Maintaining the beauty of luxury vinyl plank flooring can seem daunting, but with Coretec floors it doesn’t have to be. This durable, scratch-resistant flooring is designed to handle busy households while retaining its fresh, new look for years. Unlike real wood or tile, Coretec planks are waterproof and easy to clean without using harsh chemicals that could damage the floor.
With just some basic cleaning techniques and supplies readily available at home, you can keep your Coretec vinyl planks looking fabulous day in and day out. No special tools or hours of labor required! Simply follow this easy step-by-step guide to get your floors clean and keep them that way.
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How to Clean Coretec LVP Flooring
Gather the Proper Supplies
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have the right supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Broom or dust mop – To sweep up any loose debris
- Damp mop or microfiber cloth – For general cleaning
- Vinyl floor cleaner – Use a no-rinse cleaner made specifically for vinyl floors
- Bucket – To hold water and cleaning solution
- Soft bristle brush – For scrubbing stains
- Clean towels – For drying after mopping
Vacuum First
The first step is to thoroughly vacuum or sweep the floor. This will remove any dust, dirt, sand or other loose debris that could scratch the floor during cleaning.
- Vacuum all areas of the floor, getting into corners and along baseboards.
- For planks with a textured surface, use a soft brush attachment to capture embedded dirt.
- Dump out the vacuum debris after each use.
Mix the Cleaning Solution
- Fill a bucket with warm water, then add a small amount of vinyl floor cleaner concentrate.
- Check the cleaner bottle for the proper mixing ratio.
- A mild, no-rinse vinyl floor cleaner is ideal for routine cleaning.
- Avoid using steam mops or harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach that could damage the floor’s protective coating.
Damp Mop the Floor
- Dip a sponge mop or microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution, then wring it out so it is damp but not overly wet.
- Working in sections, mop the floor using a figure-8 motion.
- Rinse the mop frequently as you work to remove the dirt and grime from the floor.
- Work your way out of the room to avoid walking on damp areas.
Scrub Stained Areas
- Inspect the floor for any stained or heavily soiled areas after mopping.
- Apply a small amount of concentrated cleaner directly onto the stain, then scrub with a soft bristle brush.
- Scrub gently to avoid damaging the floor.
- Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to fully dry.
- Repeat as needed for stubborn stains.
Rinse and Dry
- Once the entire floor has been mopped, rinse the floor with fresh water to remove any residue.
- Work in sections and change rinse water frequently to ensure a thorough clean.
- Go over the floor again with clean towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Open windows and use fans to facilitate quick drying.
- Avoid walking on the floor until it is completely dry.
Maintenance
Spot Clean As Needed
Daily spot cleaning keeps vinyl floors looking their best in between moppings.
- Immediately wipe up any spills or tracked-in dirt with a damp microfiber cloth.
- For dried or sticky spots, spray vinyl cleaner and scrub with a soft brush before wiping.
- Take care not to over-wet the floor around the spot.
Deep Clean Every 2-3 Months
In addition to routine mopping, give the floors a deep clean every 2-3 months.
- Sweep and vacuum first, then mop using a vinyl floor deep cleaning solution instead of a regular cleaner.
- After washing, rinse thoroughly and allow the floor to dry completely before using again.
- This periodic deep clean sanitizes the floor and removes any stubborn buildup.
Protect High-traffic areas
- Place mats at exterior doors and area rugs in high-traffic zones to prevent excess wear, scratches, and staining.
- Use floor protectors under furniture legs.
- Avoid rubber or latex-backed mats, which can discolor vinyl.
- Blot up spills immediately to avoid permanent damage.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners and Abrasives
Never use steam mops, wax, polish, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners on Coretec vinyl planks, as they can dull the finish or cause discoloration.
Vacuum or sweep regularly, but avoid vacuums with beater bars. Don’t use abrasive scouring pads or powders that could scratch the floor.
Maintain Proper Conditions
Extreme temperatures, sunlight, and moisture can damage luxury vinyl over time. Keep the room temperature between 55-85°F.
Close blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours. Check for and repair any moisture issues immediately to prevent plank damage.
When in Doubt, Call the Experts
If your vinyl planks become soiled or stained and standard cleaning methods don’t work, contact a professional floor cleaning service. Make sure they have experience with luxury vinyl floors.
Pro deep cleaning and steam cleaning can restore vinyl plank’s beauty while removing embedded dirt and grime mopping can’t get.
Bottom Line – Enjoy Your Freshly Cleaned Floors
With regular cleaning and care, Coretec luxury vinyl plank flooring will maintain its like-new appearance for years to come. Be sure to sweep and mop weekly, plus deep clean every 2-3 months.
Always use the proper supplies and cleaning methods for vinyl flooring. Your floors will look fabulous, and your cleaning time will be minimal so you can enjoy your beautiful floors.
