Luxury vinyl flooring (also known as LVT) has become one of the biggest interior design draws of the last decade, sitting way above carpet and hardwood flooring as the most desired installations for new builds and home refurbishment.
Once fitted by professional installers, you will want to take every precaution to ensure this flooring maintains its highest possible visual appeal. To help, Galloway Flooring in Denton has suggestions for cleaning and maintaining LVT flooring within your home that will help to make the most out of your investment.
Whether you have recently had LVT fitted or are considering it as the ideal option for your room design project, there are do's and don't's when it comes to maintaining them. Whilst different brands and designs have their own specific care guides in some cases, generally they all require similar attention.
If in doubt, ask the team at Galloway Flooring to provide you with specific care guides based on the room your LVT occupies and any brand specific guidelines.
The Main Guidelines
You can keep your LVT looking healthy and clear of dirt by sweeping it regularly to avoid any build-up of debris and dust layers. The best option is to use mats at the entrance of all doors that lead to the outside of your house. A quick sweep, vacuum and mop is all that is needed to protect the top layer, but ensure that you do not soak the floor and leave large puddles of water on the surface.
Small grains of sand and stones brought in on your shoes can scratch the design layer as much as furniture feet can. For furniture that has sharp edges on their feet, be sure to use felt floor protectors to pad out between the furniture feet and the LVT. That will stop any deep scratches from shifts in the furniture.
If you have a home office, avoid using chairs with wheels. These can cause dents and marks over time as you shift in your seat all day.
For stains on your flooring, apply a paste of a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with drops of water, rubbing it gently to remove the mark. Do not rigourously scrub or use any varnishes, as this will affect the flooring's anti-slip layer.
Stay Away From Certain Products
Unlike real hardwood flooring, LVT does not require oils or waxes to keep it polished, shining and clean. All you will require is a healthy routine.
Set yourself a schedule for sweeping frequently with a soft bristle brush as little as twice a week. That will keep your surfaces clear of debris and eliminate the risk of scratches. For deeper cleaning, a mix of warm water and an LVT-friendly solution can be applied to a damp cloth or mop.
Avoid using too much water or overmopping your floor tiles, as too much moisture is not ideal despite the product being 100% waterproof. Aim for one mop every week at the most.
Whilst LVT is highly stain-resistant, aim to clean up spills from alcohol, fruit juices and soft drinks immediately with an absorbant cloth.
Should You Steam Clean?
Completely avoid any steam cleaning of your luxury vinyl tiles and planks. High heat and pressure from a steam mop will force moisture into the joins and affect the lower layers.
That leads to your tiles and planks warping and bowing, which will require immediate replacement of any affected areas of your flooring or a full refurbishment if it spreads throughout your subfloor.
A lot of off-the-shelf cleaning agents will contain harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, waxes and ammonia that can permanently damage your LVT surfaces. If you have spare LVT tiles or boards after your installation, it is best to test these cleaners on them first to see what the effect would be.
At Galloway Flooring in Manchester, we know what works and what does not when it comes to domestic vinyl and commercial vinyl flooring. If you have any questions, contact our Galloway Flooring showroom in Denton for all LVT flooring needs.
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