Chemicals for Cleaning Vinyl
Inexpensive and durable, vinyl features a hassle-free maintenance that -- with the proper care and cleaning -- will last a lifetime. Vinyl is essentially a flexible form of plastic that is a cheaper alternative to leather. Several chemicals and products are available that will keep your vinyl surfaces clean and deodorized. Does this Spark an idea?
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Vinegar
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Cleaning your vinyl floors with white vinegar will remove buildup dirt while killing any lingering fungus -- such as mold or mildew -- and removing unpleasant odors. Dampen a sponge mop in a mixture of equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Scrub the floors in a back-and-forth motion with the sponge mop. When the mop becomes soiled or dry, saturate it with the vinegar mixture and wring out the excess liquid. Continue mopping until you have thoroughly cleaned the vinyl flooring. Let the vinegar mixture dry on the floors.
Oxygen Bleach
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The safer and non-toxic alternative to chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach will clean many vinyl surfaces including tiles, siding and furniture. Dissolve 1 cup of oxygen bleach in 1 gallon of cool water. Dampen a sponge or scrub brush in the mixture and scrub vinyl floors, vinyl house siding and vinyl lawn furniture with the mixture to remove dirt, dust, mold and mildew. Rinse the vinyl clean with a damp cloth or a water hose. Alternatively, use the mixture in a pressure washer to clean your vinyl siding.
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Dish Soap
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Dish soap is an inexpensive item that will clean your vinyl surfaces without leaving a residue behind. Add one to two drops of gentle dish soap -- that does not contain bleach -- to 1 gallon of cool water. Mix the soap and water together with a spoon. Wash the vinyl with a sponge mop or a lint-free cloth and rinse clean with cool water. To prevent water spots, wipe the vinyl dry with a towel.
Shampoo
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A buildup of hairspray on your vinyl tiles can leave them looking dull with a layer of sticky residue. Fortunately, you can remove the hairspray with the shampoo you use to cleanse your hair. Add one squirt of shampoo in a bucket filled with 1 gallon of lukewarm water. Mix the contents together with a long-handled spoon. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and mist the vinyl tiles. Wipe the tiles clean with a damp cloth. Repeat the process until you have removed the hairspray buildup.
Considerations
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Dry mopping your floors daily with a dust mop will remove dust, dirt and other debris and keep your vinyl flooring looking its best. Furthermore, mop vinyl floors with a dust mop before using any cleaning solutions. When damp cleaning vinyl furniture, tiles or floors do not over saturate the item.
Before cleaning your vinyl, test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the vinyl. If damage or discoloration occurs, discontinue use.
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References
- Photo Credit still life of diner booth with vinyl seats and sun image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
