How to Make Vinyl Floors Shine?


Vinyl floors, compared with most of the available flooring options, prove to be very suitable for residential and commercial spaces. They aren’t just durable but also more affordable than other durable flooring options like tiles and hardwood.

Despite all the good properties, vinyl floors can lose their shine and gloss over time. That’s where proper maintenance comes in.

In this article, you will learn natural ways to not only make your vinyl floors shine but also ensure they retain that shine.

Why Vinyl Floors Lose Their Shine

Vinyl floors are primarily made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a commonly produced plastic polymer. They can be made to look like wood, ceramics, or planks.

Vinyl flooring comes in two main types: vinyl rolls and luxury vinyl tiles.

Vinyl floors are constructed in multiple layers. The base begins with a backing layer, followed by a core layer. The core layer is then overlaid with a decorative layer, and a top coating provides protection and adds luster.

They can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, basements, and driveways, as well as in more intricate areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Here’s why vinyl floors lose their shine:

  • Presence of debris and dust: Any floor with visible debris or accumulated dust tends to lose its appeal, and vinyl floors are no exception. Sand particles, dust, or other debris on vinyl floors can dull their shine.
  • Inappropriate cleaning agents: Vinyl floors require regular cleaning, but not all cleaning products are safe. Agents with high levels of ammonia or other abrasive chemicals can damage vinyl floors and reduce their shine.
  • High water retention: Vinyl is water-resistant, but prolonged exposure to water or moisture can damage its appearance. Excess water can cause dullness or warping over time.
  • Sunlight exposure: When exposed to excess sunlight for a long time, vinyl floors tend to lose their shine.
  • Wear and tear: Like other flooring options, vinyl floors are prone to scratches and scuffs from furniture, pet claws, or even children playing, which can gradually reduce their luster.

Gather Your Supplies

To effectively clean vinyl floors and restore their shine, you’ll need the right materials:

  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Brooms
  • Soft brushes
  • Buckets
  • Cleaning agents (homemade or commercial)
  • Microfiber mop
  • Warm water
  • Sponges

Remove All Dust and Debris

The cleaning process does not effectively begin until all debris is swept or vacuumed and all dust is removed. Attention should also be paid to points where vinyl tiles meet, as debris tends to accumulate there. Vinyl floors should be thoroughly swept while minimizing the pressure of the broom, brush, or vacuum cleaner on the floors.

Tackle Stubborn Stains on Vinyl Floors

Some stains go away after mild mopping, while others remain stubborn even after the floor has been cleaned. Different cleaning agents work best for different types of stains on vinyl floors.


For example, grease and oil stains may require a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda in warm water. On the other hand, marker stains require a gentler approach, such as using a small amount of rubbing alcohol mixed with water to lift it from the surface of the vinyl floors.

Mop the Floor With the Right Cleaning Agents

After treating special stains, proceed to mop the entire floor. Cleaning agents can be either homemade or industrial.

Homemade cleaning agents can be a mixture of white vinegar and warm water or liquid soap and warm water to help restore the shine on vinyl floors. Commercial cleaning agents should be neutral pH solutions, which are ideal for mopping vinyl floors.

Avoid abrasive cleaning agents, as they can damage the appearance of vinyl floors.

A microfiber mop is ideal for cleaning vinyl floors as it is soft and effectively traps dirt. The mop should be damp, not wet, when cleaning.

Rinse and Clean the Floors

It’s optional to rinse the floors after mopping, but doing so can help remove any vinegar residue from the vinyl floors, making it safer, especially if children frequently come into contact with the floor.

After rinsing, ensure the floor is thoroughly dried to complete the cleaning process.

Apply Floor Polish for Extra Shine

Some vinyl floors may not completely regain their luster even after you have cleaned them. This can be due to visible scratches or tears, peeling of the top coating, or other factors.

In such cases, you’ll need to apply floor polish to restore the shine of your vinyl floors.

Read More: What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

How to Maintain the Glossy Look of Vinyl Floors

Here are some tips to ensure your vinyl floors don’t lose their shine and always look their best:

  • Regularly sweep and vacuum your vinyl floors to prevent the accumulation of dirt.
  • Mop the floors once or twice a week to help retain their shine.
  • Clean stains quickly as soon as they occur or are noticed to prevent hardening and make them easier to remove.
  • Cover the tips of your home or work furniture with foam to reduce scratches on the vinyl floors.
  • Avoid water or moisture retention on the surface of your vinyl floors. They are water-resistant but can be damaged by prolonged exposure.
  • When cleaning or mopping, ensure the mop is damp, not wet, as excess water can dull the appearance of vinyl floors.

Read More: Best Methods for Cleaning Vinyl

The Final Word

Vinyl floors are an ideal choice for homes and business spaces because they are durable, shiny, affordable, and resistant to water, stains, and tears. However, even the best of floors need maintenance, and vinyl floors are no exception.

Maintaining your vinyl floors and keeping them shiny not only helps them last longer but also ensures your space always looks its best.

If you need quality vinyl floors for your home, or if your flooring is severely damaged and needs replacement, get in touch with Family Interiors. With over 49 years of experience, our seasoned pros can provide a free in-home estimate to help you choose the right vinyl in terms of color and thickness. We proudly serve customers throughout San Diego County.

Upgrade Your Floors — Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Content Source: https://familyinteriors.com/blog/how-to-make-vinyl-floors-shine/

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