How to Clean Vinyl Flooring: A Simple LVT Care Guide
Knowing how to clean vinyl flooring helps keep the surface looking vibrant. You can have attractive floors while avoiding damage from unsuitable cleaning methods. LVT is easy to maintain but not every cleaning product works for vinyl floors. You can remove loose dirt and spills immediately. But beyond that, how do you keep your floors clean? Let’s get into it in depth.
What Do You Need to Clean Vinyl Flooring?
You don’t need any advanced products to keep your LVT floors clean. The basics include:
- A soft-bristled broom or vacuum cleaner
- A microfibre or other suitable soft mop
- Clean water
- A cleaner approved for your particular vinyl flooring
- A soft, clean cloth for spills and marks
Avoid abrasive pads and scouring products. Some LVT planks also get damaged or discoloured due to unsuitable solvents. Others get affected by natural soap detergents and harsh chemicals that leave a residue that attracts dirt.
How to Clean LVT Flooring Step by Step
A simple routine is usually enough for everyday dirt. Do these once a week for the best results:
1. Remove loose dirt first
Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and hair. Once the loose debris is off, mop the floors to remove grit and spills. If you use a vacuum cleaner, choose one that is suitable for hard flooring. Also make sure it has soft wheels or an appropriate brush attachment.
2. Prepare the cleaning solution
Use a cleaning product recommended for your LVT. Follow its dilution instructions rather than adding extra cleaner. Too much product could leave a residue on the surface and make you slip.
3. Mop with a suitable amount of moisture
Use a clean mop with a little water. Make sure you don’t leave pools of standing water on the floors while mopping. For some vinyl products, a damp or wet mop is permitted. But others may have more specific requirements. You could use a wet mop for specified vinyl ranges and then wipe away visible moisture, for example.
4. Remove excess moisture
Once cleaning is complete, remove visible moisture. This is important around joints, edges and areas where water could collect.
How Often Should You Clean Vinyl Flooring?
How often you need to clean depends on foot traffic, pets, children, outdoor dirt and how quickly the floor becomes soiled. A useful routine is to remove loose dirt every day like regular floors. Don’t wait till dirt builds up, especially for high traffic areas. Lightly used areas may be cleaned every alternate day or twice a week.
You could also vacuum often and sweep the floors. Try to place a doormat outside your house. This way, your family and visitors can wipe off debris on the way in and reduce the amount of dirt that enters your home. Lift furniture while cleaning instead of dragging it. You could also use protective pads to prevent scratching and indentation.
How to Remove Stains From Vinyl Flooring
The best approach is usually to deal with a spill quickly. Don’t allow it to dry and become harder to remove. For food, drinks and other common spills, wipe the area with a suitable damp cloth as soon as possible. Some manufacturer stain guides recommend a dedicated vinyl spot cleaner for more difficult marks.
For dried-on substances such as candle wax or chewing gum, avoid attacking the floor with a sharp metal tool. Allow the substance to harden and then carefully remove it. For grease, paint, polish or other stubborn marks, check the flooring manufacturer's stain-removal instructions before using a specialist product.
What About Scuff Marks?
Scuff marks can often be treated with a suitable vinyl floor spot cleaner. Use a soft cloth and avoid aggressive rubbing or abrasive cleaning tools. If a mark has damaged the wear surface rather than sitting on top of it, cleaning may not restore the original appearance.
Can You Use a Steam Mop on Vinyl Flooring?
Do not assume that steam cleaning is suitable for every vinyl floor. Some specific vinyl products permit steam cleaning under controlled conditions. Based on the material and care instructions, others may not. For example, some brands allow steam cleaning on certain products. Others may specify using a suitable cloth over the steam opening. Or some may even suggest avoiding prolonged heat or steam exposure in one area.
Why Does Vinyl Flooring Look Streaky After Cleaning?
Streaks can have several causes. Too much cleaning product can leave residue. Even dirty water or a dirty mop can redistribute dirt instead of removing it. Use the recommended amount of cleaner and change or rinse the mop as necessary. Mop planks or tiles lengthwise on its vinyl flooring to help prevent drying streaks.
If the floor still looks dull or sticky after cleaning, there may be a build-up of cleaning product rather than dirt. Check the manufacturer's intensive-cleaning guidance before trying a stronger chemical.
How Can You Protect Vinyl Flooring Between Cleans?
Good floor care is not just about mopping. Use entrance mats to reduce grit and moisture. This is only provided the mat backing is compatible with the flooring. Fit suitable protective pads or cups to furniture legs. Try to lift furniture rather than dragging it across the floor while cleaning.
If you have office chairs, check that the castors are suitable for vinyl flooring. Heavy furniture may also need protective cups to reduce the risk of indentation. Avoid letting very hot objects such as cigarettes or other heat sources come into direct contact with the flooring. They tend to permanently damage or discolour the surface.
FAQs
How do I clean LVT flooring?
Remove the loose dirt first and then use a floor cleaner. Avoid too much cleaner, soap, or standing water.
How do I remove stains from vinyl flooring?
Deal with stains promptly using a suitable soft cloth and flooring-approved cleaner. Stubborn stains may need a dedicated spot-cleaning product. Avoid abrasive tools and unapproved chemicals.
Can I use bleach or washing liquid on vinyl flooring?
Do not assume bleach or washing liquid are safe for all LVT floors. Some manufacturers advise against it because unsuitable chemicals can damage or permanently mark the floor. Check your flooring's care instructions first.
Can vinyl flooring be mopped?
Many LVT products can be damp mopped, and some allow wet mopping. The permitted amount of moisture varies, so check the product's care instructions.
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