How To Make Vinyl Plank Floors Shine

Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent way to get the look of hardwood floors at an affordable price. They’re also durable, many types of vinyl floors are waterproof, and they’re easy to maintain. But if you don’t take care of them, they can get dull over time. Luckily, it’s easy to make vinyl plank floors shine like new.

Clean vinyl floors and remove old polish before applying a new polish solution. Use an appropriate polish for vinyl floors, avoiding harsh chemicals like ammonia-based cleaners. Or make your own solution using baking soda, vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol.

Avoid using a steam cleaner on vinyl floors, as the mixture of moisture and heat could cause damage and void any warranties.

Are your floors making you want to visit your nearest flooring store? If your vinyl plank floors are starting to look a bit dull, but are otherwise in good shape, don’t replace them. They just need a little bit of extra attention and polishing to bring back their shine.

When you first installed your vinyl plank floors, you likely oohed and aahed at their clean and shiny appearance. But as with many things, if you don’t take care of them properly, vinyl floors will start to lose their luster over time.

It’s important to regularly clean your floors to keep them looking like new. If you have vinyl plank flooring in high-traffic areas of your home, regular maintenance is even more crucial.

Vinyl floors can also look dull if you neglect to rinse them properly after cleaning. Soap residue left behind builds up on floors and creates a dull appearance.

We’ll look at the best ways to take care of your vinyl plank flooring in a bit. But first, here are the steps you need to bring back the shine.

To shine up your vinyl plank floors, you need a soft-bristled blush, a cotton or sponge mop, and a vacuum. You also need clean water, apple cider vinegar, baby or mineral oil, and some dish soap. If your floors currently have polish on them, you’ll also need an appropriate floor stripper solution.

To polish the floors, you will need a polishing solution appropriate for vinyl flooring, or you can use some basic household items. If going with a DIY option, you’ll need to choose between baking soda, vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol.

If your floors don’t have any type of finish, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you’ll need to strip the floors before you can bring back their luster.

First, vacuum the floor to remove any dust or debris. Alternatively, you can use a dry mop. You’re only trying to pick up particles and dust, so there’s no need to use a wet mop yet.

Next, use a dry mop to apply a thin layer of floor stripper solution according to the manufacturer’s directions. Make sure you choose a solution that is suitable for vinyl floors.

Let it sit for between 5 and 10 minutes before scrubbing the floors. After scrubbing up the old finish, use a wet mop to get rid of any lingering residue.

If you didn’t need to do step two, you would start here by vacuuming or dry mopping up any dust and debris. Otherwise, you’re picking up where you left off on step two with wet mopping.

Expect to do two rounds of wet mopping. For the first, fill a bucket with 1.5 gallons of hot water and add one cup of apple cider vinegar. If you’re working with particularly dirty spots, add a few drops of dish soap.

Mop the floors, rinse your mop, and prepare a new cleaning bucket for the second round. Once again, fill the bucket with 1.5 gallons of water and mix in one cup of apple cider vinegar. But this time, add several drops of baby oil or mineral oil. Mop the floors once again, then let them dry.

It’s vital to choose a polish that is intended for vinyl floors. Avoid using solvent or wax-based polishes. Using harsh cleaners and chemicals can strip away your floor’s protective layer, making it more susceptible to scratches, stains, and damage.

Read the labels carefully and always follow the instructions on the label. However, if you don’t want to use a commercial polish, you can make your own at home. You have a few options for DIY polishes to consider: baking soda, vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol.

Most newer vinyl flooring does not require waxing, and you should avoid applying wax to them. Therefore, make sure you know the specifications of your floors.

If you have older floors that came with a wax finish, then you might need to wax them regularly to maintain their shine. Follow the recommendations of your floor’s manufacturer.

However, always rinse your floors after cleaning them with soap, even if they have a protective wax layer. The soap will still build up over time and lead to a dull finish.

Your vinyl plank floors can look like new again with a few easy steps to bring back their shine. Remove any old polish with a floor stripper, and clean your floors using warm water and apple cider vinegar. If things are really grimy, add some dish soap for extra cleaning power.

Once you clean the floors, you can add the polish solution of your choice. If you choose a commercial option, ensure it’s for vinyl floors. Follow the directions carefully.

Or you can use baking soda, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol to make your vinyl plank floors shiny. Make sure always to rinse any cleanser or solutions thoroughly and let your floors dry well before using them.

To help maintain your floor’s shiny appearance, regularly clean them, wipe up spills immediately, and avoid harsh chemicals. By following these simple tips and keeping up with regular care, your floors will shine like new.