How to make vinyl floor shine

Vinyl is one of the most durable and inexpensive flooring options for both residential and commercial spaces. Vinyl tiles are also very low maintenance; all you need to do is invest some time into regular cleaning to help your vinyl floor shine and to keep it looking its best. 

But if you’re wondering how to ensure clean, shiny vinyl flooring using natural solutions, we’ve pulled together the following guide to help you. Here at Flooring King, we’ve got you covered with the best products, techniques, and more. 

How to make vinyl floors shine naturally 

Vinyl is ideal for busy family homes, mainly due to its durability and easy upkeep. But over time, even the best-kept floors can start to show signs of wear and tear. 

With this in mind, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to restoring a vinyl floors’ shine, and bringing back the gleam. 

Remove debris and dust 

Begin by sweeping or vacuuming your vinyl to remove dust, dirt, or visible debris from its surface. When vacuuming, make sure to use a soft brush attachment to prevent any scratches. 

Even a thin layer of dust will make your flooring appear dull, but a quick once over can make all the difference. To maintain the shiny appearance of your vinyl, get into the habit of removing surface debris every few days (or at least once a week). 

Mix your cleaning solution

Next, it’s time to mix your natural cleaning solution. It’s crucial you stick to gentle, non-abrasive cleaners, with the two options below being ideal: 

• White vinegar: Mix a solution of white vinegar and water in a 5-gallon bucket and scrub the tiles using a damp sponge mop. Vinegar is a gentle, natural disinfectant that cuts through grime without damaging your vinyl. Start from the tiles far away from the entrance and work your way towards it. 
• Baking soda: For more stubborn grime or stains, you can combine the power of white vinegar with baking soda. Just sprinkle your baking soda over the area you’re looking to clean, then go in with the same solution as above. This will cause a fizzing reaction that will help lift dirt from the surface. 

As you’re cleaning, don’t forget to go over the grout lines too, removing any mildew or mould which might have built up. Finally, go over your vinyl once more with warm, clean water to remove any residue. 

Let your vinyl air dry 

After thoroughly mopping your tiles, let them air dry naturally (this should take around 30 minutes to an hour). 

If you’re looking to speed up the process, just use a fan to circulate air around the room or open a window to let fresh air in. Alternatively, soak up any remaining moisture with a dry microfibre cloth. 

Add some shine

While your floor should be looking much cleaner by this point, there are a few extra steps you can take to fully restore your vinyl floor’s shine.

For shiny vinyl flooring, just squeeze some lemon juice on a damp sponge and gently buff your tiles. This simple trick will restore the tiles’ lustre (and fill up the room with a fresh citrus fragrance). 

If you’re looking for an alternative polish for vinyl floors, you can pick up a commercial vinyl floor cleaner from your local home improvement store. Choose a pH-neutral option, then clean your floors until you reach your desired level of shine. 

How to maintain a glossy finish: top tips

To keep your vinyl floors looking their best, here are a few top tips to build into your maintenance routine: 

• Clean regularly: Depending on foot traffic, we’d recommend mopping your flooring every 1-2 weeks. In high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, you may need to clean more frequently. 
• Use rugs and mats: It’s a good idea to place rugs at entrances to trap dirt and prevent scratches. This will ensure your tiles remain clean for as long as possible. 
• Clean spills promptly: To avoid irreversible staining or warping, you’ll need to mop up any spills as soon as possible. While vinyl is water-resistant, standing liquid can still cause damage over time. Bear this in mind when you’re cleaning too, using a damp mop instead of a wet one. 
• Avoid harsh cleaners: It’s crucial to avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners with your vinyl flooring (like bleach or ammonia-based products). Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure your chosen cleaner is vinyl safe. 

Shop the Flooring King range today

There you have it: our top tips on how to make your vinyl floor shine naturally. As you can see, the process is quick and simple, allowing you to restore the gleam of your tiles safely and affordably. 

Looking to upgrade your flooring? Flooring King is your best bet for premium quality luxury vinyl tiles. We are an online flooring retailer specialising in a wide range of options, including laminate flooring and carpet tiles. Just contact us today to start your flooring renovation journey. 

Or if it’s additional insights you’re after, you’ll find plenty over on our blog. There you can read about the top ten LVT floors for bathrooms, as well as how to remove stains from vinyl.