Homeowners love their LVP flooring because of its durability, water resistance, and the great look of a hardwood or stone floor.
All it takes is the proper cleaning to help preserve that new look and extend the life of the investment. This guide will teach you what materials are needed to clean LVP flooring, common missteps to avoid, and how to Clean LVP Flooring.
What is LVP Flooring?
It is specially designed to give the appearance of either hardwood or stone. LVP is considerably thicker, much stronger, and far more attractive than what is on your kitchen or bathroom floor. A typical construction might be a wear layer that resists scratching and staining, a photographic film layer that gives the floor its design, and a core layer to provide cushioning and stability.
LVP will be perfect in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where moisture is likely to occur. Besides, LVP is versatile and practical flooring. With proper care and maintenance, LVP floors can last for many years, maintaining their beauty and functionality.
Tools needed before cleaning
Before any actual cleaning of your LVP flooring, it’s good to have the following in place so as to make sure the work is practical and competent:
- Soft bristle broom or vacuum cleaner: It effectively gathers dust, dirt, and debris without leaving scratches.
- Microfiber mop: it would be friendly to your floor and, at the same time, has the potential of picking even very fine particles.
- Bucket: Used to mix cleaning solutions.
- Best LVP Floor Cleaner: pH-balanced cleaner specially formulated for your vinyl plank floors so they will not get damaged.
- Soft cloths or sponge: To clean out the problem area and dry.
The best results can be had with the use of one of the top LVP floor cleaning products on the market, which are made to be residue-free and LVP-safe.
The Right Way to Clean LVP Floors
Cleaning LVP floors is pretty easy when carried out right. Follow the following steps to clean your floor:
- Broom Sweep or Vacuum: Use a soft-bristle broom or a hard-floor attachment with a vacuum cleaner to go over the floor and gather any loose dirt or debris off the floor. Be careful not to use a beater bar; it can scratch your LVP floor very quickly.
- Damp Mop with a Microfiber Mop: Use your pail and pour warm water in with some pH-neutral cleaner. Now, get your microfiber mop wet in the solution and, most importantly, wring it out well—there shouldn’t be any pooling or puddling on the floor. Work in sections to make sure you get an even clean.
- Spot clean stains: Dab the stubborn spots or spills with a solution-soaked soft cloth or sponge. Apply light pressure until the stain is out. A scrubber should not be too abrasive, as that will surely leave scratches on the surface.
- Drying the Floor: After mopping, use a dry microfiber mop or a soft towel to dry the floor, making sure no moisture is left; penetration of water at joints must be strictly be avoided as it could damage the floor.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning
Cleaning LVP floors is quite easy, but you need to avoid a few common mistakes to ensure that the floor remains in top condition.
- Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using strong chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, among other harsh items, which may damage the protective wear layer of the vinyl plank flooring.
- Too much water on the floor: LVP has seams and edges that allow for the passage of excess water, which may warp or lift LVP flooring. Use a damp mop—not a wet one—when mopping.
- Abrasive Tool Scrubbing: Items like steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff-bristle brushes are going to scratch the surface of the LVP. Stick to soft clothes and microfiber mops for cleaning.
- Ignoring Spills: Spills should be wiped as soon as they occur. LVP is water-resistant but any prolonged exposure and moisture effect may deteriorate and discolor it.
How to Maintain LVP Flooring
Proper, appropriate maintenance will help ensure that your LVP floors remain like new for years. The following are some tips that will assist in keeping those floors looking like new:
- Regular Cleaning: The floor should be swept and vacuumed periodically to rid it of dirt and grit that might cause scratches on the surface. A daily routine of sweeping can do a lot in maintaining the floor in its top condition.
- Furniture Pads: Place some felt pads under your furniture feet. This will ensure that your surface remains free of scuff marks or scratches when you move the piece around. In case there is heavy foot traffic, you can also consider area rugs.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: LVP flooring loses its color when directly exposed to sunlight. Therefore, some curtains or blinds may be helpful in shading the floors from too much sunlight.
- Clean up Spills Immediately: As stated earlier, Spills should be wiped right away for it may cause possible staining and spoil the moisture.
- Choose the Correct Cleaners: Utilize the best LVP Floor cleaners made for vinyl plank flooring. Most of the mainstream household cleaners have elements that can hurt a floor over time.
Following these simple tips for maintenance of your LVP by cleaning and taking proper care will make it look good and perform long.
Conclusion
This does not have to be a complex process, and we hope your query about How to Clean LVP Flooring ends. This detailed blog helped you to know what LVP flooring is. What should be the proper tools to use and the techniques for cleaning in order to keep your LVP in top shape? Common mistakes include the use of harsh chemicals or too much water. Proactive maintenance includes regular cleaning of floors and the use of furniture pads. There are a lot of different options in luxury vinyl plank flooring. Keep browsing and learning more about the tips and products to help keep your floor in the best state you could ever imagine. Remember, our experts are a video call away, waiting to help you find the best product for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use a steam mop on LVP flooring?
A. You should not use steam mops as the high temperature, along with moisture, can damage the adhesive and result in the warping of the flooring.
Q. What is the best cleaner to use on LVP floors?
A. Always utilize a pH-neutral cleaner that is made for vinyl plank flooring; anything stronger will tend to damage the surface of the floor.
Q. How often should LVP floors be cleaned?
A. Sweep or vacuum on a daily basis and then mop your LVP flooring once a week, or as necessary, to maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
Q. Can I use vinegar to clean LVP flooring?
A. Vinegar is too acidic for LVP flooring and may end up ruining the finish over time. Stick with a pH-neutral cleaner.
Q. How do I remove tough stains from LVP floors? A. For stubborn stains, lightly rub the stain with a soft cloth dampened with diluted cleaner until the spot disappears. Do not use any abrasive materials.