How to clean and maintain vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is known for being durable, stylish, and easy to maintain - making it a smart choice for busy households. Whether you have Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) or vinyl rolls, keeping your floors clean is simple and helps maintain a healthy home environment.
Use mild detergents and a soft mop to remove everyday dirt and dust. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps your floors looking fresh.
At Tarkett, our vinyl floors feature a PUR surface treatment that protects against scratches, stains, and wear - making cleaning even easier.
To reduce dirt build-up, choose flooring with fewer seams. Our ICONIK vinyl rolls can be installed without joints, while our LVT planks come in longer formats with a tight click-locking system. This creates a smooth surface that limits gaps where dust and bacteria can collect.
Tarkett Human-Conscious Design™ ensures our flooring is not only easy to clean, but also safe, durable, and designed with your well-being in mind.
Cleaning routine
How to clean vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain with a simple routine. For daily cleaning, use a broom, vacuum cleaner, or dry mop to remove dust and prevent dirt build-up.
Once a week, or more often if needed, clean your vinyl floor with a damp mop or a cloth soaked in warm water and a neutral detergent. This gentle method helps remove stains and keeps your floor looking fresh.
Avoid using too much water—a small amount is enough to clean effectively without damaging the surface. Regular care helps maintain the appearance, durability, and hygiene of your vinyl flooring.
How to clean stains on your vinyl floor?
Removing stains from vinyl flooring is quick and easy with the right method. For the best results, treat stains immediately using a nylon pad and neutral detergent. Always clean from the outside of the stain inward, then rinse with clean water and dry the area.
General cleaning method for vinyl floor stains
- Act fast: Clean stains as soon as they appear to prevent permanent discoloura-tion.
- Use a nylon pad and a neutral pH detergent for spot cleaning.
- Always clean from the outside of the stain towards the centre to avoid the risk of spreading.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
How to remove specific stains from vinyl flooring
- Oil, Vinegar, or Lemon Stains: these acidic substances can cause surface discolouration. Clean immediately using a solution of warm water and neutral detergent.
- Ink, Tomato Sauce, or Blood Stains: apply highly diluted alcohol directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes without scrubbing, then rinse thoroughly with water.
- Pen and Marker Stains: gently rub the stain with a cloth dampened with white spirit, then rinse well with clean water.
- Rust Stains: use a rust-removal sponge.
Extra tips to maintain and protect your vinyl flooring
To keep your vinyl flooring looking beautiful for years, follow these simple cleaning and care tips:
- Use protective pads (like felt) under heavy furniture, chairs, and table legs to prevent dents and scratches.
- Avoid rubber-backed items on your vinyl floor, as they can cause permanent stains or discolouration.
- Place doormats at all entrances to trap dirt and dust before it reaches your floor, this can stop up to 80% of debris.
- Clean regularly with natural, soft, or neutral pH detergents to protect the surface and maintain shine.
- Keep hot objects like heaters, ash, or coals at a safe distance to avoid heat damage or warping.
By following these easy steps, you’ll extend the life of your vinyl floor and keep it looking its best.
Don't clean vinyl floors with:
- Abrasive powders
- Black soap
- Acetone or solvents
- Wax or varnish
- Oil-based products
How to maintain vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is naturally durable, water-resistant, and resistant to scratches and stains. Tarkett vinyl floors are built with multi-directional base layers for added stability and moisture protection. They also feature a PUR surface treatment that boosts durability and makes cleaning even easier.
With regular care, vinyl floors require minimal maintenance. Unlike hardwood flooring, there’s no need to apply wax or polish to restore shine. A simple deep clean using warm water and mild soap is enough to refresh the surface and maintain its original look.
While vinyl is tough, it’s not indestructible. To keep your floor in top condition, follow basic cleaning routines and take steps to protect against damage over time.
How to repair
How to repair vinyl flooring
Repairing vinyl flooring depends on the type of product you have and the extent of the damage. For Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), some manufacturers allow you to replace individual planks, while others recommend avoiding this to preserve the integrity of the installation.
Replacing a damaged plank - iD Click Ultimate and Elegance Rigid:
— Cut inside the damaged plank using a cutter and remove it.
— Trim the tongue and groove at each corner of the empty space.
— Soften the new plank with a hot air blower before installation.
— Insert the long side first, then press it under the groove on the short side.
— Once in place, press the tongue into the groove on the opposite side to lock it.
Repairing sheet vinyl:
For sheet vinyl flooring, repairs are more technical. Small cuts or scratches can sometimes be sealed with a liquid seam sealer, but this method can be challenging and may not deliver a seamless finish. In some cases, patching with new material is required.
For the best results, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, maintenance, and repair of your vinyl flooring.
How do you make vinyl floors shine?
Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, making it easy to match your style. Many homeowners choose vinyl as a cost-effective alternative to wood, tile, or stone, thanks to its ability to reproduce natural looks and its easy maintenance.
While matte finishes are currently popular, you can also choose high-gloss vinyl flooring for a shinier appearance. To keep glossy vinyl floors looking bright, simply follow a regular cleaning routine. Remove dust and dirt with a vacuum, soft mop, or mild detergent.
Unlike hardwood floors, vinyl doesn’t require wax or polish to restore shine. Keeping the surface clean is enough to maintain its glossy finish and keep your floor looking new.
Can you polish vinyl floors?
Vinyl flooring is designed to be low maintenance and does not require polishing or waxing, unlike hardwood or stone floors. All Tarkett vinyl floors are protected with a reinforced polyurethane (PUR) surface treatment, which keeps the surface shiny, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean.
To maintain the original look of your vinyl floor, simply follow a regular cleaning routine using warm water and a neutral detergent. No special polish is needed—just keep the surface clean to preserve its shine and durability.
Choosing vinyl means less effort, and a floor that stays beautiful with minimal care.
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