That luxury vinyl floors is a stunning addition to your home, but maintenance can be a challenge. **Vinyl which endures heavy traffic requires an equally strong cleaning regimen** to store it looking bright and new. When a straightforward wet-mop will not cut it, then try specific routines to get a heavy-duty clean which will not dismay your environmentally aware side.
Practice Prevention
Place doormats at every entrance to your home, and ask guests to remove their shoes when they enter. **Sweep your vinyl floors at least once every day** to help remove debris before it becomes ground in. Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur, and put floor protectors beneath the legs of heavy chairs, sofas or tables which break in your delicate vinyl floors. Outfit kitchen chair legs with soft, felt covers to avoid their scuffing or scratching your flooring.
Concoct a Combo Cleaner
Based on [Bob Vila](http://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-vinyl-flooring/#.VOJxY\_nF-oo), a simple and efficient means to remove heavy dirt and dirt from vinyl flooring comprises combining a solution of **1 cup distilled white vinegar and several drops of dishwashing detergent with 1 gallon of warm water**. Mop it on, rub it off and allow it to dry completely. This solution is acidic enough to loosen stuck-on dirt, yet gentle enough to maintain your floor’s factory finish. Add several drops of essentials oils or baby oil for fragrance and also raised sheen.
Tackle Various Stains
**Spray lubricants** such as the type you use in your garage to silence squeaky vehicle doors or loosen lug nuts may eliminate stubborn scratches on plastic. Simply spray some on a soft cloth, and buff the scuffed area soundly. For tenacious kitchen spills such as fruit juice or ketchup, use a glue made of **baking soda and water**. **Isopropyl alcohol** works on ink stains, and **mineral oil** eliminates crayon. Using these common household ingredients on event helps to keep your vinyl floors sparkling clean.
Never Use on Vinyl
Never use **abrasive scrubbing brushes** on vinyl floors as it will leave disfiguring scratches behind. Also take care to avoid using any cleaners that contain **ammonia** since they can damage your finish. Certain **commercial pastes, waxes and cleaners** can leave behind filmy buildups which are nearly impossible to eliminate also. They will leave your shiny luxury plastic seeming dull and distressed. If you resort to commercial cleaners, ensure they are safe for the type of flooring you’re tackling.