Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring combines the high-end appearance of hardwood with the durability and easy maintenance of vinyl, making it a popular choice for modern homes. Despite its resilience, maintaining the elegant look of LVP flooring requires careful cleaning practices to avoid damage.
This guide will introduce you to the best methods and products to use for cleaning your luxury vinyl plank flooring efficiently without compromising its integrity.
From routine cleaning to tackling tough stains, learn how to preserve the beauty and extend the lifespan of your LVP flooring with the right care and attention.
The thing that makes it a more versatile and suitable flooring option is it has multiple unique features like easy installation, easy maintenance, high durability, and more realistic designs.
According to Statista.com “the market value of the vinyl flooring market was estimated to be worth 20.2 billion U.S. dollars and was forecast to reach a value of 48.5 billion U.S. dollars by 2023”.
Cleaning your luxury vinyl plank floor isn’t difficult if you follow the right steps.
But damaging its surface from minor and deep scratches is difficult.
So to protect your luxury vinyl plank floor from any cleaning issue we’ve made this guide after deep research.
In this guide, we’ll be provided with a complete and easy guideline to clean a luxury plank floor surface with the right cleaning gadgets.
Daily Mopping
A home with naughty children and pets has messy floors because they have no concern about taking care of the floor surface. After all, you must clean the floor from all the messes they spread.
Especially the most used areas of the home like hallways, entryways, bathrooms, and living rooms can’t remain clean if you don’t clean them daily.
Because of the wet footprints from the bathroom, and the dirt under the shoes from the lawn.
You can’t afford all these messes!
Daily mopping plays a crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic appeal and longevity of luxury vinyl plank flooring.
This type of flooring, known for its durability and resistance to moisture, requires regular upkeep to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime that can dull its appearance over time.
Daily mopping ensures that these floors remain looking their best by removing spills and stains promptly, thereby preventing potential damage. Additionally, it helps in maintaining a hygienic environment by eliminating dust and allergens from the surface.
For those invested in preserving the beauty and functionality of their luxury vinyl plank floors, incorporating daily mopping into their cleaning routine is an essential practice.
Daily mopping includes dry cleaning to remove dirt, small dust particles, and minor grime. You can use a microfiber head mop for dry cleaning daily.
Weekly Mopping
Weekly cleaning directly refers to deep cleaning. If you do a daily cleaning, the deep cleaning process after a week can be easy for you.
You won’t face the heavy dirt and grime because you did the routine cleaning already.
Then why do you need a weekly mopping?
The main purpose of weekly cleaning is to remove the deep stains that can’t be removed in the daily routine cleaning like oil stains, heavy mud stains, and deep layers of grime.
For deep cleaning, you need a steam mop and a microfiber head mop.
A microfiber head mop is used to clean the medium level of dirt and grime while the steam mop eliminates the deep stains and kills 99.9% of germs as well.
If you don’t do the daily dry mopping you’ll find the deep layers of dirt and heavy stains on the luxury vinyl plank floor surface that can’t be eliminated in one clean.
So, you may need to clean the floor twice.
Things to Do Before Cleaning LVP Flooring
Clear the Area:
Begin by removing furniture, rugs, and any movable objects from the area to provide unobstructed access to the flooring. This step ensures a thorough cleaning and prevents damage to furniture and decorations.
Sweep or Vacuum:
Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. This step is vital to prevent scratching the vinyl surface during the wet cleaning process. Be sure to use a soft bristle broom or a vacuum without a beater bar to avoid scratching the LVP flooring.
Check Manufacturer’s Guidelines:
Before applying any cleaning solutions, it’s imperative to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines. LVP flooring may have specific care and maintenance instructions, including recommended cleaning products to avoid damaging the material.
Prepare Cleaning Solution:
If your flooring manufacturer recommends a specific cleaner, prepare it according to the instructions. For a DIY solution, you can typically use a mild, pH-neutral floor cleaner diluted in water.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, detergents, or anything with a wax-based formula, as these can leave a residue or damage the floor’s finish.
