How to Clean LVT Flooring
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring has become a popular choice for UK homes because of its durability, style, and ease of maintenance. With its tough top coat and seamless click-together installation, our LiViT luxury vinyl tiles offer a perfect blend of premium quality and affordability.
While maintaining the pristine appearance of your LVT vinyl flooring may appear daunting, we'll walk you through the process without causing any damage to its protective finish. Simply follow these detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions to keep your luxury vinyl click flooring looking great for years to come!
Hoovering, Sweeping, and Mopping
The first step to keeping your LVT vinyl flooring clean is to remove any dust, dirt, and debris that may accumulate on the surface. This will help prevent scratches and abrasions that can dull the finish and affect the overall appearance of your vinyl floor tiles.
Hoover or sweep the floor weekly, or more frequently if required. Use a hoover head with a soft brush or felt attachment. Do not use a beater bar or a rotating brush, as these can cause scratches and scuffs on the vinyl floor tiles.
After hoovering or sweeping, you can mop your click vinyl flooring with a damp microfiber cloth or mop and some warm water. This will remove any remaining dirt and grime, as well as sanitise and refresh your luxury vinyl click flooring. We highly recommend using a floor swivel-head flat mop with a replaceable cloth cover to eliminate finer particles of dirt and grit that may build up on the LVT vinyl flooring.
To mop your LVT flooring, fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid or a cleaning solution specifically designed for LVT flooring. Do not use general-purpose cleaners, abrasive cleaners, or cleaners containing bleach or oils.
Dip the mop or cloth into the water and wring it out well, so that it is only slightly damp. Too much water can seep into the seams and cause the floor to warp or peel. Start from the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the door, mopping the floor in small sections.
Let the floor dry completely before walking on it again. You can use a fan or a towel to speed up the drying process.
Removing Stains and Scuff Marks
If you have any spills, it's crucial to wipe them up as soon as possible to prevent them from staining the vinyl floor tiles. Use a paper towel or a cloth to blot up the liquid, and then use a damp cloth with some warm water and a mild detergent to clean the area. Do not rub or scrub the stain, as this can spread it or push it deeper into the click vinyl flooring.
If the stain is still visible, you can try using a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the area. You can also use a stain remover that is suitable for LVT flooring. Do not use acetone, nail polish remover, or other solvents, as these can damage the floor and the finish.
To remove scuff marks, especially from shoes, furniture, or toys, that are common on LVT flooring, rub them with a tennis ball, a magic eraser, or a cloth with some WD-40 or mineral spirits. Do not use steel wool, sandpaper, or other abrasive materials, as these can scratch the floor and the finish.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your LVT Flooring
- Door Mats: Place door mats at all external entrances and over high-traffic areas of the vinyl floor tiles to minimize dirt and grit being walked onto the surface.
- Furniture Protection Pads: Use furniture protection pads under all furniture legs and feet that move across the LVT vinyl flooring to avoid damage and scratches.
- Protection Mats for Specific Areas: Use protection mats at desks, under chairs, and in front of any furniture or units where footfall is continuous on the click vinyl flooring to prevent excessive wear and damage in high-traffic areas.
- Perimeter Expansion Gaps: Leave the stated minimum 6mm perimeter edge expansion gaps when you install the flooring and do not impede the flooring from expanding and contracting. For more detailed installation instructions, please refer to our installation guide for LVT flooring.
- Minimize Scratching: Avoid dragging grit across your floor under hoover head plates, on shoes, under furniture feet, etc., as scratching will occur.
By following these simple cleaning and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your LVT flooring continues to look its best for years to come. Remember, regular care and attention are key to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your LVT flooring.