Vinyl flooring is quick and easy to care for using a microfiber mop and a powerful vinyl cleaner. With regular vacuuming (or brooming) and spray cleaning, vinyl flooring stays soft and shiny with a smooth underfoot.
Keep reading to learn about the best mops for vinyl floors and how to clean vinyl flooring properly.
Vinyl flooring is popular for its durability, simple installation, scratch-resistant finish, and low-maintenance cleaning. Despite its ease, be careful which products you use. Keeping it simple is always best.
Never use abrasive sponges, steam cleaners, or heavily soaked string mops on vinyl. These can damage surfaces by dulling the sheen and color. In extreme cases, you can even cause structural disfiguration to the planks.
Avoid making common mistakes and stick to a simple and consistent cleaning regimen using the best vinyl floor mop.
What are the Best Mops for Vinyl Floors in 2024?
Over the years, we’ve tried many different mops. Our two favorites are the WOCA Spray Mop and Bona Premium Microfiber Mop. We use these mops to clean all types of flooring, including the luxury vinyl plank in our showroom.
WOCA Spray Mop
With its quick assembly and compact design, the WOCA Spray mop is our go-to mop for vinyl floors. A built-in sprayer makes it easy to apply the right amount of cleaner to the surface for quick and effortless cleaning.
The machine-washable cotton microfiber pad removes grime easily and buffs surfaces for a clean, shiny finish. Simply fill the reservoir with a recommended cleaning solution and start cleaning.
WOCA Spray Mop Features
- Quick assembly
- Built-in sprayer for easy cleaning
- Machine washable cotton microfiber pad
- Can be used with soap and water
- Suitable for all types of flooring, including luxury vinyl and hardwood
- Suitable for sheet vinyl, laminate, LVT and LVP vinyl
Bona Premium Microfiber Mop
Featuring an extra-large mop base, the Bona Premium microfiber mop is designed to cover more space in less time. The reusable pads (washable up to 500 times) offer convenience. And the telescoping handle allows for easy movements.
The rubberized corners protect baseboards and furniture from damage during speedy cleaning. Electrostatic traps collect dust, dirt, and pet hair, as well as removing surface grime.
Bona Premium Mop Features:
- Dual-zone cleaning action
- Extra-large mop head makes cleaning quicker
- Durable telescoping mop handle for easy movements
- Reusable, machine-washable pads
- Microfiber dusting pad with electrostatic dust traps
- Rubberized corners to prevent damage to baseboards and furniture
- Suitable for types of flooring, including vinyl and hardwood
Frequently Asked Questions
Vinyl is a popular choice for high-traffic living spaces, including kitchens, lounges, hallways, and bathrooms.
What is the Best Way to Clean Vinyl Floors?
Cleaning luxury vinyl flooring should be kept simple using the right products as part of a regular routine. The best mops paired with the proper cleaner keep floors smooth and shiny with no tackiness or waxy residue.
The best way to clean vinyl flooring is to first use a vacuum or broom to remove dust before mopping. Then clean with a microfiber pad mop to collect dust, dirt, and grime. To keep luxury vinyl flooring bright and beautiful use a recommended vinyl cleaner.
Is a Steam Mop Good for Vinyl Flooring?
Any mop with a microfiber cloth or built-in sprayer can be used on vinyl flooring, including LVT and LVP vinyl. However, steam cleaners should not be used on vinyl. The heat and moisture can penetrate the inner layers and damage surfaces. This can disrupt the overall appearance of the planks, especially grained vinyl, and cause disfiguration of the structure.
What Floors Should Not Be Steam Mopped?
Steam cleaners are excellent for hygienically cleaning tile flooring, linoleum, and water-resistant laminate. But they should not be used for non-waterproof laminate, vinyl flooring, wood floor, polished concrete floors, or hardwood. The steam and heat can penetrate the wood, disrupt the finish, and seep into the gaps between planks, causing bending.
Using steam cleaners on these floors can also void warranties. It’s best to use a spray mop or a microfiber pad mop to clean these floors without damaging the surface or structure. Some hardwood flooring can be steam mopped, provided the temperature is lowered and its use is recommended by the manufacturer. Sealed and unsealed concrete floors can also be steam mopped.
How Do You Care for Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl gets dirty and dusty easily, especially in high-traffic areas. But all vinyl flooring, including sheet and luxury vinyl, is easy to clean and maintain. Routine vacuuming or sweeping with a soft brush or broom is best for removing dust.
To remove dirt and grime build-ups, use a spray mop or a mop with a microfiber cloth pad for gentle cleaning. Don’t use a steam cleaner or soak luxury vinyl flooring with string mops.
Are Steam Mops Safe for Luxury Vinyl Floors?
Generally, no, steam mops are not safe for use on luxury vinyl floors. Excessive heat can damage vinyl surfaces and impact the shine of planks. Even when temperatures are lowered, steam can penetrate gaps in the planks and make surfaces uneven.
Simple cleaners that don’t use heat or steam are best for luxury vinyl. Vacuuming, sweeping, and cleaning with a microfiber pad mop is best.
How Do I Keep My Vinyl Floor Shiny and Clean?
To keep your vinyl floor shiny and clean, stick to a regular cleaning routine. And avoid using any products with detergents, wax, ammonia, or abrasives. Vinyl floors should be cleaned routinely with the right cleaner and a spray mop to keep it looking nice. However, flooring that hasn’t been cleaned for several months or years will benefit from something more powerful.
Some of the best cleaners for vinyl floors are Squeaky Cleaner, Coretec Encore, and Bona Pro. These cleaners remove serious grime and bring out the natural shine of vinyl flooring.They come available in concentrate form or in spray bottles.
Summary
Cleaning vinyl is quick and easy with a great mop and effective cleaner. But remember to be mindful of the products used to prolong the lifespan of your flooring. Stick to simple cleaning products and non-abrasive cleaners. Don’t use anything with too much heat or moisture, like string mops and steamers.
To keep floors clean, shiny, and dust-free, vacuum weekly and mop vinyl floors at least once a month. Our best mops for vinyl flooring are the WOCA Spray Mop and the Bona Premium microfiber Mop.
