If you’ve recently installed luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floors in your home, you’ve made an excellent choice! These floors are just as gorgeous as natural stone or hardwood, but way more affordable. Not to mention, LVT is waterproof and super durable. But like any flooring, vinyl tile needs regular cleaning and maintenance to look its best.
Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through exactly how to clean LVT floors like a pro! Keep reading.
Supplies You’ll Need
Cleaning vinyl tile floors is a breeze with just a few supplies:
Microfiber mop
The lightly textured microfiber attracts and traps dust and dirt particles that a sponge mop would just push around. So, look for one with a swivel head to make maneuvering around furniture easier.
PH neutral floor cleaner
It’s important to use a cleaner specifically formulated for vinyl floors. The pH neutral formula won’t damage the floor’s finish.
Bucket
Use two buckets for the mopping process–one for the clean water and cleaner mixture and one for rinsing the dirty mop.
Soft rags
Have a few clean microfiber cloths or terry towels on hand for spot cleaning and drying.
Prepping the Floor
Before mopping, do a quick sweep or vacuum to remove any loose debris. Check under moveable furniture and in corners. This prevents spreading dirt around while mopping.
Remove any rugs or mats as well so you can access the entire floor area.
Mopping Technique
Fill the bucket with warm water and add a small amount of vinyl floor cleaner per the product instructions. Dip in the microfiber mop until fully saturated but not dripping–a damp mop is ideal.
Working in sections, mop up and down the length of the floor, then side to side overlapping the passes slightly as you go. Start at the furthest corner from the door and work your way out to prevent trapping yourself in the room.
When the mop starts looking dirty, rinse it out thoroughly in the second bucket filled with clean water. Wring it out well and continue mopping.
Change the water frequently to prevent redistributing grime. Work methodically until the entire floor surface has been cleaned.
Getting into Crevices
For grout lines, use a small grout brush scrub to lift dirt from the crevices. You can also use an old toothbrush for tight corners and along trim or baseboards.
Dip the brush in the cleaning solution and scrub vigorously but gently to avoid scratching. Wipe up any excess moisture with a rag.
Go over areas like under the refrigerator, stove, and other appliances with the brush to dislodge hidden gunk and crumbs.
Removing Stains
For stubborn spots like food, grease or ink stains, break out the magic eraser. Gently rub over the stain using light pressure. Avoid excessive scrubbing which could damage the vinyl.
For tough, set-in stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread over the stain and let sit 5-10 minutes before wiping away. The baking soda will help bubble up and dissolve staining.
Undiluted white vinegar can also help dissolve stain residues. Place a rag soaked in vinegar over the spot for 15 minutes. Then scrub lightly to remove the stains.
Be careful with colored spills like wine, juices or soda. Blot immediately to avoid permanent staining by the dye. A dilution of water and hydrogen peroxide can help lift pigmented stains.
Sanitizing
While hot water and cleaner does sanitize, you may want to periodically disinfect your floors more thoroughly. Look for a vinyl-safe disinfectant and follow product instructions.
Mopping with a disinfectant solution helps kill germs that get tracked inside and ensures floors stay hygienic between deep cleanings.
Finishing Touches
When the floor is clean, go back over with a dry terry cloth rag to absorb any leftover moisture. Check for missed spots and do any final spot cleaning needed.
Take a moment to admire your sparkling vinyl floors! They should look just-mopped clean and refreshed.
Make sure to wipe down baseboards, trim, and any walls you may have splashed near the floor. Tidy any supplies away before replacing furniture and rugs.
Regular Upkeep For Luxury Vinyl Tile Floors
To maintain the floors’ shine between deep cleanings, dry mop, sweep and vacuum daily. Quickly wipe up any spills as they happen to prevent stains.
Re-mop high traffic areas like kitchens and entryways once a week. Follow this routine cleaning guide as needed when the floors start looking dull or dirty.
With proper care, your beautiful vinyl floors will stay looking pristine and new for years to come. Consistent cleaning keeps them hygienic while protecting the flooring surface. Just a little regular upkeep makes maintaining luxury vinyl tile floors a breeze.
When To Call a Professional
For more dramatic flooring issues like deep gouges, major staining or warping planks, contact a vinyl floor installer for repairs. Professionals have the tools and expertise to fix problems while keeping your warranty intact.
Consider professional periodic cleaning to keep floors looking pristine between your own routine maintenance. Companies can provide a deeper, more thorough cleaning of the entire floor surface.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Caring for vinyl tile floors is really quite simple. With regular light cleaning and occasional deep cleaning, you can keep your luxury vinyl looking like the day it was installed for years. All you have to do is to follow the above tips and you’ll get to enjoy scratch-free, waterproof floors throughout your home.