Cleaning and maintaining your LVT floor is essential to retaining its shine and preserving its quality. You may have questions on how best to take care of it. In this article, we share the best practices on maintaining your LVT flooring, from dos to don’ts.
Read on for helpful tips that will keep your LVT looking brand new for years!
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Types of Luxury Vinyl Tile
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A luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a durable, resilient material that stands up to the toughest wear. With a variety of textures and designs, it does not sacrifice looks for durability. When kept properly maintained, LVT can remain beautiful for years to come.
LVT flooring comes in different formats and can vary significantly in thickness and composition. There are two main types of luxury vinyl tile products: those made with a PVC base and those made with an acrylic-based co-polymer base. PVC-based LVTs have greater stain resistance but can sometimes be less resilient; while co-polymer Luxury Vinyl Tiles are slightly less resistant to stains but much more flexible and generally have increased shock absorption characteristics.
Doe’s of Cleaning and Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining LVT, regular cleaning and upkeep are key to preserving its beauty and longevity. Here are some do’s of cleaning and maintenance that you should follow:
-Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft-bristled attachment. This is best done on a weekly basis.
-Clean spills immediately with a damp cloth or mop. Avoid scrubbing for stubborn stains, as this may damage the finish of your floors.
-Once a month, use an appropriate cleaner designed specifically for LVT flooring. This will ensure that your floors remain free from dirt and debris, as well as protect them from fading and wear. Be sure to avoid harsh detergents or abrasive waxes, which can dull the surface of your floors over time.
-Deep clean periodically by scrubbing with a nylon brush or mop soaked in hot water containing a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water after scrubbing and be sure that no soapy solution remains on the floor’s surface after cleaning. Wipe dry with a cloth right away to prevent streaking or watermarks.
Don’ts of Cleaning and Maintenance
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your luxury vinyl tile, there are some important “don’ts” to bear in mind. To keep your LVT looking like new and help ensure its longevity, avoid the following:
- Avoid Wax: Wax products should never be used on luxury vinyl tile, as they may leave a residue on the surface which could cause the tiles to become slippery.
- Don’t Use Oils and Grease: Grease and oils can clog up your LVT surface, making them more difficult to clean. Additionally, if left unattended for too long they can also damage the floor’s protective coating.
- Stay away from Abrasives: Abrasive materials should not be used on LVT floors as they can prematurely wear and etch away at the protective finish of the tiles.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Strong chemicals such as bleach or any highly acidic cleansers should not be used on the luxury vinyl tile as these materials can discolor or even destroy the protective coating of your flooring.
Spot Cleaning
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When it comes to spotting and cleaning your luxury vinyl tile, there are a few dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind. The best way to keep your LVT looking great is to clean it on a regular basis with a suitable cleaner and mop. Spot cleaning is an effective way of dealing with hard-to-shift dirt, but be sure to use the right products and techniques.
Dos:
- Use an approved cleaner or detergent specifically suited for LVT surfaces. These are specially formulated to preserve the protective layer on the floor, which prevents moisture penetration and keeps your floor looking great.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of product to use and working methods when spot-cleaning LVT floors.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use any kind of strong abrasive or caustic cleaners as they can degrade sealers, damage the finish, or cause discoloration of the LVT surface due to reacting chemicals in the cleaner.
- Don’t use steel wool or other harsh scrubbing pads that could scuff or scratch your surface.
- Don’t soak your floor, as excess water can seep between the tiles and cause damage. If necessary, wipe up spillages with a damp cloth as soon as possible and dry immediately after mopping with a dry mop or cloth.
Deep Cleaning
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Deep cleaning is an essential part of LVT maintenance and should be done on a regular basis. It involves using a more powerful cleanser to loosen and remove dirt, dust, and grease from the surface so that it can be properly disinfected. This should be done either with a steam cleaner or with a mop and bucket.
Steam cleaners are usually preferred because they offer greater environmental benefits compared to other cleaning methods. When using a steam cleaner for deep cleaning, make sure that you use plain water; there is no need to use any additives or commercial cleaners. With the mop-and-bucket method, use warm water and the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solution – harsh detergents or bleach are not suitable for most LVT products.
When deep cleaning your LVT flooring, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions as some surfaces may require more specialized care than others. For example, waxes and sealants may become compromised if in contact with some cleaners; similarly, matt finish surfaces may become slippery with residual liquid buildup when cleaned with steamers set at too hot a temperature level or setting; always ensure you read and follow all safety warnings carefully when selecting the right method of deep clean for your flooring type!
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice of maintenance and cleaning strategy for luxury vinyl tile depends on what works best for your unique situation. Consider all the options mentioned in this article – from moping and spot removal to professional floor cleaning – when determining the best approach for your LVT floors.
With the right care, these floors can look amazing for a very long time. Make sure to use appropriate cleaning agents, do not use sharp or abrasive materials, and clean regularly to keep your LVT looking new.