Spot Test:
Before cleaning the entire floor, perform a spot test with your chosen cleaner in an inconspicuous area. This step ensures the cleaner won’t harm the flooring or leave unwanted marks.
How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
To clean your luxury vinyl plank floor you have to follow the below steps in the given sequence and you will get the best results.
Remove Surface Dirt
In the very first step, you have to clean the surface dirt and dust from the vinyl plank floor surface. For this dry mopping/cleaning, you have to use a microfiber head mop that will eliminate all the dirt and dust particles.
So, it will reduce the chances of minor scratches that can dull the floor’s appearance.
When you don’t remove the tiny particles of dry dust particles and dirt, during wet mopping the water mixes up with the dust and creates a witty mess.
The main purpose of removing the surface dirt and dust before wet mopping is will reduce the mess of wet dirt.
To eliminate the tiny dirt and dust particles you can also use a vacuum cleaner that catches all the dust and dirt.
Use a damp mop: A damp mop is all you need to clean your luxury vinyl plank floors. Make sure to use warm water and a mild cleaning solution such as dish soap or vinegar-based cleaner to prevent damaging the surface of the planks.
Avoid over-wetting the floor as this can lead to warping or discoloration.
Prepare The Cleaning Solution
Now that you’ve got your tools gathered, it’s time to prepare the cleaning solution. For this step, you’ll need a bucket, some distilled water, and mild dish soap.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add a few drops of essential oil to give the solution a nice smell. Simply mix everything and voila! You’re ready to start cleaning your floor.
Scrubbing
Scrubbing the vinyl plank floor surface directly refers to scrubbing the deep stains, and grime eliminates the minor stain spots, and grime, and also eliminates the first layer of heavy stains and grime.
To scrub your luxury vinyl plank floor you can use the microfiber head mop with a scrubbing pad. You have to replace the microfiber head with the scrubbing pad.
Most microfiber head mops have reusable microfiber heads and scrubbing pads.
Don’t use a scrubber hard because causes deep scratches.
This will affect the luxury vinyl plank’s appearance and shine as well.
Wet or Steam Mopping
To remove the deep stains and heavily layered grime from the vinyl plank floor surface you have to do wet mopping.
There are two types of wet mopping a microfiber head pad and the other is steam mopping.
Cleaning the vinyl plank surface with a microfiber head pad mop you need a liquid concentrated solution. Mix up the concentrated solution with water and mop the surface with the microfiber pad.
To keep the surface from deep and minor scratches you have to mop lightly and avoid sweeping the microfiber pad hard.
Usually, this type of wet mopping is not chemical-free. You have to use liquid cleaners which may have harsh chemical formulas.
This type of mopping is not fully safe for a home with children and pets.
On the other hand, the other type of mopping is steam mopping which is an ideal option for every aspect while cleaning a luxury vinyl plank floor surface.
Steam mop using the steam to eliminate the heavy stains and grime from the surface.
Steam mops are fully electrical.
You simply need to fill the water tank and start the mop. To control the steam output you can select the steam power from high to low it depends on the stain and grime situation.
The most beneficial thing about steam mopping is the natural steam kills 99.9% of germs from the vinyl plank floor surface.
Moreover, it is fully safe for a home with children and pets because it won’t use harsh chemicals.
So, you can use both a microfiber head pad mop and a steam mop. But steam mopping gives more effective results.
Dealing with Stains
Accidents happen, and sometimes spills or stains may occur on your luxury vinyl plank flooring. To effectively remove these stains without damaging the flooring, first identify what type of stain it is.
For example, for food or beverage spills, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap can be used to gently scrub the stain. For tougher stains such as ink or grease, rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits can be used sparingly on a cloth or sponge.
Spot clean spots and stains immediately: If there are any spills or stains on your LVP flooring, it’s important that they are cleaned up immediately using a cloth or sponge with soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaners as these can cause scratches to the floor.
Let the Surface Dry
After completing the deep cleaning process the final step is to let the luxury vinyl plank floor surface fully dry.
Lock the room for at least 30 minutes after completing the cleaning process.
