How to Clean LVP Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide
by Team BuildMyplace on Aug 22, 2024
![How to Clean LVP Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide](http://buildmyplace.com/cdn/shop/articles/How_to_Clean_LVP_Flooring__A_Step-by-Step_Guide.jpg?v=1724360112&width=360)
People prefer Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring because it's hard-wearing, attractive, and relatively easy to clean. Like any other flooring type, LVP flooring requires proper maintenance.Â
This blog will guide you through cleaning and maintaining LVP flooring so it may last for years.
What is LVP Flooring?
LVP is luxury vinyl plank flooring that imitates a regular stone or wood appearance. The flooring has several layers, including a top-quality printed design, a waterproof center, and a wear-and-scratch-safe top layer. Kitchens, showers, and lounge rooms merit luxury Vinyl plank flooring, perfect for high-traffic regions.
One of the primary benefits of LVP flooring is that it is resistant to water; thus, it's appropriate for kitchen and bathroom floors. Furthermore, it gives a more practical look, similar to natural wood flooring, but at a lower cost and with more straightforward support. If appropriately maintained, LVP flooring guarantees an outstanding look and long-term performance.Â
Tools to Have Before You Start Cleaning
To guarantee that the cleaning is quick and powerful, before cleaning your LVP flooring, ensure you include the accompanying items within your reach:
Brush or vacuum cleaner: First, sweep up loose dirt, residue, or anything else settled on the floor. Use the best LVP Floor cleaners or a vacuum with a soft-bristled brush connection so it doesn't scratch or damage the surface.
Mop cushions and microfiber cloths: Microfiber materials clean well and are sensitive on floors without leaving development or streaks.
Mild Soap or Vinyl Floor Cleaner: This pH-neutral cleaner mainly cleans vinyl floors without responding to the defensive layer.
Bucket: Water and a cleaning solution are combined in the bucket.Â
Soft-bristled Brush or Sponge: Use a regular mop for heavy stains or larger debris that are harder to eliminate.
Towels or Microfiber Pads: After cleaning, the floor needs to be dried with towels or microfiber pads; this is necessary to prevent water spots and ensure a shiny finish.
The Right Way of Cleaning LVP Floors
![The Right Way of Cleaning LVP Floors](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0064/6515/9257/files/The_Right_Way_of_Cleaning_LVP_Floors.jpg?v=1724357694)
One of the upsides of luxury vinyl plank flooring is its simplicity of cleaning. However, cleaning it accurately will assist you with continuously having magnificent-looking floors. Following is a step-by-step 'how to clean LVP floors":
Sweep or Vacuum the Floor: Begin by clearing or vacuuming off the dirt, dust, and different particles on the floor. Be exceptionally unforgiving with corners and edges, as that is where the dirt collects. This step prevents scratching the floor during the mopping process.
Mix Your Cleaning Solution: Mix a gentle cleanser or a vinyl floor cleaner in a container with warm water. Adhere to the producer's guidelines for the suggested measure of cleanser. Be careful not to utilize an excess of cleanser, which can leave a sticky residue that draws in dirt.
Clear the floor: Moisturize the microfiber mop with the wiping arrangement and squeeze out some of it. Now, mop the floor in a back-and-forth movement. Work in little segments to try not to move dirty water everywhere. Continue flushing and wringing the mop to keep it clean.
Clean up spills and spots: In the event of extensive stains or spills, clean the region by delicately scrubbing the impacted part using a brush or a wipe dipped in the cleaning solution. Avoid strong scrubbers that might scratch your LVP flooring's surface.
Clean Water Rinse: Finally, at the end of the mopping, clean the mop or cloth with clean water and run it over the floor to ensure no soap residual effect. This will leave your floor free from streaks and buildup.
Dry the Floor: Dry the floor with towels or microfiber pads. This avoids water spots and gives you a shiny and slip-free floor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning LVP Floors
![Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning LVP Floors](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0064/6515/9257/files/Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_When_Cleaning_LVP_Floors.jpg?v=1724357693)
Even though LVP flooring is strong and requires little upkeep, mistakes can occur that should be avoided to keep your floors intact.
Avoid using harsh cleaners containing ammonia or bleach. These will cut through the protective layer on your floor, leaving it dull and damaged over time. Instead, use pH-neutral cleaners, which are suggested for vinyl flooring.
Excessive Water Utilization: While the luxury Vinyl plank flooring is water-resistant, excess water will work through the creases and edges and cause the boards to twist or warp. Always wring out your mop with much power, and try not to have water puddles on the floor.
Not Cleaning Consistently: Negligence in regular cleaning will prompt the buildup of dirt and dull floors. Regular sweeping and mopping help maintain the floor's finish and avoid damage.
Wrong Choice of Cleaning Tools: Steel wool, harsh scrubbers, or stiff-bristled brushes will scratch or gouge the surface layer of your LVP flooring. Soft Tools, such as microfiber mops and brushes with delicate fibers, are consistently ideal.
Applying Wax or Polish: Since LVP flooring already has a defensive layer to give it a sheen, this repetitive process could be unfavorable to the floor by leaving this sticky buildup.
How to Maintain LVP Flooring
The Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring should be cleaned regularly to make it serve longer and remain outstanding. Here are some tips used in maintaining your floor:
Clearing and Wiping: Frequently sweep, vacuum, and mop the floor to eliminate debris and other things that could hurt it. To keep the floor clean, mop it once a week and clear or vacuum it as needed.
Use carpets and mats: Doormats at every passage will gather dirt, diminishing the garbage hauled onto your flooring. Again, area rugs reduce wear and tear in high-traffic areas.
Protect from the Sun: If your LVP flooring receives continuous, direct sunlight, it can fade or discolor. Curtains or blinds should be installed to regulate the sun reaching the floors during peak hours.
Clean Up Spills Right Away: Do not let spills sit, but clean them up immediately to avoid staining. After gently mopping up a spill with a wet cloth, you'll want to use a cleanser safe for vinyl.
Clip Pet Nails: Keep your pets' nails trimmed so they won't scratch the LVP floor. This will give you an easy, hassle-free tip for maintaining a cleaner and smoother floor.
Conclusion
Preserving the elegance and durability of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is simple if you apply proper cleaning techniques and tools. Follow the tips in this book and avoid common mistakes to keep your floors looking great for years. These will help to give your floors a nice, new look, along with frequent maintenance in the form of frequent mopping and sweeping, combined with prompt action right after spills. LVP is among the best floorings for homes with a high activity volume simply because it needs minimal maintenance. With little effort, you will relish in comfort, elegance, and utility daily in your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best way to clean LVP flooring?
A. Combine one gallon of warm water and a few spritzes of mild dish soap in a bucket.
Q. Is vinegar safe for LVP flooring?
A. One of the best vinyl plank flooring cleaners is a cup of apple cider or white vinegar in a gallon of hot water.Â
Q. How do vinyl floors look new again?
A. You only need to slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water and then buff away the scuff.Â
Q. How do you remove stains from LVP flooring?
A. Use a gentle natural cleaner on the LVP floor, such as a mixture of water and white vinegar.
Q. How do you remove yellowing from vinyl flooring?
A. A bleach-water solution can be very effective for yellowing vinyl. Mix three parts of water and one bleach in a bucket and rub the stained areas.
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