Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has become incredibly popular in U.S. homes due to its durability, water resistance, and ability to mimic the look of hardwood or tile at a fraction of the cost. While LVP is designed to be low-maintenance, proper cleaning techniques are essential to keep your vinyl floors looking new, prevent damage, and extend their lifespan. Avoid common mistakes to ensure your investment shines for years to come.
Daily cleaning: Sweep or vacuum with hard floor setting
Regular dry cleaning is the foundation of LVP maintenance.
- Sweep or Dust Mop Daily: Use a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber dust mop daily, especially in high-traffic areas. This removes loose dirt, dust, and pet hair before it can get ground into the floor or scratch the surface.
- Vacuum with Hard Floor Setting: For a deeper dry clean, use a vacuum cleaner set to its hard floor setting. Ensure the beater bar (rotating brush) is turned off or retracted to avoid scratching the vinyl. The suction-only setting is ideal.
Weekly: Mop with pH-neutral cleaner (no ammonia, bleach)
Weekly damp mopping will keep your LVP sparkling clean.
- Choose the Right Cleaner: Use a pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner specifically designed for LVP or laminate floors. Many LVP manufacturers also sell their own recommended cleaners.
- Dilute if Needed: If your cleaner is concentrated, mix it with water according to the product’s instructions.
- Damp Mop (Not Wet): Lightly dampen a microfiber mop head with the cleaning solution. The mop should be just barely damp, not dripping wet. Excess water is bad for LVP as it can seep into seams, causing adhesive failure or edge curling over time.
- Mop in Sections: Work in small sections, mopping in the direction of the planks.
- Avoid:
- Ammonia-Based Cleaners: Ammonia can strip the protective wear layer of LVP, leaving it dull and susceptible to damage.
- Bleach: Bleach can discolor vinyl and damage its finish.
- Harsh Chemicals: Any strong chemical cleaners can compromise the integrity and appearance of your LVP.
Avoid: Steam mops, abrasive pads, oil-based cleaners
These are common pitfalls that can damage your LVP.
- Steam Mops: Never use a steam mop on LVP. The high heat and moisture can soften the adhesive, cause the planks to warp, lift, or delaminate, and may void your warranty.
- Abrasive Pads or Brushes: Avoid steel wool, abrasive scrubbing pads, or stiff-bristled brushes. These can scratch the protective wear layer of your LVP.
- Oil-Based Cleaners/Polishes: These can leave a greasy residue that attracts dirt, makes your floor slippery, and may even damage the vinyl over time. LVP does not need waxing or polishing.
- “Mop & Glo” type products: These can create a sticky buildup that is difficult to remove and can dull the finish.
Spot-cleaning spills immediately
Quick action is key to preventing stains.
- Blot, Don’t Wipe: As soon as a spill occurs, blot it up immediately with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, as this can spread the stain.
- Damp Clean: For sticky or colored spills, dampen a clean cloth with your pH-neutral cleaner or a mixture of water and a drop of dish soap. Gently wipe the area.
- Rinse & Dry: Rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth (with just water) and dry thoroughly.
Dealing with scuffs and stains
For more stubborn marks:
- Scuffs: For minor scuff marks (from shoes, furniture), rub the scuff gently with a clean cloth dampened with a little rubbing alcohol or a pencil eraser. Then clean the area with your pH-neutral cleaner.
- Stubborn Stains: For tough stains like ink, crayon, or marker, try applying a small amount of mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Always test in an inconspicuous area first. After treating, clean the area thoroughly with your pH-neutral LVP cleaner and dry.
Preventive care: Felt pads on furniture, door mats, no shoes
Proactive measures will significantly extend the life and beauty of your LVP.
- Felt Pads: Place felt pads on the legs of all furniture to prevent scratches and scuffs when furniture is moved.
- Door Mats: Use doormats or rugs at all entryways to trap dirt, grit, and moisture before it’s tracked onto your LVP. Shake out or clean mats regularly.
- No-Shoe Policy: Encourage a no-shoe policy indoors. Outdoor shoes can bring in abrasive dirt and grit that wears down the finish.
- Trim Pet Nails: Keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches.
- Clean Casters: If you have office chairs with wheels, ensure they have soft, non-marking casters designed for hard floors. Regularly clean them to remove debris.
By following these safe and effective cleaning and maintenance practices, your LVP flooring will retain its beautiful, like-new appearance for many years.
Want your LVP floors to always look their best? Let Quality Cleaning provide the expert care they deserve! Contact us today for professional vinyl floor cleaning services.