Vinyl plank flooring is some of the most affordable floorings around today. Its popularity has grown over recent years due to its lower price point, especially when compared to hardwood floors.
However, there is more luxurious vinyl flooring available such as LifeProof.
This rigid luxury vinyl flooring can finish off a home’s decor. As well as looking stylish, its soft texture is ideal for walking over without any discomfort.
But this constant use can leave the vinyl looking tired and unkempt. This is why regular maintenance and cleaning are important.
Unlike other materials, vinyl requires specific care when being cleaned. Fortunately, the process is quite simple.
To help you get your Lifeproof vinyl flooring looking like new again, we have come up with a step-by-step guide on how to clean it effectively.
Continue reading to discover how to clean LifeProof vinyl plank flooring to keep it pristine for as long as possible.
Cleaning Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring
Before you start cleaning your Lifeproof vinyl flooring, you will need to gather supplies. The equipment you use can be largely dependent on the state of the floors in regards to the amount of dirt or type of stains on its surface.
We recommend that you use:
- A mop (dust microfiber mop, regular mop)
- A broom
- A spray bottle
- A cleaner solution (see Step 1 + Homemade Cleaners for Lifeproof Vinyl flooring)
Step by step guideline
Step 1
Firstly, you will need to choose a cleaning solution. This must be tough enough to remove stains but not harsh enough to wear off the vinyl’s finishing.
You also don’t want the solution to leave a sticky residue after each clean. Therefore, it should be concentrated enough so you don’t have to spray too frequently.
You can purchase a commercial cleaning solution but these tend to contain harsh chemicals which can damage your expensive Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring.
Therefore, it is recommended that you use a homemade vinyl floor cleaner. Homemade floor cleaners are environmentally friendly and can be very effective when removing dirt.
Because vinyl flooring is prone to scratches, some homemade solutions are better for cleaning. One example is vinegar and alcohol. You can make this solution with:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Vinegar
- Dish detergent
- Water
Firstly, mix half a cup of vinegar and alcohol with a few drops of detergent and two gallons of water. The alcohol will cut through any stubborn dirt while the detergent works to eliminate residue.
Once you have the solution, pour the arrangement into a spraying bottle.
We will discuss more homemade solutions further down so you can clean your Lifeproof vinyl plank floor and protect it at the same time.
Step 2
Next, you need to sweep the entire floor. You can do this with a broom or a dust mop. A dust mop is preferred as it tends to be gentler on vinyl flooring and it will not cause any wear or dull out any areas of the surface.
Never use a scrub or brush too hard. Many companies cancel warranties on their vinyl flooring if signs of scrubbing are evident. Just be gentle.
Step 3
Once the floor is swept of dirt and debris, grab a hold of your spray bottle and spray the cleaning solution on the vinyl.
With a front and back movement, wipe the floor using a microfiber flat mop.
Clean a 4 x 4 area with every spray application. This should get rid of every last piece of residue.
Step 4
If your Lifeproof vinyl flooring has heavy or deep stains, such as food residue, you should:
- Spray directly onto the deep stain
- Leave for approximately four or five minutes
- Scrape the area very gently with a soft item such as a plastic spatula. This will ensure that you do not scratch the delicate floor
If debris or residue remains on the vinyl floor, repeat the process. Just make sure you are extremely gentle when mopping the floor so that you do not scratch the surface.
Homemade Cleaners for Lifeproof Vinyl flooring
As we mentioned, some commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals and can be abrasive. In turn, these can mark the delicate vinyl.
Let’s take a look at some efficient homemade solutions to get life back into your Lifeproof vinyl flooring.
Vinegar and hot water
Mixing vinegar and hot water is an effective way of eliminating dirt, stains, and spots from your vinyl surface. The acid within vinegar helps to cut through the most stubborn and grimiest dust build-ups on your floor. It also leaves no trace of any residue afterward.
To make this solution, simply:
- Pour a gallon of water and a cup of vinegar into a bucket
- Dampen a soft cloth and sweep down the vinyl surface gently
- Wash away with clean water
- Air-dry the surface or use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the floor dry
Baking soda paste
This is for those tough stains that refuse to move from your beloved Lifeproof floors. The solution is to apply baking soda paste. This has to be one of the most effortless yet effective ways to remove stains from your vinyl surface.
To make a thick baking soda paste, you need to:
- Pour a significant amount of water into two or three cups of baking soda
- Using a soft washcloth, apply the paste to the affected area
- Wait for 5 to 10 minutes for the paste to sit properly
- Scrub the floor with a soft microfiber cloth/mop
- Wash away the surface with clean water
Dishwasher liquid
Dishwashing liquid is another great option and you should have it at your disposal right now. This can help eliminate tough stains from vinyl floors in a short amount of time.
Dish liquid can be used as a regular floor cleaning agent as it is gentle enough for delicate surfaces such as Lifeproof vinyl.
Firstly:
- Mix hot water and a few spoons of dish soap in a bucket
- After wiping the floor clean of debris, mop the floor with the solution. Doing this regularly can prevent tough stains from forming
- Rinse with water before leaving to dry
A power cleaning combo
Sometimes, a simple cleaning solution just won’t cut it. If your vinyl floor requires heavy-duty cleaning, you should consider using a power cleaning combo.
This is generally a solution including:
- A cup of white vinegar
- A good amount of dishwashing liquid
- A fair amount of baby oil
- A gallon of hot water
This should then be mixed together and applied on your floor in need. You should also apply this to high-traffic areas of your home where the vinyl may have become worn and discolored over the years.
This homemade power cleaning combination is effective in sanitizing your floor as well as removing stubborn stains. Do this regularly and your Lifeproof floor will have a much longer lifespan.
Cleaning your Lifeproof vinyl floor without vinegar
As you can see, vinegar is a common home remedy to clean vinyl floors. However, some homeowners prefer to use other methods as vinegar may not always be the best option for some floor types.
Fortunately, there are other alternatives. Instead of cleaning your floor when you notice a considerable build-up of dust, dirt, or stains, maintain it regularly. Use a dry mop or a vacuum to clean your vinyl floor frequently or as soon as any debris is left on the floor.
Vacuum or mop under furniture, kitchen cabinets, and all corners of the room. You can also use a damp mop to pick up more stubborn pieces of dirt. For a stained area, try utilizing a soft-bristled brush to remove the mark altogether.
Alcohol can be extremely effective in removing stains left by lipstick, ink, or dye. You can use mineral spirits or nail polish remover instead of alcohol as well. Just apply to the stain and rub in to remove it. While this may not work the first time, repetition should help decrease the stain over time.
With the right cleaning solution, supplies, and care, your Lifeproof vinyl flooring can come back from the dead and look brighter than ever.