How to Clean Vinyl Industrial Flooring
Are you the proud owner of vinyl industrial flooring? Congratulations – it’s an excellent choice and investment! Vinyl is highly durable and aesthetically pleasing, making it ideal for businesses that experience heavy foot traffic. However, they can’t keep their appearance if improperly maintained.
But like all surfaces, keeping your vinyl industrial flooring clean is essential to preserve its appearance and longevity. Cleaning and maintaining its original state can be tricky but fear not because there are tips you can follow that will help you without damaging them.
Tips to Consider to Clean Industrial Vinyl Flooring
Cleaning vinyl floors properly is essential to keep them looking good for as long as possible. They’re a fantastic option but require constant maintenance and upkeep, especially in high-traffic areas. So if you’re wondering how to clean vinyl industrial flooring, below are some tips to start with.
Always Sweep Your Floors
Dirt can easily stick to vinyl floors, especially if not cleaned regularly. The floor should be swept daily to remove surface dirt and any tracked-in debris and dust. At the same time, a simple routing sweep every day after work can make them last longer.
For instance, if you have an industrial cleaner, simply ask them to sweep the floors after the workday. They must do this daily so dirt won’t get stuck on your vinyl floors.
Prevent Using Harsh Cleaning Methods
Instead of using heavy-duty cleaners and equipment, opting for the mildest cleaning method possible is most acceptable. It will keep the vinyl floors looking good for longer and prevents any damage that could occur from using harsh cleaning methods.
You can sweep or vacuum it every evening. If grime is present, which is a bit harder to get, you can use a dampened mop with warm water. You can also use soap, but ensure it’s for vinyl floors.
Try Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the best cleaners for industrial vinyl flooring is apple cider vinegar. It has an acidity level, which helps remove dirt and grime without leaving any residue or buildup, which is always present when you use soap or wax. Plus, it’s effortless to use.
Simply mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water. You can also use white vinegar if you’d like a disinfectant. But if the floor is dirty, add a few drops of dishwashing soap. Baby oil is an excellent addition if you want your floors to shine.
Prevent Drenching Your Vinyl with Water
Drenching your floors with water can damage them even further, instead of the other way around. So it’s always a good decision to use excessive water while cleaning. A damp mop is enough, as it won’t break into the cracks.
An overly wet mop can destroy the glue that bonds the vinyl planks together. So it can cause the edges to curl or come loose.
Never Wax Your Vinyl Floors
Vinyl already has a sheen that makes it naturally shine, thanks to the clear polyurethane coating. Therefore, waxing isn’t required. It also means you will never want to wax it, ever. The properties of wax won’t work well with the coating, leaving a mess behind.
Instead, use a polish or sealant once the vinyl loses its shine. But before that, ensure it’s clean and doesn’t have debris before applying one or two layers.
Put “Feet” on Your Equipment or Machinery
Heavy items can dent your vinyl flooring over time. It would help to put feet on them, such as floor protectors. These are available at home improvement centers or hardware stores.
So if you don’t want your vinyl floors to look dull and worn out, adding feet or floor protectors can help keep them looking new all the time.
Use a Soft Nylon Brush for Stains
If your vinyl floor has stains, then use a soft nylon brush. These can help remove any stains, primarily when used with rubbing alcohol. For instance, ink stains can be hard to remove. Most of the time, there are other options than mopping.
So you can use rubbing alcohol and clean the floor using a soft nylon brush. For paint or marker stains, you can use mineral spirits instead of rubbing alcohol.
WD-40 for Scuffs
There are times when you can’t easily remove stubborn scuffs. Therefore, using a lubricant, such as WD-40, can make those scuffs disappear. You may also use jojoba oil and then rub the spot thoroughly.
To clean any traces of lubrication, you can clean with vinegar and water solution. It’s easy and will keep your vinyl flooring spotless.
Use an Area Rug
Over time, constant dirt, dust, and grime on your industrial vinyl flooring can degrade it. Therefore, using an area rug at every facility entrance can prevent dirt and grime from migrating to your floors. It’s a simple solution that will prevent permanent damage in the future.
Another tip is to use plywood or paneling to move heavy items on the floor. These will prevent your heavy machinery and equipment from leaving any traces of scuff marks or tears.
Know the Different No-Wax Floor Cleaners
If you want to avoid using traditional cleaners like apple cider vinegar or rubbing alcohol, find out what cleaners are ideal for your no-wax vinyl floors. There are many of these products in the market today. Most of them come with clear directions right on the package.
Choose an Industrial Flooring Company that Can Take Care of Your Vinyl Floors
We understand how daunting it can be to clean your vinyl floors, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their nature. However, searching for a company fully equipped to handle them is a great choice.
At McLean Company, we provide different types of floor services you can choose from. So if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can also request a quote, and we’ll find the best solution to clean your industrial vinyl flooring.