Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is durable, affordable, and easy to clean. However, it is important to use the right cleaning products on vinyl flooring to avoid damaging it. Fabuloso is a popular all-purpose cleaner, but is it safe to use on vinyl flooring?
It is generally not recommended to use Fabuloso on vinyl flooring. Fabuloso is an all-purpose cleaner that contains harsh chemicals that can damage the finish of vinyl flooring, making it dull, scratched, discolored, and even warped.
Is It Ideal to Use Fabuloso on Vinyl Flooring?
Even if it is safe to use Fabuloso on your vinyl flooring, it is not ideal.
Fabuloso is a general-purpose cleaner. This means that it is not specifically designed for vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is a delicate material that requires special care to avoid damage. General-purpose cleaners can be too harsh for vinyl flooring and can strip the wax finish off, making it look dull and lifeless.
Also, it contains harsh chemicals. These chemicals can scratch and etch vinyl flooring, especially if it is not properly rinsed away. Moreover, it can remove the protective wax finish. The wax finish on vinyl flooring protects it from dirt, grime, and wear and tear. Removing the wax finish can make your flooring more susceptible to damage and discoloration.
Consequences You Will Have While Using Fabuloso Vinyl Flooring
Here are some of the consequences you may experience if you use Fabuloso on vinyl flooring:
Dullness
Vinyl flooring has a wax finish that helps to protect it from dirt, grime, and wear and tear. Fabuloso is a general-purpose cleaner that contains harsh chemicals that can strip the wax finish off of vinyl flooring. This can make your flooring look dull and lifeless.
Scratching
The harsh chemicals in Fabuloso can also scratch and etch vinyl flooring, especially if it is not properly rinsed away. This can lead to permanent damage to your flooring and make it more difficult to clean in the future.
Discoloration
Over time, Fabuloso can cause vinyl flooring to discolor and become yellowed. This is due to the harsh chemicals in the cleaner, which can break down the vinyl material.
Warping
In extreme cases, Fabuloso can cause vinyl flooring to warp and buckle. This is because the harsh chemicals in the cleaner can cause the vinyl to expand and contract.
Strip the Sheen Off
Fabuloso can also strip the sheen off of vinyl flooring. The sheen is the glossy appearance of the flooring. It is caused by the reflection of light off of the wax finish. When Fabuloso removes the wax finish, it also removes the sheen.
A dull vinyl floor will look old and worn, even if it is new. It will also be more difficult to clean and maintain.
Is There a Safe Way to Use Fabuloso on Vinyl Flooring?
If you must use Fabuloso on vinyl flooring, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damage:
- Dilute it heavily: Dilute Fabuloso with at least 10 parts of water before using it on vinyl flooring.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth: Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or sponges, as they can scratch the flooring.
- Rinse thoroughly: Be sure to rinse the flooring thoroughly with clean water after using Fabuloso.
- Vacuum regularly: Vacuuming regularly will help to remove dirt and debris from the flooring, which can help to prevent scratches and discoloration.
Is There a Better Alternative to Fabuloso for Cleaning Vinyl Flooring?
Yes, there are a number of better alternatives to Fabuloso for cleaning vinyl flooring. Some popular options include:
- Mildew soap: Mild dish soap is safe to use on vinyl flooring and will help to remove dirt and grime without damaging the finish.
- Vinegar solution: A mixture of one part vinegar and two parts of water can be used to clean and disinfect vinyl flooring.
- Commercial vinyl floor cleaner: There are a number of commercial vinyl floor cleaners available that are specifically designed to be safe and effective such as Excelsior GF-950 Gloss Acrylic Floor Finish, Excelsior MF-940 Matte Acrylic Floor Finish, etc.
Bonus Tips – Things You Need to Avoid While Cleaning Vinyl Floors
Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools on your luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring. They can damage the finish and make your floor look dull and worn.
Instead, use a vacuum without a beater bar and a damp mop to clean your floor. You can also use a dry sweeper or a microfiber pad.
Here are some things to avoid when cleaning your LVT flooring:
- Vacuums with a beater bar
- Electric brooms with hard plastic bottoms or no padding
- Harsh chemicals like bleach, pine-sol, and ammonia
- Vinegar
- All-purpose or multi-purpose cleaners
- Detergents
- Abrasive cleaners
- “Mop and shine” type products
- Steel wool
- Scouring pads
- Dust cleaners
- Wet sweeper pads
By following these tips, you can keep your LVT flooring looking its best for years to come.
Conclusion
In general, it is not recommended to use Fabuloso on vinyl flooring. Fabuloso is an all-purpose cleaner that contains harsh chemicals that can damage the finish of vinyl flooring, making it dull, scratched, discolored, and even warped.
If you must use Fabuloso on vinyl flooring, be sure to dilute it heavily, use a soft microfiber cloth, rinse thoroughly, and vacuum regularly. There are also a number of better alternatives to Fabuloso for cleaning vinyl flooring, such as mild dish soap, a vinegar solution, or a commercial vinyl floor cleaner.
