Vinyl floors can be cleaned using a variety of methods, depending on the level of dirt and grime. Here are some tips on how to clean vinyl floors:

1. Dry Mop and Vacuum to Remove Surface Dirt: Before adding a wet cleaner, start with a dry clean. Use a dust mop, dry mop, or flat mop to gather up surface dirt. If you have a soft broom without abrasive bristles, you could also use that. Gently and methodically clean the floors, starting in the corners and working your way to the center of the room. Make sure you also clean under furniture and along baseboards.

2. Use a Wet Mop and Cleaning Solution: Commercial vinyl floor cleaners are available, but you can make a simple, effective cleaner for vinyl floors by mixing apple cider vinegar with water. The vinegar’s acidity removes dirt without leaving a soapy film. Mix a solution of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if you want to disinfect and hot water to mop your floors, rinsing the head of the mop frequently with hot water. When dealing with particularly dirty floors, you can add a few drops of dishwashing soap to the mixture. Make sure not to add too much soap, as it can make your floors sticky. Then mop your floors again with just a water and vinegar mixture to remove the soap. For floors that look a bit dull, add a few drops of baby oil to your vinegar and water solution.

3. Remove Stains: To remove food stains, create a paste of baking soda and water, rub it on the stain until it disappears, and clean away any trace of the paste. Use rubbing alcohol to remove stains like lipstick, hair dye, or ink, and mineral spirits for crayon, paint, or marker. If you drop any nail polish on your floors, you can use a nail polish remover containing acetone to remove the stain.

4. Avoid Using Certain Cleaners: Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers to clean your vinyl floor. Avoid using paste wax polishes on your vinyl floor, as they’ll leave a film on the floor that will build up over time.

In summary, to clean vinyl floors, start with a dry mop and vacuum to remove surface dirt, then use a wet mop and cleaning solution, and remove stains as needed. Avoid using certain cleaners that can damage the vinyl floor.