Simple Ways to Keep Your Vinyl or Lino Flooring Looking Its Best

Why Vinyl and Lino Require Special Care

Because they are tough and water resistant, many consider vinyl and lino flooring to be easy to live with. However, that doesn’t mean these floors should be cleaned like wood or tile flooring. Vinyl and lino have a protective surface coating. How you maintain that surface coating has a large impact on how quickly the floor becomes dull.

Whether you chose vinyl with a wood grain effect for the kitchen floor or lino with its traditional checked flooring, a quick routine care cleaning will increase the floor’s longevity.

Daily and Weekly Maintenance

Traffic dust and grit are the biggest threats to any flooring’s sheen. Vacuuming on a daily basis should have the beater bar turned off, and is a necessarymaintenance routine. Cleaning with a slightly damp mop and a mild, pH neutral cleaner should be done roughly once a week. For even better, long term upkeep, it is prudent to check the manufacturer’s advice on what cleaner to use, as harsher and more chemicals like bleach may result in a hazier finish. Protective surface coatings should always be upheld. Cleaners should always lightly maintain, as opposed to deeply clean.

Rather than deeply cleaning, it is perhaps more important as a preventative measure, to avoid standing water. Vinyl and lino are resistant to water (although, not proof), and water standing along the edges or seams can damage the flooring and the adhesive seal below the flooring as well.

Protecting the Surface From Everyday Wear

Furniture causes scuffs and dents through everyday use. One unexpected way to minimize damage is by fitting furniture feet with felt or rubber pads, and using a proper chair mat with castors underneath desk chairs. Mats utilized at exterior doors also minimize the grit that gets tracked in and is a simple way to maintain surface finish.

Furniture caused by sun exposure fades. If you have darker shaded flooring, protect it by utilizing curtains or blinds during the day in sun exposed areas.

Dealing With Spills and Stains

Cleaning up spills immediately is the best practice on all surfaces, especially when dealing with acidic spills like fruit juice or vinegar, which can discolor flooring finishes with prolonged residue. Stains can be easily dealt with by applying a little warm water to the surface with a soft cloth. Abrasive scourers should be avoided as they can scratch the surface.

When to Think About Replacing Your Floor

All flooring will have to be replaced eventually with the proper amount of use and stress applied. Curling floor seams, sections of the floor backing material becoming visible, and soft or uneven flooring sections are all signs that flooring has reached the end of its use.

It’s useful to examine the early signs before they require a bigger, more expensive repair. You can consider looking into the room design and layout while these signs are apparent.

Design and style are subjective, but different rooms are used differently. A kitchen that is used frequently and is usually busy, should have a surface with a pattern that can conceal scuff marks. A calm study or bedroom could have a smoother, more elegant surface.

Little Care Goes a Long Way

In the UK, vinyl and lino are some of the most convenient flooring for busy homes. They are some of the easiest flooring options that require a minimal amount of effort and maintenance to keep them looking good. The best way to keep your flooring in top condition is to clean regularly, using a mild cleaner, scuff and grit protectors, and immediate clean ups of spills.