How to Care for Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Remove Spills Promptly 

Quick action on spills is crucial to keep your Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring in top shape. Some spills are more troublesome than others, especially those that can stain or stick.

Water and Liquid Spills

Wipe them up as soon as they happen. Although LVP is water-resistant, letting water sit can lead to issues over time. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dry the area thoroughly.

Oil-Based Spills

These can be a bit trickier. For spills like cooking oils or grease, clean up quickly with a damp cloth. You might need a drop of dish soap to help cut through the grease. Make sure to rinse the area with water and dry it well to avoid any slippery spots.

Sticky or Sugary Spills

Things like soda, syrup, or jam need to be tackled fast before they get sticky and attract dirt. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe them up, then go over the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.

Acting fast on spills prevents them from setting in and making your floors look dirty or damaged. Keeping your LVP floors looking new starts with handling messes as they happen, ensuring your floors stay beautiful and last longer.

Clean Gently

“Gently” means using the right tools and cleaners that won’t damage its surface.

Use the Right Tools

A soft-bristle broom or a microfiber mop are perfect for daily sweeps. For deeper cleans, stick with a microfiber mop dampened with water or a suitable cleaner.

Choose Safe Cleaners

Opt for pH-neutral cleaners designed for LVP flooring. These cleaners are gentle enough not to harm the floor's finish. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they can strip the floor's protective coating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Water

While LVP is water-resistant, soaking your floors can cause water to seep between the planks, potentially damaging the subfloor. Always use a damp mop, not a wet one.

Harsh Chemicals

Cleaners with harsh chemicals can dull or damage the finish of your LVP. Stick to recommended products.

Abrasive Tools

Scrubbing your LVP flooring with hard-bristled brushes or steel wool can scratch and wear down the surface. Keep it soft and gentle.

Protect From Scratches

Choose the Right Furniture Pads

Opt for felt or rubber pads for the bottoms of furniture legs. These materials are soft enough to prevent scratches and durable enough to withstand weight. Replace them regularly to ensure they remain effective.

Select Suitable Rugs 

Invest in high-quality rugs for high-traffic areas. Look for non-abrasive backings, like natural rubber or felt, to avoid any potential damage to your LVP flooring. Rugs not only add style but also protect the areas of your home that see the most foot traffic.

Move Furniture Safely

Regularly rearranging your furniture can prevent uneven wear and tear on your floors. When moving furniture, always lift rather than drag. If you need to slide furniture, use a soft blanket or a slider tool designed for LVP floors to distribute the weight evenly and avoid scratches.

Maintenance Tips for Existing Scratches

If you find scratches, don’t panic. Some minor scratches can be masked with a LVP repair kit or color-matched markers designed for vinyl flooring. For deeper scratches, consult with a flooring professional to explore the best repair options.

Dealing with Heavy Furniture

Use Furniture Pads

Before sliding anything, stick felt pads under the legs of your furniture. These pads help distribute the weight and prevent scratches as you move things around.

Lift, Don’t Drag

Whenever possible, lift furniture instead of dragging it across the floor. Dragging can leave marks or even tear the vinyl. If you must slide furniture, place a rug or a piece of thick cloth underneath it first.

Employ Moving Tools

Consider using tools like furniture sliders that are specifically designed for smooth, scratch-free moving on LVP floors. For really heavy items, a dolly with rubber wheels can be a good investment, reducing the risk of indentations.

Plan Your Layout

Before moving heavy items, plan where you want them to go. This minimizes the amount of moving and adjusting needed, reducing the risk of accidental damage to your floors.

Prevent Sun Damage

This one’s often overlooked. Extended exposure to sunlight not only fade your flooring’s color but also its structure. It can lead to warping or bending in severe cases.

Here’s how to keep your floors safe from the sun:

UV-Protective Window Treatments

Installing blinds, curtains, or specially designed window films that block out harmful UV rays can significantly reduce the risk of sun damage. These treatments allow you to control the amount of sunlight entering your home, protecting your floors without sacrificing natural light.

Rearrange Furniture and Rugs

Regularly moving your furniture and rugs can help prevent uneven fading on your LVP flooring. This ensures that all areas of your flooring receive equal exposure over time, maintaining a consistent color across your space.

Use Protective Rugs in Sunlit Areas

In addition to rearranging furniture, placing rugs in areas that receive a lot of sunlight can protect your floors from direct exposure. Choose rugs with non-fading colors and materials that won’t transfer color onto your flooring.

Dust and Sweep Regularly

Regular dusting and sweeping prevent the build-up of grit that can scratch the surface over time. Here’s how to do it right:

Choose the Right Tools

A soft-bristle broom, a microfiber mop, or a dust mop are your best bets for safely removing dust and debris. These tools are gentle on LVP flooring and effective at picking up dust without spreading it around.

Frequency Matters

Ideally, you should dust or sweep your LVP floors daily, especially in high-traffic areas. This prevents the accumulation of dirt that can lead to scratches and dullness.

Best Time to Sweep

Doing this task in the evening, after a day's foot traffic, is most effective. It allows you to capture all the day’s dust and debris, leaving your floors clean and ready for the next day.

Follow Up with Proper Cleaning

After sweeping, a quick mop with a recommended cleaner for LVP floors can remove any remaining dust and give your floors a fresh look. Ensure the mop is only damp to avoid excessive water exposure.

Conclusion

By tackling spills promptly, cleaning gently, maneuvering heavy furniture with care, safeguarding against scratches, protecting from sun damage, and maintaining a routine of dusting and sweeping, you can keep your LVP floors looking as good as new.

If you're contemplating a home remodel or any construction needs, consider Tubro Construction as your go-to expert. Our team is dedicated to delivering top-notch service, whether it's installing new flooring or undertaking a full-scale renovation. 

With a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction, Tubro Construction is here to bring your vision to life. Reach out to us today to make your home improvement dreams a reality.