Wondering how to clean LVP flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a beautiful, durable option for your home. To ensure that your flooring lasts for years and looks amazing the entire time, it’s important to clean and maintain it properly. Here are some mistakes to avoid so you can keep your LVP looking brand new!
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How to Clean LVP Flooring: Cleaning Guide
If you know how to clean LVP flooring properly, maintaining it will be a snap. The key is to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners that could damage the flooring.
Here’s a quick guide to cleaning luxury vinyl plank flooring:
- Sweep or vacuum once a week or as needed to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Clean the floor with a non-abrasive, “no-rinse” floor cleaner
- When damp mopping, use warm water and avoid flooding the floor.
Removing Stains and Spills
As the saying goes, there’s no use crying over spilled milk. You won’t be able to avoid accidental spills, but if you clean them up properly and promptly, you will be able to avoid stains.
To clean up a spill, use a clean towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Once you’ve removed as much liquid as you can, clean the area with mild soap and warm water.
If a stain does occur, there are several household items you can use to get rid of it. Just be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first and always rinse the affected area with clean water after treating it.
- Acids like blood, ketchup, mustard, cleaners, strong soaps, dye & dye markings: To clean these substances off of your vinyl furniture or flooring, first scrub the area with a full-strength vinyl cleaner. If that doesn’t work, mix 10 parts water to 1 part bleach and try again. As a last resort, you can use isopropyl alcohol.
- Rust: To remove rust, try lemon juice or vinegar. You can also try a commercial rust remover.
- Paints and Solvents: To remove paint from your vinyl furniture or flooring, first scrape off as much of the excess paint as you can with a putty knife. Next, apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the area and let it sit for 30 minutes. Finally, wipe away the petroleum jelly and paint with a clean cloth.
- Adhesives like asphalt, chewing gum, oil, grease, candle wax, or tar: For substances like these that won’t wipe up, first try removing with a dull kitchen knife. If necessary, follow up with the steps for paints and solvents.
- Scuffs & smudges from shoe polish or rubber heels: Rub the stain with your fingertip to create heat and friction. If this doesn’t remove the substance, follow the steps for paints & solvents.
No matter the treatment you use, always rinse the affected area with clean water after! Some solutions are harsher than others and you don’t want to damage your flooring.
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Care and Preventative Maintenance
The best way to clean LVP flooring is to prevent dirt and debris from building up in the first place!
Here are a few tips for preventative maintenance:
- Use mats at all entrances to your home to help catch dirt and debris before it has a chance to get on your flooring.
- Encourage everyone in your household to take their shoes off before coming inside.
- Place a no-slip rug or mat in areas that tend to get wet, such as near the sink or bathtub.
- Reorganize your furniture periodically so that it isn’t always in the same place and putting stress on the same area of flooring.
- Lift and carry heavy furniture or furnishings instead of pushing, pulling, or dragging them across the floor.
- Use furniture sliders on all legs of furniture to avoid scratches.
- Finally, remember that latex or rubber mats may cause yellowing or discolorations, so avoid using them on your LVP flooring.
Related Reading: 10 Luxury Vinyl Tile Designs for Your Next Project
By following these simple tips, you can keep your LVP flooring looking like new for years to come! Regular sweeping or vacuuming, prompt spill cleanup, and preventative maintenance will go a long way in preserving your floors. With a little care and attention, your LVP flooring will stay beautiful for years to come.
