The holidays are a time of celebration when family and friends gather, which can also leave a mess on your floors. As you entertain guests and have plenty of food and decorations, your luxury vinyl flooring has probably taken a beating. That being said, this guide is here to help you get your LVP floors restored like new after the holiday season.
Why Post-Holiday Cleaning for LVP Matters
High Traffic and Spills During Festivities
Holiday celebrations typically mean more foot traffic, accidental spills and increased exposure to dirt and debris. Although LVP is built to withstand wear and tear, excessive buildup dulls the finish over time. Holiday activities can speed up this process. It is important to address dirt and grime early after the holidays to avoid the possibility of scratches, stains or early wear.
Importance of Post-Holiday Care to Preserve Flooring Quality
Cleaning up your LVP floors right after the holidays not only maintains an aesthetically pleasing look but also guards against damage to the wear layer. Deep cleaning eradicates all holiday residues like crumbs, spills and residue from not becoming stains or deteriorating the surface. Such great care can keep the life of your flooring stretched for a very long time and retain its vibrancy for more years to go.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Cleaning LVP
Soft-Bristled Broom or Microfiber Mop
Begin with a soft-bristled broom or microfiber mop for luxury vinyl. Not only do these gently sweep away dust, dirt and debris, but the microfiber can also attract and hold onto dust with ease, providing a quick clean process for preparing the floor for a deeper clean without scratching.
Mild Cleaning Solutions vs. Chemical Cleaners
Use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for LVP or vinyl flooring. Chemical cleaners like bleach or ammonia-based products are harsh and can damage the wear layer on LVP, dulling its shine while possibly fading the finish. Instead, you can use warm water along with a few drops of mild dish soap for a similar effect.
Avoiding Abrasive Tools and Products
Never use scrub brushes, scouring pads or any other abrasive materials in cleaning. Abrasives can scratch the surface of the LVP and cause it to lose its shiny sheen, making it appear old after a certain period. Instead, adopt soft microfiber cloths and non-abrasive sponges to keep your floors looking brand new.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Your Luxury Vinyl Flooring
1. Clear Debris and Loose Dirt
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove all of the loose dirt and debris. This will prevent dirt from being moved around or scratching the floor when wet cleaning is done. Use a vacuum without the beater bar for the best result as the beater bar can be very harsh on the LVP.
2. Tackle Stains from Food and Drinks
For any visible spots of stains, most particularly holiday-themed foods and beverages like sauces or wine, pre-treat with gentle spot cleaning. Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Brush the paste onto the stain, then using a soft cloth, scrub the stain before cleaning off. Baking soda acts as a gentle, non-damaging abrasive to carefully remove stains from the floor.
3. Mop with a Gentle Cleaner
Use a microfiber mop or clean water with a pH-neutral cleaner. Clean sections of the LVP floor and rinse your mop frequently to prevent streaking. Never allow water to pool on the LVP floor because it can damage the LVP over time.
4. Rinse and Dry for a Streak-Free Finish
Once you have mopped the floor, let clean water run over the entire area. This will help remove any residue that the cleaning solution could be leaving behind. Residue buildup can attract dirt and a dull film might be left after the floor dries. Allow the floor to air-dry or dry it with a soft towel for a streak-free polished appearance.
Handling Specific Holiday Messes on LVP
Red Wine and Juice Stains
Red wine and juice are a favorite during the New Year and they can stain easily. Cleaning when blotted immediately with a damp cloth along with a little gentle cleaner can help remove the stain. Avoid rubbing, which would only spread it.
Candle Wax or Sticky Residue
Remove candle wax by allowing it to set, then scraping off lightly with a plastic scraper or a credit card. Clean up sticky residue on surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with some mild cleaner, gently rubbing the area in the direction of the pressure until the residue rises from the surface.
Mud and Dirt
Mud or dirt from holiday foot traffic can be cleaned once the mud is dry. First, you should vacuum or sweep up any loose dirt. After that, a slightly damp cloth should be used to gently rub out any remaining mud marks. The area should be dried with a towel to avoid the creation of watermarks or streaks.
Dos and Don’ts for Post-Holiday LVP Maintenance
Dos for LVP Care
- Use microfiber mops and pH-neutral cleaners to ensure the floor finish will last.
- Clean spills instantly to prevent staining.
- Rinse and dry the floor after mopping so there are no streaks or water spots.
Don’ts: What to Avoid When Cleaning LVP
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool or hard-bristle brushes.
- Do not use ammonia-based or strong chemical cleaners, as they will damage the finish.
- Avoid excessive water, as it can seep into seams and damage the flooring over time.
Quick Tips for Preventing Holiday Damage to LVP
Place Entry Mats and Rugs Strategically
Entry mats placed at doors can be effective in catching dirt and moisture before they reach your LVP. In this manner, the increased dirt or mess needed to be cleaned after gathering can be minimized and scratches or stains resulting from dirt tracked in from outdoors can be avoided.
Encourage Guests to Remove Shoes
Ask people to remove their shoes, especially if wet and muddy. It will prevent dirt from accumulating to a point that would take an amount of considerable time to clean. For a festive look, you may even hang a small holiday sign reminding the guests to remove their shoes.
Regular Spot Cleaning During the Holidays
During the holidays, consider regular spot cleaning to manage spills and keep floors looking clean. This is especially helpful in high-traffic areas where dirt and spills are common.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency for LVP After the Holidays
After a post-holiday deep clean, regular maintenance is key. Aim for a weekly sweep and light mop, with a more thorough clean every month to keep your LVP in top condition. This will ensure that your flooring remains great for many years and gets ready for the next holiday season.
Can I use vinegar on luxury vinyl flooring?
Vinegar could be problematic on LVP due to being too acidic, damaging the finish on a floor. To clean floors without losing their luster, use a pH-neutral cleaner.
What is the best method of removing sticky residue?
Most sticky messes can be removed with a microfiber cloth and warm water or a mild cleaner. Baking soda paste can be more aggressive on particularly hard-to-remove stains.
How can I prevent future stains?
Clean spills right away, place mats and avoid harsh cleaners to prevent stains and maintain your LVP well.
Can a steam mop be used on LVP?
Steam mops cannot be used to clean LVP floors because the heat and moisture will damage the protective layers of the floors.
What is the Best Cleaner for Luxury Vinyl Floors?
A mild, pH-neutral cleaner specifically made for vinyl flooring is the best cleaner for LVP floors.
