Luxury vinyl plank or LVP flooring has widely gained interest among North Carolina citizens. It is famous for durability and water resistance and presents a wide variety of style options that can appear close to natural wood or stone. It combines both beauty and strength, but like most floors, it needs upkeep to enjoy numerous beautiful years. Here are 15 essential tips to keep your LVP floors in the best condition possible.
What Makes LVP Flooring Unique?
Many homeowners want LVP flooring because of its resilience and easy maintenance. It has a multi-layer construction, which makes it durable against scratches and dents. It is water-resistant, great for households with kids or pets, and high foot traffic since it takes spills and minor moisture with ease. The LVP floors have to be maintained in a specific manner designed for the kind of flooring. So, let’s dive in!
15 Essential Tips for Maintaining Your LVP Floors
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Sweeping or vacuuming is one of the best ways to prevent scratches on your LVP flooring. Dirt and debris on the floor surface can act as sandpaper. The first step is keeping the floor clean. A soft-bristled broom should be used to gently sweep. A vacuum cleaner without a beater bar should be used to prevent scuff or scratch marks. Sweep frequently in high-traffic areas and overall floor at least twice every week.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
While LVP is water resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture can easily damage the seams and edges of the floor. Seeped water or other liquids in those cracks can lift or warp the floor, and a spill should be cleaned very quickly. To clean it, blot with a soft cloth or paper towel; you should not wipe it with force, which could spread the moisture.
Use a Damp Mop for Routine Cleaning
Routine mopping keeps the floors looking fresh and clean without leaving streaks. The cleaner should be mild and pH neutral, safe for LVP flooring. Avoid soaking the mop-it should only be slightly damp to avoid excess water on the floor. Mopping once a week should suffice for most homes, although high-traffic areas will benefit from mopping twice a week.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Products
LVP floors are durable, but they can still be damaged by harsh chemicals. Cleaners containing bleach, ammonia or acidic compounds may erode the protective wear layer of the floor. Look for cleaners that have been labeled as safe for vinyl floors. If you want a DIY option, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water for a gentle yet effective cleaning.
Use Furniture Pads to Prevent Scratches
Heavily stacked furniture is going to leave indentations and scratches on your LVP floors. A simple solution is to place rubber furniture pads on the legs of chairs, tables and sofas. They are of prime importance in rooms such as the dining area, where dining chairs are moved frequently. Replacement of the pads after a period also avoids clogging and becoming abrasive.
Place Mats at Entry Points
Mats at entrance areas are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to prevent dirt, sand and moisture from getting on your LVP floors. Choose mats that have a non-rubber backing so they won’t bleed. Putting mats at each door and cleaning your feet before entering your home will reduce the amount of debris that gets into your home.
Use Rugs in High-Traffic Areas
Rugs are an ideal choice for high traffic in living rooms, halls, and kitchens. They also offer an extra layer of room style while protecting flooring under them. Make sure they are non-slip and avoid rubber or latex backings since they lead to discoloration on the floor over time.
Avoid High Heels and Sharp Objects
High heels, especially stilettos, put great pressure on a small area, leaving dents on your LVP flooring. Sharp objects which include knives or heavy tools can scratch or puncture the surface if they fall. Try to avoid wearing high heels on LVP floors and be cautious with the way you handle sharp objects around them.
Maintain Pet Nails and Claws
Pets are great companions, but their nails can be quite destructive to LVP floors if not trimmed. Trimming your pet’s nails regularly will prevent scratches, especially for active pets that run around a lot indoors. Place rugs in their favourite play areas for added protection.
Minimize Sun Exposure
Fading or discolouration can be caused by extensive sunlight exposure on LVP floors, especially in rooms with large windows. Protection from the sun’s rays can be attained through curtains, blinds or UV-blocking window film. Periodic movement of furniture and rugs also prevents uneven fading on the floor surfaces.
Perform a Monthly Deep Clean
Apart from regular mopping, monthly deep cleaning will make the floors look new. The floors should be mopped with vinyl-approved cleaner and warm water with utmost care so that it doesn’t soak into the floors. Applying the cleaner to stubborn spots and waiting for some time before wiping it with a damp cloth is advisable.
Handle Stains Carefully
Accidents happen, and sometimes spills may leave stains. For food spills, gently blot with a cloth and warm, soapy water. For pet accidents, an enzyme-based cleaner can help eliminate odours without harming the floor. Always avoid abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch the floor’s surface.
Use Approved LVP Cleaners
The best way to ensure your floors stay in good shape is with vinyl-specific cleaners. They clean without stripping protective layers off of vinyl. This leaves your floor cleaner and shinier.
Avoid Dragging Heavy Items
The fastest way that your LVP floors may incur scratches is by dragging heavy furniture pieces. Move heavy furniture pieces by sliders on furniture or by using a towel under the leg. A small scratch ruins the entire look of a floor so take care when shifting things around.
Regularly Check for Damage
Routine inspections can help you catch minor issues before they become major problems. Be looking for loose planks, lifted edges or visible scratches. Take care of those right away. Most scratches can be buffed out with a soft cloth, but deeper scratches might need a vinyl floor repair kit. For significant problems, it’s best to take it up with a professional.
How often do I need to clean my LVP floors?
Only sweep or vacuum it for daily cleaning. For a shiny surface, damp mop weekly to ensure it does not pile.
Can I use a steam mop on LVP floors?
No, steam can warp LVP planks over time. Stick to a damp mop and avoid excess moisture.
How do I prevent my LVP floors from fading?
Sun exposure reduces fading. Use blinds and curtains or UV-blocking window film in the rooms that receive direct sunlight to prevent LVP floors from fading.
What should I do if my LVP floor gets scratched?
Minor scratches can be removed with a soft cloth. Deeper scratches can be best removed with a vinyl floor repair kit or through a professional flooring service.
