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Vinyl flooring is incredibly versatile, and along with its availability in a plethora of colors and styles, it is also known for being long-lasting with proper care. Regularly cleaning vinyl flooring is important for maintaining its appearance and extending its life in the long run. Similar to other types of floor like hardwood and tile, vinyl floors can be cleaned with traditional soap and water, or with natural cleaning supplies, but to ensure its longevity, a specific type of cleaner is necessary.
“Vinyl cleaners are specifically designed to get rid of dirt and grime without causing any damage,” says Rhonda Wilson, Quality Lead Cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. “They're gentle enough to keep the protective layer intact.” To evaluate the best cleaners for vinyl floors, we thoroughly researched top-rated options across a variety of well-known brands while considering factors like formula ingredients, scent, product type and size, and intended use. We also asked Wilson for expert tips on finding cleaners that suit a wide range of needs and preferences.
The cleaner effectively removes dirt and grime while providing a streak-free shine.
It may leave a sticky film on some floors.
When maintaining vinyl floors, you often have to purchase a cleaner and a polish to effectively clean the floor and give it a mirror-like shine. The Rejuvenate High Performance All-Floor Cleaner tackles both jobs in one convenient solution that you can use on vinyl, laminate, tile, linoleum, and hardwood floors. Though the cleaner comes in a 32 ounce spray bottle, if you want more product, it’s also available in a 128 ounce, refillable bottle.
The cleaner can be poured directly onto the floor or attached to the Rejuvenate Click n Clean spray mop (an adjustable spray mop with a swivel head), making it versatile for a number of cleaning applications. The PH-balanced formula is strong enough to remove surface level dirt, grime, and wax buildup, all without stripping any sealants or finishes. The final result is a streak-free, glossy look minus the extra effort of polishing it separately.
It should be noted, though, that this formula may leave a sticky film on some floors. To avoid accidentally creating a large sticky mess, we recommend testing the cleaner out on a small spot before using it on your entire floor. If a sticky residue is left behind, it can be wiped away with clean, damp microfiber cloth.
Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Fresh
The powder concentrate packets yield 40 ounces of cleaning solution for an affordable price.
The scent may be overpowering for some.
The Everspring Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaner Concentrate offers a budget-friendly solution to cleaning your vinyl floor. Unlike popular cleaners that are a liquid or spray, this powder concentrate is diluted with water to make a liquid solution that can be used in a spray bottle, the Everspring spray mop, or with a standalone mop. The cleanser is broken up into two packets that each make 20 ounces of cleaning solution when mixed with warm water—a great value when compared to similar products on the market.
The concentrate is made with plant-derived ingredients and infused with essential oils that leave behind a refreshing scent of lemon and mint after cleaning. Bear in mind, however, that the scent of the cleanser may be strong for those with scent sensitivities. After a thorough cleaning, you don’t have to worry about rinsing or leaving behind residue, as it effectively removes dirt, dust, and grime with the swipe of a cloth or mop.
Type: Powder concentrate | Size: Two 0.42 ounce packets (makes 20 ounces of cleaning solution per packet) | Scent: Lemon and mint
The neutral-PH solution is specifically formulated for LVP (luxury vinyl plank) and LVT (luxury vinyl tile) surfaces.
Footprints may show after cleaning.
Many vinyl floor cleaners are multipurpose products that can be used on a number of hard floor surfaces, but the OdoBan Luxury Vinyl Floor Cleaner is specifically made with vinyl flooring in mind. The water-based, neutral-PH cleaner is made without added dyes, phosphorus, parabens, phthalates, or ammonia, which means it is very gentle on vinyl floor surfaces and won’t dull the floor’s protective coating. Plus, the clean formula is safe for use around pets and children.
One great feature about the cleaner is that it is fast-drying, so you don’t have to wait several minutes (or even hours) for your floors to dry before walking on them. With that being said, some shoppers have said that the cleaner leaves a slight film on the surface of the floor, which can make shoe prints and footprints noticeable even after allowing the floors to fully dry. For the best results, pour the product in a spray bottle or spray mop, apply a light mist to the desired area, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or mop pad.