Because if you have children and pets in your home they will enter the room and leave dirty footprints on the wet surface.
So, to keep the floor clean and shiny you have to take care for at least 30 minutes after cleaning.
Touching Up Scratches
If your luxury vinyl plank flooring does get scratched, there are ways to touch up these imperfections without having to replace the entire plank.
There are filler kits available specifically for luxury vinyl flooring that can help fill in scratches and make them less noticeable. Just be sure to carefully match the color of your flooring before applying the filler.
How to Keep Vinyl Floors Clean?
Regular Sweeping or Vacuuming:
Begin with regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt, dust, and debris. This step prevents the accumulation of grime that can scratch or dull the surface of the vinyl. Use a soft brush attachment when vacuuming to avoid any abrasion.
Mopping with the Right Solution:
Use a damp mop with a mild cleaning solution suitable for vinyl flooring. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the floor’s finish. A solution of apple cider vinegar and water is a gentle yet effective mixture for removing dirt without leaving a residue.
Immediate Spill Cleanup:
To prevent stains, wipe up spills as soon as they happen. The longer a spill sits, the more likely it will stain the floor. For stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste applied gently with a soft cloth.
Use Protective Pads Under Furniture:
Prevent scratches and scuffs by placing protective pads under furniture legs. This is especially crucial for heavy items or furniture that move frequently, such as chairs.
Avoid Excessive Water:
While mopping, ensure the mop is damp, not wet. Excessive water can seep into seams or edges, causing the vinyl to lift or warp. After mopping, go over the floor with a dry mop or cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
Polish for Extra Shine:
If your vinyl floor has lost some of its shine, consider applying a specific vinyl floor polish to restore its luster. Ensure the polish is suitable for your type of vinyl flooring and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Rugs and Mats at Entrances:
Place rugs or mats at entrances to reduce the amount of dirt and grit tracked onto the vinyl flooring. These mats capture much of the debris that can cause wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas.
Things to Do and Avoid
Things you have to consider while caring for a luxury vinyl plank floor surface:
| Do’s | Avoid |
| keep safe from scratches | Do not scrub/sweep the surface too hard |
| Keep cleaning the surface daily or at least two days | Do not use the paste wax or any other type of wax to polish because the vinyl plank floor surface is already coated to protect |
| Immediately remove the stains that can damage the vinyl plank surface like oil stains, vinegar, and lemon juice | Do not use the extremely harsh chemical-formulated liquid solution, it can damage and dull the surface |
| Use a floor mat on the room entrance | Don’t push the furniture on the surface while moving, Avoid buying furniture with rollers |
| To clean the surface from germs always use a steam mop | Don’t use sharp objects to scrub the stains |
Conclusion
properly caring for luxury vinyl plank flooring ensures both its longevity and aesthetic appeal. By adhering to a few simple practices such as employing gentle cleaners, avoiding abrasive tools, and promptly addressing spills homeowners can maintain the pristine condition of their flooring without risking damage.
Regular cleaning, coupled with protective measures like using felt pads under furniture and maintaining a gravel-free environment, can significantly minimize wear and tear.
By respecting the delicate nature of luxury vinyl and following these guidelines, you can enjoy a clean, beautiful floor that withstands the test of time and continues to add value and comfort to your home.
FAQs
Can I use wax to shine a vinyl plank floor surface?
No, you can’t use the paste wax and solvent-based polishes because the luxury vinyl plank is already coated with wax that protects its shine and appearance.
Which is best a microfiber head mop or a steam mop for wet mopping?
Steam mops are always a more suitable and ideal option for deep cleaning instead of using a simple microfiber head mop. Because steam mops effectively eliminate deep stains and germs as well. No doubt the simple microfiber head mop is also great but only for minor cleaning.
How to fix scratches from the vinyl plank floor surface?
To fix the scratches you can use olive oil which is a natural alternative. Simply put some olive oil on a microfiber towel and buff the affected area. But this will work for minor scratches, to fix deep scratches you may need a vinyl floor sealer.
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