even try combining a Swiffer with a standard microfiber mop to access the dirty corners of your wood floor particularly. If you have oiled, unfinished or waxed flooring, you should refrain from using wet refill cloths.
How to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring
You sure have reasons to love luxury vinyl flooring, from impeccable design and phenomenal aesthetics to outstanding durability. It would therefore be in order to maintain your vinyl flooring in mint condition.
The delight of being welcomed by sparkling vinyl plank flooring is unassailable every time you get home. One way of preserving your floors and getting them always to make a statement is through cleaning.
Fortunately, with vinyl plank flooring, you do not have to worry about intensive cleaning routines. It would help if you simply were informed on how to do it right. For this reason, let’s explore how to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring in regard to caring for your floors.
The terms vinyl plank flooring, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are often used synonymously. The good thing is, whichever way you recognize this type of flooring, it is quite easy to maintain and will rarely require costly cleaners or tools. Here’s an overview of how to conduct the cleaning process.
1. Get rid of surface dirt
Daily abuse of your vinyl floor results in dirt and grime build-up. This is expected mainly in high-traffic areas of your home. The problem arises if you ignore the accumulating dirt since it can scratch the floor.
It is advisable to vacuum, sweep, or dust mop every day or two. This helps you eliminate the loose dirt, which prevents the floor’s dulling and preserves the finish. Note, if you opt for a vacuum, settle for a model lacking a beater bar or detach the beater bar to avoid damaging your floor.
2. Deal with stains
Stains can be of all sorts. From food stains to ink stains, they can be unsightly and affect the appearance of your floor. If you have a soft nylon brush in your arsenal, you can use it to eliminate fresh or old stains.
If you are dealing with a food stain, try dipping the brush in a homemade baking soda paste and then scrub lightly. When dealing with ink, grease, or dye stains, try cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. You can scrub with mineral spirit or hydrogen peroxide if you are tackling other types of stains.
3. Get to wet mopping
To finally give your floors a thorough clean, you will need to wet-mop your LVP flooring. Firstly, you will need to prepare a cleaning solution that effectively breaks down grime, cooking messes, and dirt. White or apple cider vinegar would be your best friend when needing a reliable cleaning solution.
The thumb rule is that you combine a cup of white vinegar or apple cider per gallon of warm water is appropriate. You can opt to add some drops of liquid dishwashing soap if you want to tackle cooking messes. However, you should exercise caution when preparing the solution and avoid adding excess amounts to prevent a soapy film or sudsy sight.
With your cleaning solution in place, immerse a mop into the solution in a bucket. Ensure that the mop is damp rather than dripping wet. Then use it to clean the floor following the direction of the planks. Get ready to see your floors clean and sparkling.
The video below demonstrates how you can cleanse your LVP flooring
How Often to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
You are probably aware that luxury vinyl plank flooring is super resilient, right? This does not mean that it is indestructible. You must put in the effort to maintain this solid floor to realize its full-service life.
It goes without saying that the debate revolves around how often to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring. It would be best if you adopted a routine that embraces getting rid of surface dirt daily, either by vacuuming (recommended), sweeping, or dust mopping. When ignored, dirt and grime can scratch your flooring.
For a deep clean, it is advisable to wet clean your floors 2-3 times a month. You must also ensure that you deal with stains and spills immediately. If the spill or stain is left to sit, it can harm your floor and become challenging to get rid of later.
Tips to Help LVP Flooring Last Longer
With an eye toward getting the utmost service from your LVP floors, you ought to acquaint yourself with your floor’s do’s and don’ts. You sure would love your LVP floors to achieve their lifespan of 10-20 years in tip-top condition. Here are some tips to help LVP flooring last longer.
- Use doormats at entrances – your shoes will often harbor debris, mud, pebbles, or other particles that can likely scratch your floor. Positioning a doormat or throw rug at the entrance of your home helps capture these particles on your shoes. This way, you will minimize introducing dirt and debris into your home.
- Remove surface dirt regularly – your LVP flooring will likely have dirt and debris due to daily use. Make an effort to eliminate loose surface dirt by regularly sweeping or vacuuming.