Type: Liquid | Size: 128 ounces | Scent: Unscented
The fully natural formula doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, but is powerful enough to get the job done.
It’s made with distilled white vinegar, which can leave behind a sour smell.
Aunt Fannie’s Ulta Concentrated Cleaner is made with a natural formula and powerful cleaning properties that rival other cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. Its key ingredient is distilled white vinegar, a common household product that naturally neutralizes odors and dissolves grease, grime, and dirt. Including vinyl, the solution is safe for use on other floor surfaces like hardwood, tile, and linoleum, and is even nontoxic for the environment, pets, and humans.
Additionally, the cleaner also contains plant-based surfactants that break up stubborn grime, and a blend of lavender, eucalyptus, cedar, and rosemary oil for a refreshing lemon scent. Despite the inclusion of essential oils, some customers have noted that the cleaner does have a strong vinegar scent. Despite this, the 32 ounce liquid concentrate makes 16 gallons of cleaning solution when used as directed, and it can be used traditionally with a mop and bucket, or with floor cleaning machines and spray bottles.
Type: Liquid concentrate | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Lemon (also available in lavender and eucalyptus)
It restores a luminous shine to vinyl floor surfaces without leaving behind streaks or residues.
It may not be ideal for floors that need a deep cleaning.
If your vinyl floors are in need of a restorative boost, the Simple Green Multi-Surface Floor Care Cleaner fits the bill. Reviewers praise the product’s streak-free, quick-drying formula that creates an impressive, restorative shine to the dullest of floors and surfaces. The cleaner is also free of ammonia, chlorine, phthalates, phosphates and glycol-ethers, and is specifically optimized for use around children and pets.
The cleaner is great for use on vinyl, hardwood, tile, laminate, and stone surfaces like granite, marble, and more. The solution is PH-neutral, so it’s strong enough to clean vinyl without stripping or dulling its protective top coating. While it’s great for spot treatments and daily use, it may not be powerful enough for floors that need deep cleaning. If you’re sold, the cleaner is available in a lemon verbena scent and comes in a large 1 gallon bottle.
Type: Liquid | Size: 1 gallon | Scent: Lemon verbena
It comes in a variety of long-lasting, pleasant scents, and cleans dirt and grime with naturally-derived ingredients.
It can leave a cloudy-looking appearance on some floors.
Mrs. Meyer’s is known for its line of naturally-derived products that smell refreshing, and its Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate is no exception. The 32 ounce concentrated cleaner is available in a whopping 14 scents like orange, daisy, rose, and more. However, a best-seller is the lavender scent, which features notes of lavender and orange peel for a garden-fresh, original smell.
The product is suitable for non-porous floor types, including vinyl, hardwood, and tile. The biodegradable formula is made of plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, and doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, or animal derived ingredients that can be harmful. It’s also a no-rinse solution, so you can use it without needing to wipe it up afterwards. Some customers found, however, that the product can leave a cloudy, hazy appearance on floors once dried.
Type: Liquid concentrate | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Lavender (other scents available)
It’s plant-based, suitable on a variety of surfaces, and works with spray mops and vacuum mops.
Some floors can feel a little sticky after use.
While not all cleaners are compatible for use in different machines, the Quick Shine Multi Surface Floor Cleaner, however, can be used in a number of different applications, including vacuum or spray mops. The 64 ounce liquid cleaner is made from clean ingredients, like baking soda and plant-based cleansers, and is also formulated without harsh ingredients like alcohol, ammonia, and sulfates, to name a few. The solution is specifically safe for LVT and LVP, as well as hardwood, laminate, tile, and stone floors.
While the plant-based ingredients help break down dirt and grime, the cleanser’s trademarked waterborne technology polishes hard floor surfaces without leaving a slippery film or a hazy finish. However, the cleaner can leave a sticky residue on some floors, so we recommend spot testing the product before using it all over your floor.
Type: Liquid | Size: 64 ounces | Scent: Clean
It features a plant-based formula and sustainable packaging.
It may not leave much of a shine on floors.
