Vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is a popular choice for homeowners because of its durability, stylish appearance, and ease of maintenance. However, knowing how to care for vinyl plank flooring properly is key to ensuring it lasts for years to come.
In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to clean LVP floors, along with helpful tips for routine maintenance to preserve their beauty. Follow these simple methods to keep your floors looking pristine and well-maintained.
Why Vinyl Plank Flooring Is Popular
Before we get into how to care for vinyl plank flooring, it’s worth understanding why LVP is such a popular flooring option. Unlike traditional hardwood floors, LVP is both affordable and highly resilient. The waterproof nature of vinyl plank flooring makes it suitable for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Additionally, LVP is available in a variety of styles, mimicking the appearance of hardwood, stone, and tile, which makes it an attractive option for those who want the look of luxury flooring without the price tag.
Regular Sweeping and Dusting
The first step in keeping your luxury vinyl plank flooring looking its best is routine cleaning. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate quickly on your floors, which can lead to scratches and a dull appearance if left unchecked. The best way to keep your LVP floors clean is to sweep or dust regularly.
For daily or weekly cleaning, use a soft-bristle broom to sweep up any dust, dirt, or crumbs. Microfiber mops are also an excellent choice as they can attract dust and dirt without damaging the surface of your LVP floors. Avoid using traditional brooms with hard bristles, as they can cause scratches over time.
A dry dust mop with microfiber pads is an excellent tool for picking up surface dirt without leaving streaks behind. Dust mopping regularly will prevent the build-up of grime and will also help maintain the appearance of your floors. This is especially important if you have high-traffic areas where dirt accumulates quickly.
How to Clean LVP Floors with Water
Cleaning LVP floors with water is safe as long as it’s done properly. The beauty of LVP is that it’s waterproof, but excess moisture can still cause damage if not used correctly. When cleaning with water, less is more.
While plain water may be sufficient for regular cleaning, you may need a stronger cleaner for tough stains or sticky spots.
It’s important to use a cleaner specifically formulated for vinyl plank flooring, or you can make your own solution using a mixture of water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Harsh chemicals or cleaners with ammonia should be avoided, as they can cause discoloration and damage to the finish.
To clean your LVP floors, it’s also best to use a damp mop as opposed to soaking the floor. You want to ensure that the mop is just damp, not dripping wet. Too much water can seep into edges and seams, which may lead to warping or other damage over time.
If you come across stubborn spots like gum or food spills, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the affected area. Apply a small amount of the cleaning solution directly to the spot, then wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth. For sticky substances like adhesive or wax, use a plastic scraper to lift them off the surface without causing scratches.
Avoiding Common Cleaning Mistakes
While cleaning your LVP floors, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. These missteps can shorten the life of your floors and make them harder to maintain over time.
Avoid Excessive Water
As previously mentioned, it’s crucial not to flood your floors with water. Excess moisture can cause the seams of the planks to warp or swell, which can lead to permanent damage. Instead, focus on using a damp mop to ensure that your floors stay dry and protected.
No Harsh Abrasive Cleaners
Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers on your vinyl floors. These can scratch or discolor the surface, making the floors look worn and tired. Stick to gentle cleaners and soft cloths to maintain the floor’s finish.
Keep Heavy Furniture from Scratching the Surface
While LVP is known for its durability, heavy furniture and sharp objects can still cause damage. To prevent scratches, use felt pads under furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy items across the floor. Additionally, consider using area rugs in high-traffic zones to protect your LVP floors from potential scuffing and wear.
How to Protect Your Vinyl Plank Flooring
Proper protection goes hand-in-hand with cleaning to ensure the longevity of your luxury vinyl plank flooring. Aside from regular cleaning, here are a few tips on how to care for vinyl plank flooring in a way that protects it from unnecessary damage.
Firstly, use doormats. Doormats at entryways can help trap dirt and moisture before it has a chance to reach your LVP floors. This is particularly important during rainy or snowy months when dirt and water are more likely to be tracked inside. Be sure to clean the mats regularly to keep dirt from accumulating and causing wear on the floors.
Additionally, while vinyl plank flooring is durable, it is not indestructible. High heels and pet claws can leave permanent marks on the surface, so try to avoid walking on your LVP floors with sharp objects like high heels or allow your pets to roam freely with untrimmed nails. Consider putting rugs in areas where these issues may occur to protect the surface of your flooring.
Maintaining the Shine of Your LVP Floors
One of the key reasons homeowners choose luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is its ability to maintain a shiny, glossy finish without the extensive maintenance required by hardwood floors. However, just like any other flooring, the shine can dull over time due to dirt, oil, and regular foot traffic. Here’s how to keep that shine intact.
For a glossy finish, a high-quality vinyl floor polish can work wonders. These polishes are specifically designed for LVP and can restore the floor’s original luster. When applying, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Apply a thin layer, and let it dry completely before walking on it.
Further, while it may be tempting to use wax-based floor polish to bring back the shine, it’s important to avoid these products on LVP floors. Wax can create a slippery layer that not only detracts from the flooring’s appearance but can also build up over time, causing more harm than good.
A soft buffing cloth can also help keep your floors looking polished. Buffing the surface lightly every few weeks can help prevent the accumulation of dirt and restore the shine naturally. Just make sure to use a microfiber cloth and avoid any abrasive materials that might scratch the surface.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains and Scratches
Stains and scratches are an inevitable part of owning any floor, but with LVP, they’re much easier to deal with than with hardwood or tile flooring. Here’s how to handle these common issues.
How to Remove Stains
For stubborn stains like oil, ink, or food spills, the key is acting quickly. Dab the stain with a soft cloth or sponge using a mixture of mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the surface. For tougher stains, try using a specialized vinyl cleaner that can lift the stain without harming the floor’s finish.
If the stain persists, you can also make a baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water) and gently rub it on the stain with a soft cloth. This can help lift grease, dirt, or even some ink stains without scratching the surface.
Fixing Scratches and Dents
While LVP floors are designed to resist scratches, they’re not immune to them. If you find a small scratch or dent, don’t panic. You can often fix minor imperfections with a vinyl floor repair kit that includes a color-matched wax stick or filler. Simply follow the kit instructions to fill in the scratch, and buff the area lightly to blend it with the surrounding floor.
For more significant damage, consider calling in a professional to replace the damaged plank. Fortunately, LVP is easy to replace, and you won’t need to redo the entire floor to fix a single plank.
Get Your LVP Flooring at Bunce Buildings
At Bunce Buildings, we’re passionate about offering only the best when it comes to flooring options. Our luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is durable, stylish, and easy to care for, perfect for any home or business space.
With 35 years of experience and a strong commitment to American-made quality, we stand out from the competition by delivering flooring that’s both functional and visually appealing.
With us, you can expect a wide range of customization options, allowing you to select the ideal LVP style and finish to suit your design preferences. Our products are all locally manufactured, ensuring that each plank is made with care and precision.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free quote or to discuss how our luxury vinyl plank flooring can transform your home.
