A Complete Guide to Cleaning Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring

If you’ve taken the plunge and invested in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring for your home, you’re probably in love with the stylish look and durable nature of this type of flooring. But, just like any flooring choice, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for your LVP flooring so it can shine for years to come.

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Why Clean LVP Flooring Regularly?

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordability, durability, and easy maintenance. However, regular cleaning is essential to preserve its appearance and extend its lifespan. By cleaning your LVP flooring regularly, you can:

Remove dirt, grime, and debris that can scratch the surface
Prevent stains and discoloration
Maintain the shine and finish of the flooring
Preserve the warranty of your flooring

With a few simple cleaning techniques and the right tools, you can keep your LVP flooring looking like new with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cleaning your luxury vinyl plank flooring.

Before You Begin

Before you start cleaning your LVP flooring, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Always dry mop or vacuum your vinyl floors before using any wet cleaners to remove loose dirt and debris.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, or steam cleaners, as they can damage the surface of your flooring.
Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your flooring to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.

Step 1: Dry Mop or Vacuum Regularly

The first step in cleaning your LVP flooring is to dry mop or vacuum it regularly to remove loose dirt and debris. This should be done daily in high-traffic areas and at least once a week in less frequently used areas.

Dry Mop:
– Use a microfiber dust mop to gently remove dust and debris from the surface of the flooring.

Vacuum:
– Use a soft bristle attachment or a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor setting to effectively remove dirt and debris from the flooring.

Step 2: Make Your Own Cleaning Solution

Once you’ve dry mopped or vacuumed your LVP flooring, it’s time to clean it with a homemade cleaning solution. Here are a few DIY cleaning solutions you can use:

Distilled Vinegar Solution

Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to a gallon of warm water.
Mop the floors using the vinegar solution.
Allow the floors to air dry.

Liquid Dishwashing Soap Solution

Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to warm water.
Mop the floors using the soapy solution.
Allow the floors to air dry.

Baking Soda Solution

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste.
Apply the paste to tough stains on the flooring.
Gently rub the paste onto the stains using a soft cloth.
Wipe off the paste and then wipe dry with a clean cloth.

It’s important to note that while vinyl flooring is water-resistant, excessive water can cause LVP flooring to buckle, so be sure to wring out your mop thoroughly and avoid over-saturating the floors.

Step 3: Remove Scuff Marks and Tough Stains

Even with regular cleaning, scuff marks and tough stains can still occur on LVP flooring. Here’s how you can deal with them effectively:

Scuff Marks:
– Spray a small amount of WD-40 on the scuff mark.
– Buff the area with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Tough Stains:
– For food stains, use a baking soda paste to gently rub away dried-on stains.
– For lipstick, grease, or ink stains, use rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth to remove the stains.

Step 4: Preventative Maintenance Tips

In addition to regular cleaning, there are a few preventative maintenance tips you can follow to keep your LVP flooring in top condition:

Place doormats at entryways to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the floors.
Use felt protectors on furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
Remove casters or wheels from furniture that may scratch or damage the flooring.
Clean up spills and messes promptly to prevent stains and damage.

For a deep clean and restore the shine to your LVP flooring, you can use a distilled white vinegar and warm water cleaning solution. Here’s how:

Dry mop the floors to remove loose dirt and debris.
Mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water in a bucket.
Dip a mop into the solution and wring it out until damp.
Clean the floors in long strokes, starting in one corner and working towards an exit point.
Allow the floors to air dry completely.

Avoid using abrasive tools or cleaning products that can damage your LVP flooring, such as steel wool, stiff-bristled brushes, ammonia-based cleaners, liquid or paste wax, or commercial floor cleaners that are not safe for LVP flooring.

In conclusion, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keeping your luxury vinyl plank flooring looking its best. By following these simple steps and tips, you can ensure your flooring stays clean, shiny, and beautiful for years to come.