How to Properly Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring
The installers have packed up their tools and your furniture is moved back in place. Your gorgeous, durable vinyl plank floors are completely installed and ready to be put through their paces. Children, pets, high traffic – your vinyl plank flooring can handle it all!
Do you know how to clean vinyl plank flooring so that it will still look as good as the day it was installed? Here are four tips for maintaining and cleaning your vinyl plank flooring:
Preventative Maintenance
With a few thoughtful considerations, you can start cleaning before a mess even occurs! Place doormats outside entrances to your home and use area rugs inside to catch the dirt and grime from entering your home. Consider leaving shoes at the door to avoid wet or muddy footprints from reaching your floors, as well as preventing scuff marks. Make sure to put furniture on felt or nylon pads to avoid scratches on your vinyl flooring and use a dolly when moving heavy pieces of furniture. These steps can make a great difference in preventing marks on your pristine surfaces.
Remove Grit
Dust, dirt, and particles underfoot get ground into the vinyl plank flooring and can cause scratches so be sure to sweep your floors regularly. Consider using an electrostatic dry mop at the end of the day to pick up any dust or pet dander that your broom misses. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar that can potentially scratch your floor. Robot vacuum cleaners can safely be used on vinyl plank floors, though you should check your manufacturer’s recommendations before using them.
Spot Treatment
Spills always inevitably happen in an active home, so simply treat them when they happen! Wipe up spills as soon as you can using a damp sponge and use warm water to loosen any stuck-on stains. Never scrub your vinyl plank flooring with an abrasive cleanser or rough scrubber. When finished, wipe thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth to remove the excess. Always check the manufacturer’s website for recommended cleaning products and you will find that most “no-rinse” cleansers are suitable for your luxury vinyl floors.
Deeper Cleaning
One of the biggest reasons that we love luxury vinyl floors is that they are waterproof! Whereas many hardwood, engineered wood, and laminate floors are not suitable for wet mopping, you can actually mop your luxury vinyl flooring for an efficient, spectacular shine! We suggest mopping in the direction of your planks for an even more effective deep cleaning. Since luxury vinyl floors are tremendously easy to maintain, you may find that don’t need to damp mop frequently. However, you have that outstanding option whenever you choose or need to!
Figuring out how to clean vinyl plank flooring is easier than you ever imagined. By following these tips, your floors will stay as beautiful as the day they were installed. Ready to have the ease of maintenance that luxury vinyl flooring offers? Call our experts! They’re happy to help and ready to take your home to the next level.