- Clean spills immediately – accidental spilling of liquids is quite normal. The effect of these spills can be adverse, resulting in discoloration and staining. You should wipe spills instantly and aim to treat stains with a suitable solution.
- Use soft felt pads – furniture can be quite bulky and easily dent, scuff or scratch your LVP flooring. You can employ soft felt pads/protective mats on the furniture’s feet that cushion your floor.
- Lift furniture – when you plan on moving bulky furniture, lift the appliance or furniture rather than dragging or sliding it across the floor as this can cause scuffing. Also, avoid purchasing furniture with rollers. If you already own one, you can disintegrate the rolling casters from the furniture.
- Avoid applying paste wax or liquid-based polishes – your LVP flooring already has a top polyurethane protective coating. Waxing the floor or applying solvent-based polish is never necessary, as it can ruin the finish to create a dull appearance.
- Don’t use chemicals –as much as ammonia and bleach can cut through dirt on our LVP flooring; these chemicals can cause damage. Ammonia wears the finish of your floor down, causing damage in the long run.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers – cleaning tools like steel wool, abrasive sponges, or a stiff-bristled brush can scratch your floor’s surface or break down the top coating. If you need to intensively scrub your floor, use a soft-bristled brush or a mop.
- Don’t steam mop LVP flooring – wet mopping an extensive LVP floor can be back-breaking. This might trick you into using the less laborious steam mopping routine. However, steam mopping can be the undoing of your floor. Vinyl is plastic and is prone to damage by high temperatures that also ruin the top protective coating.
FAQs
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Which Swiffer solution is best for vinyl plank floors?
The Swiffer WetJet vinyl, tile, and laminate solution refill is best for use on your vinyl plank floors. This solution is formulated to treat your premium LVT floor and maintain its beauty. All you have to do is use the solution together with Swiffer battery-powered spray mop that effectively breaks down stains and wipes messes off your floor.
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Are Swiffer wet pads safe for wood floors?
According to the manufacturer’s description, you can use Swiffer WetJet mopping pads on wood floors. You can use these pads only on finished hardwood floors. The mopping cloths are now improved and feature an absorb + lock strip for capturing grime and dirt in the pad.
This way, you will not have to push the dirt around when mopping, and you can dispose of the pad after cleaning. These pads are contraindicated on water-sensitive unfinished, waxed wooden boards, carpeted floors, and non-sealed tiles.
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Is it better to use a mop of Swiffer?
A Swiffer mop features an onboard bottle bearing a cleaning solvent and will undoubtedly get the cleaning job done. Like traditional mops, you will need to first sweep before mopping with a Swiffer mop. However, you get to enjoy the advantages of convenience when using a Swiffer mop since you can use it right away. Also, cleaning with a Swiffer mop is pretty straightforward and less intensive.
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Why does Swiffer make floors sticky?
If you have experienced a sticky floor after mopping with Swiffer, you are probably doing something wrong. You are likely loading your floor with a lot of the cleaner solution when spraying. Overusing the cleaner will make your floors sticky since there is a build-up. You can correct this by rinsing with plain water.
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What floors can you use Swiffer wet on?
You can use the Swiffer WetJet on multiple floors. It is safe on ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, and finished hardwood. Remember to first vacuum or sweep the floor surface before using Swiffer wet. This helps avoid pushing debris around using the wet pads.
Wrap up
This piece rigorously brings out the nuances pertaining to Swiffer products. From the Swiffer cleaning solution to the Swiffer mop/sweeper, you probably have been in a quandary when determining the suitability of these germane products for your floor.
More specifically, can you use Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring? Fortunately, as depicted in this article, you can depend on Swiffer to reliably clean your floor. It would regale you to know that Swiffer cleaning products are safe for your vinyl plank flooring.
This game-changing product is light for ease of maneuverability, bears a pivotal head, and is easy to maintain. It features all these merits without sacrificing convenience. Make your vinyl plank flooring squeaky clean with Swiffer!