While there are other plant-based vinyl cleaners on this list, the Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray is our top eco-friendly pick for the brand's sustainability efforts. The product is Safer Choice Certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which means it is manufactured with practices that work to reduce, eliminate, and prevent pollution. The packaging is also made from 30 percent post-consumer recycled materials.
The 32 ounce spray cleaner contains 92 percent USDA-certified biobased ingredients and is safe for children, pets, and the environment. Its water-based and biodegradable formula works gently to remove dust, grime, and dirt from a variety of floor types, including vinyl. While it is effective at thoroughly cleaning vinyl floors, the cleaner may not leave much of a shine after use, which may be disappointing for those that want a more polished look.
Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Unscented or lemon
Its convenient spray bottle allows for targeted cleaning of tough stains, dirt, grime, and scuffs.
The smell may be too strong for some.
For spot treatment and targeted jobs, the COREtec Encore Luxury Vinyl Floor Cleaner is an excellent pick. The cleaner comes in a 32 ounce spray bottle, making it convenient for use in small areas that need some extra TLC. The strong formula is specifically made for breaking down tough stains and removing dirt, grease, dust, and even scuff from hard floor surfaces. Despite its toughness, it’s still safe for use on LVT and LVP flooring, and it doesn’t require any rinsing or washing afterwards.
The product is full-strength, which means there’s no need for it to be diluted to use. Rather, it can simply be sprayed onto the floor and wiped away with a microfiber cloth, towel, or mop. After use, the cleaner gives floors a bright appearance with an enhanced finish without any kind of sticky or dull residue. While the clean scent adds a refreshing touch, some shoppers have noted that the smell of the cleaner is off-putting.
Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Clean
It can be used directly onto the floor, with no rinsing required.
It may leave streaks on the floor once dried.
The Better Life Floor Cleaner is a solid option for those looking to maintain your vinyl floors instead of opting for a deep clean. The squirt and mop style liquid cleaner comes in a 32 ounce bottle, and can be conveniently used by squeezing the bottle without a mop, machine, or rinsing. Moreover, the formula is made with plant-based cleaners like corn and coconut, and is naturally scented with peppermint, bergamot, and grapefruit for a cool, fresh citrus scent.
Despite being made with natural ingredients, the cleaner is powerful, and destroys dirt, grime, and tough stains while giving your floor a lustrous, brilliant shine. Additionally, it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like bleach, alcohol, or parabens, and it’s children-, pet-, and environmentally-safe. However, some reviewers have noted that the product can leave streaks on some floors once fully dried.
Type: Liquid | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Citrus mint
Our best overall pick is the Rejuvenate High Performance All-Floors and Hardwood Floor Cleaner due to its PH-balanced formula, shine-booster technology, and ease of use. For those looking for a comparable vinyl floor cleaner at a modest price, the Everspring Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaner Concentrate has similar cleaning properties for a fraction of the cost — just note that its scent may not be the most pleasing.
There are two types of vinyl floor cleaners: ready-to-use liquids sprays, and powder and liquid concentrates. Like the name suggests, ready-to-use sprays can be applied directly onto the floor with a microfiber cloth or mop. These cleaners are pre-diluted, and work particularly well for small cleaning jobs, or when you don’t have the time to mix a solution together. Because ready-to-use liquid cleaners and sprays are made for immediate use, you can’t adjust the formula to your liking, which is a drawback if you need something more heavy-duty.
Powder and liquid concentrates, on the other hand, are highly concentrated cleaners that are meant to be diluted in water. In contrast to ready-to-use liquids and sprays, the strength and intensity of powder and liquid concentrates can be modified depending on how much product you mix with water. “If you’re dealing with heavy dirt and grime you can make a stronger solution with concentrated formulas, or if you just need a light clean, you can dilute it,” Wilson explains.
Concentrated cleaners are typically more cost effective than their ready-to-use cleaning counterparts, but do require an extra step in the cleaning process to mix up. Depending on your preferences, how much space you want to clean, and potential time constraints, this may be more burdensome than using a spray cleaner.
