Wilmac Flooring

How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF)

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a popular choice for many homeowners, as it is durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of styles and colours. However, despite its durability, LVF still requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here, we will explore some tips for cleaning luxury vinyl flooring that will help keep your floors looking like new.

Make use of doormats

Ensuring you have a good quality doormat at every threshold is a good place to start when keeping your vinyl floor clean. This will catch the worst of the outside dirt before it comes into contact with your floor. If you are having work done on your home, such as decorating or renovations, it is important to also put down sheeting or covers so that your floor is protected.

Regularly sweep or dry mop

When cleaning luxury vinyl flooring, the first step is to regularly sweep or dry mop the floors to remove dirt and debris. This is particularly important if you have pets or kids, as they can track in dirt and debris from outside. Sweeping or dry mopping is also a good way to remove loose dirt and debris before you begin cleaning the floors with water.

Use a damp mop or cloth

When cleaning luxury vinyl flooring, it’s important to use a damp mop or cloth to avoid leaving water marks or streaks on the floors. You should also use a mild cleaning solution designed for vinyl flooring, and avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of the floors.

Avoid using too much water

When cleaning luxury vinyl flooring, it’s important to avoid using too much water, as this can damage the floors. You should also avoid letting water stand on the floors for too long, as this can cause the floors to warp or buckle. Instead, wring out the mop or cloth thoroughly before cleaning the floors, and dry the floors with a clean, dry cloth after cleaning.

Use a microfibre mop or cloth

Microfibre mops or cloths are great for cleaning luxury vinyl flooring because they are gentle on the floors, and they are also highly absorbent. They are also great for removing dirt and debris that is embedded in the floors, and they are less likely to leave streaks or water marks.

Apply a floor protector

Using a floor protector or top dressing is another great way to keep your luxury vinyl flooring looking like new. Floor protectors are designed to create a barrier that repels dirt, stains, and spills, and they can help to extend the life of your floors. Be sure to choose a floor protector that is designed for use on vinyl flooring, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Brands like Amtico and Karndean offer their own floor protectors that have been specially designed for their ranges, so are often a good place to look.

Regularly remove stains

Luxury vinyl flooring is generally resistant to stains, but it’s still important to remove them as soon as possible. Stains that are left for too long can become ingrained in the floors, making them more difficult to remove. For everyday spills, use a clean, damp cloth to blot the area and remove as much of the stain as possible. For tougher stains, use a stain remover that is designed for use on vinyl flooring. Most of the top manufacturers sell specialist products that can be used to strip any stains and scratches off the top layer of the flooring before applying a new protective layer.

Avoid using harsh chemicals

Luxury vinyl flooring is designed to be resistant to most chemicals, but it’s still important to avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning the floors. This includes things like bleach and ammonia, which can damage the floors. Instead, opt for mild cleaning solutions that are specifically designed for use on vinyl flooring.

As you have probably gathered, the best way to keep your luxury vinyl flooring looking like new is to clean it regularly. This means sweeping or dry mopping the floors at least once a week, and using a damp mop or cloth to clean the floors at least once a month. Additionally, you should also be sure to remove stains as soon as they occur, and use a floor protectant to help keep the floors looking like new. If you have any questions on maintaining your flooring, why not give one of the expert team at Wilmac Flooring a ring or contact us here.