Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl planks flooring (LVP) have become some of the most popular flooring options on the market today. They offer the perfect combination of durability and affordability. Plus, luxury vinyl flooring can be customized to resemble wood floors, stone, ceramic, or virtually any other material.
But just because your new floors look like hardwoo, doesn’t mean you should clean them the same way. It’s important to learn how to clean luxury vinyl flooring properly so you can keep them looking great for years to come.
How to Clean LVT Flooring
Here are the 4 best ways to clean LVT flooring.
1. Sweep or Vacuum
Whenever you clean LVT or vinyl plank floors, be sure to start dry. Sweeping away the loose debris from your floors prevents it from getting stuck to your mop when you’re ready for a deeper clean.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner in place of a broom. Just be sure to adjust the height of the vacuum to the “bare floor” setting to avoid scratches and scuffs. If you plan on vacuuming your vinyl floor, do NOT use a “beater bar” attachment. This attachment can easily damage the vinyl tiles.
2. Mop with a Homemade LVT Floor Cleaner
After removing the dry particles from your floor, it’s time to grab the mop. Although there are a variety of cleaning solutions for LVT on the market, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar will also do the trick.
The acidity of the vinegar binds to caked-on dirt and debris, making it easier to wash away. Plus, vinegar disinfects as it cleans, and it won’t leave behind a soapy or waxy residue like other cleaners often do.
To create a simple LVT cleaner, mix together 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. For a bit of extra cleaning power, add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture before mopping.
If you add soap to your cleaning solution, give your floors a second pass with just vinegar and water to remove any film the soap leaves behind. Adding a few drops of baby oil into the water/vinegar mixture will add shine to your vinyl floors as you clean them.
3. Remove Stains with Baking Soda
To remove food stains from your LVT flooring, mix together a spoonful of baking soda and a few drops of water to form a paste. Then, apply this paste to any stains. After a few minutes, wipe away the mixture with a clean, soft cloth. Repeat this process 2-3 times if necessary for heavier stains.
4. Remove Scuff Marks with WD-40
To remove scuff marks from your LVT flooring, wet a towel with jojoba oil or WD-40. Then, take the damp towel and simply rub the scuff until it disappears. Finally, clean away any traces of the oil with your water and vinegar solution.
What to Avoid
Now that you know the “dos” of how to clean LVT flooring, let’s cover a few of the “don’ts.”
- Never use heavy-duty or ammonia-based cleaners. Doing so can crack vinyl flooring.
- Never use excessive amounts of water with LVT. Although LVT is water-resistant, too much water can cause damage.
- Never steam-clean vinyl flooring. The heat may cause it to warp.
- Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers. Doing so can leave permanent scratches that even WD-40 can’t buff out.
If you regularly clean and maintain your vinyl floors with gentle cleaners, your floors can last 10 to 20 years or longer!
Upgrade to Luxury Vinyl Flooring
If you’re interested in upgrading your floors to take advantage of the benefits of LVT flooring, turn to the experts at Best Buy Interior Finishes. Our team is here to assist you in finding the perfect option for any room in your home. We have the best selection of luxury vinyl flooring in Naperville and the surrounding areas.
Call (630) 791-5472 to schedule a free consultation with one of our design associates!