Vinyl floor cleaners are made up of a number of key ingredients that each serve a specific purpose. “You’ve got things like surfactants that loosen up all the dirt and grime, solvents that help with really tough stains, and chelating agents that keep your floors looking great even if you’ve got hard water.” explains Wilson. In addition to these ingredients, many cleaners contain pH adjusters to make sure it won’t damage your floor, and a variety of fragrances (usually of your choice) for a fresh smell.
While these ingredients are helpful in combating greasy residues and grime on hard floor surfaces, they are often formulated with harsh chemicals that can cause skin and respiratory irritation, pose a hazard to sensitive groups like children and pets, and leave behind an overpowering smell. “If you’re environmentally conscious, then natural or eco-friendly cleaners are the way to go because they don’t contain harsh chemicals, making them safe for children and pets,” Wilson advises.
The way you want to approach cleaning your vinyl floor will depend on your personal goals/preferences. For example, if you’re looking to maintain cleanliness with minimal hassle, “spray cleaners are really good to use for quick clean-ups or spot cleanings,” says Wilson. If you want to do a deep clean, however, you may want to consider using a rejuvenating, high performance, or concentrated cleaner to lift grime, dirt, and stains.
It’s also worth keeping in mind how much you want to clean. If you’re going to deep clean your entire floor, you may want to opt for a gallon-size cleaner instead of a small spray bottle. Generally, Wilson recommends using liquid cleaners, as the product is best utilized on vinyl floors in larger spaces, like living rooms, kitchens, etc.
While vinyl floors are highly durable, they still need to be treated with care while cleaning. When cleaning vinyl flooring, Wilson advises against using bleach or ammonia. “They might seem like a quick fix, but they can actually strip away that protective layer on your vinyl, leaving it vulnerable to damage and discoloration,” she explains.
Wax- and oil-based cleaners aren’t the best either, as both of these options can build up tacky layers that attract dirt and dust. As far as cleaning tools go, leave steel wool and tough-bristled brushes behind, as both can scratch the surface of the floor.
Also, be cautious of how much water you use while cleaning, whether that be with steam or traditional mops. “Too much moisture can cause it to lift or curl at the edges,” Wilson says. “So, avoid flooding your floors with water or leaving them in a puddle for too long. Steam mops’ heat and moisture can cause warping or swelling as well.”
While most vinyl floor cleaners are safe for hardwood floors, not all hardwood floor cleaners are suitable for vinyl floors. This type of cleaner contains specific ingredients that give hardwood floors a polished look and feel, which can ruin vinyl flooring down the line. “Hardwood cleaners often contain oils or waxes that can leave a sticky residue on vinyl floors. They’re a bit harsh so you might notice damage or discoloration,” Wilson explains.
Cleaning vinyl flooring is a simple process that only requires a few steps. First and foremost, use a broom or vacuum to pick up any loose dirt and debris off the floor. Once your floor is freshly swept or vacuumed, get either a ready-to-use liquid or spray or mix up a cleaning solution from a cleaning concentrate.
When using your chosen cleaner, grab a soft mop or sponge mop and dip it into the solution, and wring out any excess water. “Mop the floors section by section, and scrub any stubborn spots with a soft cloth or sponge,” Wilson advises. Once you’re finished cleaning, rinse the leftover residue with clean water (if the cleaner indicates rinsing is needed), and either dry the floor with a towel or let it air dry.
Wilson advises to opt for a vinyl floor polish or shine product from brands like Rejuvenate, Bona, or Weiman if you’re looking to revitalize faded vinyl. Most vinyl floor polish or shine products instruct users to apply the polish to the floor, wipe it with a microfiber cloth or mop pad in a consistent pattern, and allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes to an hour. However, directions may vary by product, so be sure to read them beforehand.
28mm plywood This article was written by Alicia Geigel, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To find the best vinyl floor cleaners, she researched the most popular options on the market, weighing factors like formula ingredients, scent, product type and size, cost, and customer reviews. For expert tips, Alicia spoke to Rhonda Wilson, Quality Lead Cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning, a professional cleaning service.