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Robert asked: How do I clean vinyl tile with beveled seams? My kitchen floor is vinyl tile with beveled edges. Over the years, these seams have become dirty. I have used a wood tool to scrape out the dirt. It’s okay, but time consuming. I am not sure this is good for the tile. Is there an alternative technique? Thank you.
When beveled edges are leaving your floors looking less than beautiful, a thorough cleaning with a protective coat is just they’re in need of. While there’s no fast and easy method to remove the dirt from the seams, once they’re clean, the protective coat will keep them that way.
You Will Need:
- Vinyl floor cleaner
- Mop
- Scrubbing brush
- High quality floor vinyl wax/sealant
- Bucket
- Water
Steps to Clean the Tiles:
- Fill the bucket with warm to hot water.
- Add the appropriate amount of floor cleaner. Some floor cleaners do not need to be diluted and can be applied directly to the vinyl.
- Use the floor mop to get the first layer of dirt off.
- Use a scrub brush to clean the seams in between the tiles. This may be time consuming, but it will be worth the final outcome.
- Once the floor is clean to your satisfaction, rinse with clean water.
- Allow the floor to dry completely.
- Once dry, apply a quality wax or floor sealant. This will prevent the dirt from building up between the tiles and allow for easier cleanings in the future.
Additional Tips and Advice
- If floor cleaning has you on your hands and knees, try sporting some knee pads for extra comfort. If no knee pads are available, a folded towel will also provide some additional cushion.
- Check the label for the length of time that the sealant is designed to last. Be sure to reapply as necessary to keep dirt and stains from building up again.
Thanks for the step-by-step. This article reads like a recipe, and that’s very helpful. I didn’t think to add a sealant at the end. My wife and I were trying to find ways to help our vinyl tiles stay cleaner longer. This article helps with that. Thanks again!