Luxury vinyl flooring, also known as LVT (luxury vinyl tile) or LVP (luxury vinyl plank), is a popular flooring option that offers the appearance of hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost. This type of flooring is made up of several layers, including a durable wear layer, a printed design layer, and a backing layer for stability. Luxury vinyl flooring is resistant to scratches, stains, and water, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas and households with pets or children. It also offers a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns to choose from, making it easy to find a design that complements any decor. Overall, luxury vinyl flooring is a durable and stylish option that is well-suited for many different settings.
Cleaning Method for LVT
It’s important to follow a cleaning process that maintains the finish of your flooring. Remember: when you clean your vinyl flooring you’re actually cleaning the finish, not the vinyl itself. Like most flooring products, vinyl flooring should always be cleaned with the least amount of moisture possible. We recommend following this simple method:
Most luxury vinyl flooring does not require waxing. In fact, using wax on this type of flooring can actually damage the surface and make it more difficult to clean in the future.
Sweep your vinyl flooring with a broom/microfiber dust mop or vacuum with a hard flooring attachment every day. Make sure you clean under furniture often too. It’s easier to keep on top of dirt and debris that have to remove it once it has it accumulated.
Use your vacuum’s hose attachment to vacuum the perimeter of your room and around furniture legs.
Use a spray bottle to mist your floor with water or the vinyl flooring cleaner, Lobacare (diluted to the recommended amount as per the bottle) recommended to you by the manufacturer (this will help ensure your warranty remains valid).
Mop with a different microfiber pad. Your floor should air dry within a few minutes. If it doesn’t’, you have over-wet your floor and should run a towel over it to get rid of the excess moisture.
Vinyl Flooring Cleaning Tips
Now you know the basics of how to clean vinyl flooring, try to keep these simple cleaning tips in mind when caring for vinyl flooring:
Maintaining luxury vinyl flooring is relatively easy and straightforward. Here are some tips to keep your floors looking their best:
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that could scratch the surface of the flooring.
Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent stains from setting in.
Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the flooring as needed. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, which could damage the surface.
Place mats at entryways to trap dirt and moisture and prevent it from being tracked onto the flooring.
Use furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratching and denting of the flooring.
Avoid exposing the flooring to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, as this can cause fading and discoloration.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can help extend the life of your luxury vinyl flooring and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Most luxury vinyl flooring does not require waxing. In fact, using wax on this type of flooring can actually damage the surface and make it more difficult to clean in the future. Luxury vinyl flooring is typically coated with a protective finish that helps to resist scratches and stains, and this finish should not be covered with wax. Instead, simply follow the maintenance tips mentioned earlier, such as sweeping or vacuuming regularly and using a mild detergent to clean the flooring as needed. If you have any questions about the specific care and maintenance of your luxury vinyl flooring, be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with a professional flooring installer.
Check with your vinyl installer to find out how long after installation you can walk on and clean your vinyl flooring. Premature contact and cleaning will adversely affect the vinyl adhesive’s setting process.
Reduce your broom time by putting down colour-fast floor mats in high traffic areas (especially at the foot of doors and in front of sinks) to keep dirt, moisture and chemicals (particularly from asphalt) away from your vinyl flooring.
Use a floor mat between rolling chairs and vinyl floors to protect the floor from damage.
Use cotton or felt rugs on your vinyl flooring. Avoid rugs with a rubber backing as they can give vinyl flooring a yellow appearance.
Use floor protectors underneath all of your furniture (especially under heavy items like refrigerators, which are notorious for leaving dents in vinyl flooring) and always lift furniture off of the ground when moving it. Never drag furniture across vinyl flooring. If you must move items that are too heavy to carry, place plywood sheeting along the route you are going to take them before pushing them out.
Instigate a shoes-off policy to lower the amount of dirt and grit coming into contact with your floor.
Keep animal nails trimmed to prevent scratches on your floor.
Direct sunlight can cause the color of vinyl flooring to fade, so protect your flooring investment by closing the curtains or blinds when you’re not using a room.
Keep a constant indoor humidity level of about 50 – 65 % relative air humidity to best preserve your flooring.
Never use steam cleaners on vinyl flooring. They force steam (moisture) into even the seams of the vinyl and will cause it to lift and loosen by dissolving the adhesive underneath over time. If your vinyl flooring has bubbles or is starting to curl get a professional to fix it as soon as possible.
If you find a seam in your vinyl flooring has opened, it must be resealed immediately as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent further damage.
