Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500138
06/24/03
Cleaning and Waxing Vinyl Floor Coverings
Regular Cleaning
Use the mildest method you can to make the floor
look clean again. Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove
dirt before it gets ground in. Wipe up spills at once.
When soil won't come up with vacuum, mop with damp mop
squeezed out of cool to lukewarm water. Rub only enough
to remove dirt on surface.
Wash only when dirt will not come off by milder
methods listed above. Use solution of warm (not hot)
water and detergent; apply small amount with mop or
sponge, rubbing only enough to loosen dirt; take up with
mop or sponge. Rinse off all solution thoroughly with
clean, cool water; always rinse well no matter what the
detergent or cleaner says about not rinsing.
In cleaning, try to remove soil without destroying
the wax film on the floor so rewaxing does not have to be
done too often.
Waxing
Wax a thin coat of self-polishing wax on dry, clean
floor, when washing does not bring back shine. Wax
flooring when new, and always keep it protected with a
coat of wax. Regular wax will give more protection and
shine than one-step wax-and-clean products, but will
build up over time.
Polishing wax (solvent based) to be buffed with
electric polisher, may also be used on vinyl if desired.
It must be thoroughly buffed, following directions on
wax label. It will not build up.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Georgia
Extension bulletin Buying and Caring for Smooth Surface
Flooring: Resilient.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .