Vinyl flooring is now gaining momentum in homes and offices in Singapore. Not too pricey, long-lasting, and very easy to maintain, it is a perfect choice for floors and walls. However, just like any other floor type, vinyl included, occasional vinyl floor polishing puts a shine on them. The floors must be polished regularly; the shining effect presents an excellent appearance and increases its durability. Here are five easy steps, coupled with cleaning tips from the experts, to ensure your vinyl floors sparkle like new.
Polishing Vinyl Floors: Why Should I Polish Vinyl Floors?
Now, before we get into the instructions on how to do it, let’s first know why vinyl floor polishing in Singapore is necessary. Vinyl flooring eventually loses its original shine through foot traffic or spills and dust accumulation over time. Polishing them doesn’t only recover that lustre but also protects them against dirt and scratches. So if you even do these expert cleaning tips and methods, your vinyl floors will last longer in being clean and shiny.
Step 1: Clean the Floor Surface
Cleanliness is first before you start cleaning and polishing. Start with sweeping or vacuuming loose dirt off the floor. The dirt fragments dislodged may still cause scratches on the vinyl because of the friction when rubbed off. To eliminate debris effectively, use a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor attachment. Sweep everything off after which you should mop the floor using warm water and some mild detergent.
Expert Tip: Chemicals should be entirely avoided because they may harm the protective coating of vinyl. The best results would come from using gentler, vinyl-specific cleaners.
Step 2: Mix the Polishing Solution
If the floor is clean, prepare the polishing solution. Vinyl floor polish products can easily be found in most Singaporean stores. Be sure to select a polish that is the right kind for vinyl flooring. Select one that reading its label would tell you it’s for your floor type.
Also, mix the polish according to the package instructions. Many are ready to use but might require mixing with water in some cases. Finally, the best solution will give you that smooth and shiny finish without damaging the flooring.
Expert Tip: Try the polish in a small spot that is not visible, as long as it’s part of your vinyl floor to ensure there’s no unwanted discolouration or damage.
Step 3: Spread the Polish Uniformly
Now that the polish is ready, it is time to apply the polish to the vinyl floor. Use a microfiber mop or a sponge mop, just spread the polish evenly across the floor. From one corner go all the way to the next one for an easy way of doing this. Besides, you should have a thin, even coat when applying the polish, especially to give you the best result on your floor. Helpfully, avoid any pouring of the polish onto the floor since this may lead to uneven patches.
Let it sit and let dry according to the product instructions. This is usually around 20-30 minutes. Once you’ve applied it, make sure to not go on the floor until it has dried completely. You don’t want to be responsible for those footprints or smudges.
Expert Tip: For really high-traffic areas, apply a second coat right after it has dried from the first for a little added protection on your floor.
Step 4: Buff the Floor for Added Shine
Once the polish is dry, you can add a shine to the floor by buffing. It is a technique that polishes out the shine on your vinyl floor by smoothing out the polish. You can achieve it with a dry microfiber or a buffer machine when you can get access to one. You want to make sure that you move in circular motions as you move across the floor to ensure that everything becomes uniformized evenly with regards to shine.
This is an optional process but does make a difference once you are done with the floor. And if you want that absolute “brand new” look, this is entirely necessary.
Expert Tip: Even without a buffer machine, you can get very close using a dry, clean microfiber mop and some elbow grease, especially on floors that will not be frequently used.
Step 5: Frequently Maintain for Best Results
Vinyl floor polishing is not a one-time process. Further, the maintenance of the floor should be carried out to keep it shining and new-looking. Based on foot traffic, you may need to polish your vinyl floor every 3-6 months. Still, it should not be over-polished because this may lead to the building-up of a layer of polish residue over the floor.
What’s more, during polishing intervals, you can regularly clean your vinyl floor with a mild cleaner to keep it sparkling. You can put mats at entrances to keep dirt out, which eliminates the need for frequent polishing.
Expert Tip: On any spillage, clean up immediately to prevent stains or damage to the vinyl. Regular cleaning and quick response to spills will give your floor a long life.
Expert Cleaning Tips for Vinyl Floor
Some cleaning tips that experts give about maintaining vinyl floor polishing services in Singapore:
- Use a Doormat: Doormats are your best friends when ensuring dirt and grit do not enter your home. You would probably hate to have seen some scratches on this vinyl surface.
- Avoid Dragging Furniture: Lifting rather than dragging furniture across the vinyl floor will prevent unsightly scratches.
- Use Furniture Pads: This is the process of attaching pads beneath the legs of your furniture to lighten the load on the vinyl and therefore avoid denting or scratching later on.
- Sweep or Vacuum Daily: This removes dust particles and debris that can cause scratching on the surfaces. Sweep or vacuum daily under perfect conditions.
- Use Cleaners Friendly to Vinyl Floors: Only mild detergents or special cleaning agents made for the vinyl floors should be used in order not to strip off the finish.
Conclusion: Maintenance of your Vinyl Flooring
Polishing vinyl floors does not have to be a pretty complicated affair. By following the five easy steps: cleaning the floor, preparing the solution, applying the polish, buffing, and maintaining the floor, you will be left with a shiny floor. You will also have longer durations between new-looking floors by adding expert tips such as using cleaners that are friendly to vinyl and avoiding strong chemicals. Regular maintenance, along with these steps, will keep your floors in top shape.
