LVT floor is one of the most popular floorings in the United States. Cleaning it can be easy or technical, depending on how you go about it. Not to worry, in this article, you will learn just how to clean LVT flooring.
What is LVT Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a type of flooring made to be a replica of real wood. The attributes include ease of maintenance, durability, and practicability.
How Best to Clean LVT Flooring?
You can clean your LVT flooring in a variety of ways. The methods include mopping, sweeping, and cleaning, as well as the removal of stains.
In this section, we go in-depth into what you need to do to bring out that shine once more on your favorite flooring.
1. Start “Dry”
The first step is always the simplest – but must be done with great care! You need to start “dry” by getting rid of the debris and or dirt.
Use a vacuum in place of a broom for these reasons:
- It is a faster way to “suck up” the dirt.
- Vacuuming the LVT flooring prevents the loose debris from lurking around and sticking to the mop when it’s time to mop the floor.
2. Mop the LVT Flooring
Be careful when mopping the floor, especially with the kind of cleaning agent used. We would always recommend a “homemade floor cleaner.” White vinegar will do the job better.
In case you missed how to make the LVT floor cleaning agent at home, here’s a quick rundown:
- Decide on the type of cleaner to make. The options are white vinegar and apple cider vinegar. In this case, we will go with the former.
- Prepare the solution by mixing a gallon of warm water with a cup of white vinegar.
With the floor cleaner readied, it is time to grab your mop. Here’s how best to mop the LVT flooring for the best shine:
- Mop one part of the floor clean before moving to the other.
- Do not apply excessive homemade floor cleaner, so it doesn’t create a residue in the process.
How to Deep Clean LVT Flooring
“Deep-cleaning” refers to the process of getting rid of dirt and or stains that are not “on the surface.” It is not always possible to remove those via vacuuming and mopping.
Here are the options for making a deep-cleaning of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring:
3. Get Started with LVT Flooring Stain Removals
Now that the floor is “clean”, you will have a clearer view to see if there are stains left behind. The stains could be caused by any of the following: dye paints, pets, or foods.
Irrespective of the cause, you can get rid of them. Here are ideas on how to get started:
a. Removing Dye Stains
For stains from dyes, paint, or inks, you can remove them by using a clean, cotton cloth and rubbing alcohol. Apply the alcohol to the surface where the stains are and wipe clean with the cloth.
b. Use a Detergent
Applying mild detergent can do the trick. The process involves mixing mild detergent in hot water and using a clean, damp cloth to wipe the surface of the LVT floor.
c. Baking Soda to the Rescue
The popular use of baking soda can also be relied on. This can be used for a variety of purposes, including removing food stains and “heavier stains” – the stains that have been there for some time.
Start by forming a paste with a few drops of clean water and a spoonful of baking soda. Apply the paste directly to the floor’s surface where the stains are.
Let the paste “sit” for a while before wiping it clean with a clean cloth.
d. Use a Vinyl Flooring Sealer
Use the sealer only when you notice some scratches on the LVT flooring after cleaning. It will help cover up the scratches as much as possible.
e. Use an Enzyme-Based Cleaner to Clean the LVT Floor
This type of cleaner should be exclusive if you are tackling pet-related stains on the LVT flooring. In addition to removing the stains, the enzyme-based cleaner also helps to remove the smell caused by such stains.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning LVT Flooring
Removing dirt and stains from Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring should be such a “luxury” thing to do. It must be done with all the care you can exert. At the same time, being careful of what needs to be done and not is also important.
Let’s start with what you should do:
a. Everyday Cleaning is Recommended
If you can spare the time, taking care of the floor every day is worth it. And it doesn’t take much. Here’s the basic cleaning approach:
- Vacuum dirt out of the floor.
- Mop clean
b. Using the Right Tools is Important
Not all cleaning tools or items work best for LVT flooring. For example, you should choose vacuuming over sweeping, because the latter could lead to scratching the floor.
c. Reduce the Amount of Water Used
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring might be “water-resistant,” but it could be damaged if you used excessive water during the cleaning. Remember that it is a wood replica.
d. Practice a “Two-Bucket System”
This system refers to the use of two (2) buckets for cleaning the LVT flooring. While one of the buckets will contain the floor cleaner, the other contains clean water for mopping the floor clean.
Certain measures must be in place to protect the LVT flooring. Here are some of the things you shouldn’t do when cleaning it:
e. No Soap-Based Products
Rather than use soap or related products, go for warm water. The reason is that soap-based products often leave behind a soapy film that reduces the floor’s shine with time.
f. Don’t Use Bleach-Based Products
Just like soap-based products, bleached-based products will also “dull” the surface of your LVT flooring with time.
g. Don’t Steam!
Never steam the floor, as it causes it to warp.
FAQs
1. How to Clean LVT Commercial Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring used for commercial purposes needs to be cleaned every day and this is because of the number of persons stepping on it daily. Daily cleaning helps to prolong the lifespan and keep it cleaner.
2. Can You Steam Clean LVT Flooring?
No, you shouldn’t use a steam cleaner on LVT flooring, as the heat coming from it increases the flooring’s propensity to warping.
3. What are the Best Cleaning Products for LVT Flooring?
The best cleaners are homemade floor cleaners (comprising white vinegar), enzyme-based cleaners, and a dedicated LVT cleaner fluid for protecting the flooring’s coating.
Final Words
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring brings that “luxury look” to your home and office. To maintain that look, you need to regularly clean and maintain the flooring. In addition to using the tips in this article, you may as well get doormats to gather grit and moisture and prevent the same from getting to the flooring.