Scratches in vinyl can’t be removed, but they can be hidden. Rub the scratch with a cloth moistened with floor wax. Continue until the scratch disappears.
To remove scuff marks, smear a drop of baby oil over the mark, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the scuff away with a soft cloth. You can also spray WD40 onto a towel and rub the mark. Whichever method you choose, be sure to rinse the floor with water afterward, as these solutions can leave the floor slippery.
Tile, Stone, and Brick Floors – Care and Maintenance
Use only products that are specifically manufactured for tile, stone, or brick.
Dried-on cleaners can cause stone and brick surfaces to chip. Thoroughly wet the floor before applying any kind of cleaner, keep the floor wet while you’re cleaning it, and rinse the area well when you’re done.
Brick floors may be dusted with vacuum cleaner dusting attachments, and freshened periodically with commercial brick cleaner.
To prevent dirty grout, it must be sealed. Use a silicone sealer designed for that purpose. If your tiles are unglazed, seal both the tile and the grout; if they’re glazed, seal only the grout
To deep-clean ceramic tiles, scrub them with an electric floor washer and commercial cleaning powder mixed with one gallon of water. Alternately, you can use a solution of ¼ cup low-sudsing detergent or 1 to 2 tablespoons of Borax. Rinse the tiles well and wipe them dry.
Never use a sponge mop for routine cleaning of ceramic-tile floors, because it will pull the dirt into the grout. Vacuum first, and then use a micro-fiber mop with warm water.
You should also avoid sponge-mopping brick or stone floors; it will snag and pull apart on the rough surfaces. Use a rag mop instead.
Don’t put rubber-backed floor mats or flowerpots – or, basically, anything that can get damp – on a tile floor. This can cause mildew underneath the object.