Tips for Cleaning your Hybrid, Laminate or Vinyl Flooring

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your hard flooring is to adopt a no-shoes policy inside your home. This significantly minimises the transfer of dirt, grit, and abrasive particles from outside, which can cause scratches and wear on your floor. Shoes, particularly those with stiletto heels, can create indentations and damage the surface of your flooring. Placing doormats at all external entrances is also recommended to catch any dirt or debris before it reaches your floor, ensuring it stays cleaner for longer.

When spills occur, it’s essential to act quickly to avoid damage to your flooring. Use a dry cloth to wipe up spills as soon as possible. If the spill is sticky or requires more thorough cleaning, lightly dampen the cloth. Be cautious not to use too much water as excess liquid can seep into the floor and cause warping or discolouration. Prompt action is crucial!

Choosing the right cleaning products is vital to maintaining the integrity of your floor. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powders, as they can scratch the surface of your laminate, hybrid, or vinyl floor. Never use oil soaps, wax, soap-based detergents, or other household products not specifically designed for your flooring type. These can damage the material over time. Always opt for cleaners that are recommended by the flooring manufacturer or designed specifically for laminate, hybrid, or vinyl floors. Never use steam mops as they can cause damage.

Taking a proactive approach to floor maintenance is critical. Regularly vacuum (using the bristles-down setting) or sweep with an electrostatic mop to remove loose dirt and grit that can scratch your floor. Sweeping or vacuuming frequently helps keep debris from building up and causing damage. For households with pets, keep their nails trimmed to minimise scratching caused by their movement on the floor. Implementing these practices can significantly extend the life of your flooring and maintain its appearance.

Both timber-look products are often forgiving materials, but they are not immune to wear and tear. To protect your investment, consider using runners or mats in high-traffic areas to absorb impact and reduce friction. Felt pads under heavy furniture can prevent dents and scratches caused by moving items across the floor. Avoid using rubber-backed mats as they can leach into the flooring and cause damage. Office chairs with castor wheels should also be equipped with protective mats to avoid damaging the floor with repeated movement.

After installation, avoid washing your new vinyl floor for at least 24 hours to allow it to dry and settle thoroughly. Excess water can cause warping or damage to the seams. Once the 24-hour period has passed, you can begin regular cleaning with a damp mop and a vinyl-specific cleaner to remove dust and debris without affecting the surface.

Use a mop designed for vinyl: Ensure it’s clean and free from any harsh chemicals that could damage the vinyl’s finish.
Avoid steam mops: As with other flooring types, excessive moisture can lead to warping or discolouration.
Use protective mats: In high traffic areas to prevent wear from foot traffic and furniture.
Immediate clean-up of spills: Promptly wipe up spills with a dry cloth to avoid damage from liquids seeping into the flooring.

By following these tips and guidelines, your laminate, hybrid, vinyl, vinyl plank, or hybrid timber flooring will remain beautiful and functional for years to come. Regular cleaning, prevention of damage, and using appropriate cleaning products are key to maintaining the integrity and longevity of these modern flooring materials.

In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the areas being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.

Is vinyl flooring good for a kitchen?

Vinyl flooring installed in a kitchen is a great option. It’s durable, easy to clean and some products are also water resistant. Perfect for busy family homes!

What type of flooring is easiest to maintain?

All flooring requires some level of maintenance to ensure it will look good for a long time. All carpet and hard flooring should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove grit and dirt from the surface (which can lead to scratches and marks). Laminate and vinyl floors are excellent low-maintenance hard flooring options while solution dyed nylon and polypropylene carpet are also resilient.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate floors utilise cutting edge photographic technology to simulate the stain, graining, and texture of wood for a fraction of the price. With laminate flooring you can easily add a touch of style and sophistication to any space. It’s also very durable and easy to care for.