The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean LVP Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is an excellent choice for those looking for durability and low maintenance, which is why it is popular for commercial flooring. Cleaning LVP flooring is easy, with a few helpful tips and hints that we will cover with you in this blog.

What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Sheet vinyl is manufactured as a thin, flexible roll or tile with a clear protective coating over the design layer. 

On the other hand, luxury vinyl flooring has multiple layers, including a transparent top-coat layer, a design layer with the printed image, a cushion layer of foam, a fiberglass backing layer, and a rigid PVC backing layer to add strength and rigidity. 

Both luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tiles (LVT) are installed using a glue down system in commercial applications.

How To Clean LVP Flooring After Installation

Proper maintenance is essential to extend the lifespan of your floors and keep them looking their best. 

Below are some tips for cleaning LVP flooring after installation:

1. Dirt and debris can scratch the surface of your LVP flooring, so it’s important to sweep or vacuum your floors regularly. Use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a hard floor attachment to avoid causing any damage.

2. LVP flooring is water-resistant, but wiping up spills as soon as possible is essential to prevent water from seeping into the seams and causing damage. Use a clean, damp cloth to blot up spills gently.

3. When giving your floors a deeper clean, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed explicitly for LVP flooring. To protect the finish of your flooring, avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals.
4. While LVP flooring is water-resistant, avoiding excessive moisture is essential. Don’t use a steam mop or flood your floors with water during cleaning, as this can cause damage to the seams and baseboards.

How To Clean Stains or Spills on LVP Flooring

• Scrub the area with a full-strength vinyl cleaner, a 10-to-1 dilution of water to bleach, or isopropyl alcohol in that sequence to remove acids, alkalis, blood, ketchup, mustard, cleaners, strong soaps, dye & dye markings, food, candy, grass, iodine, mercurochrome, rust, urine, or excrement. Rust may respond better to lemon juice.

• For paints and solvents like dry cleaning fluids, lacquer, latex paint, nail polish, oil paints, wood stains, or varnish, gently peel the dry substance from the floor. If necessary, scrub the area with a strong stripper and cleaner recommended by the company that made your floor. You can also rub lightly with mineral spirits, paint thinner, or nail polish remover.

• For substances that won’t wipe up, such as adhesives, asphalt, chewing gum, oil, grease, candle wax, or tar, follow the steps for paints and solvents if you cannot remove the excess with a dull kitchen knife.

• For scuffs and smudges from rubber heels or shoe polish, rub with your fingertip to create friction. If this does not remove the substance, follow the steps for paints and solvents.

Cleaning LVP Floors: The Do’s and Don’ts

DO’S:

1. Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to get rid of any loose dirt or debris. This will prevent scratches and damage to the surface.
2. Clean the floor with a damp mop and a light cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the floor’s surface.
3. Wipe up spills and stains immediately to prevent them from penetrating the floor’s surface.
4. Place mats or rugs at entryways to prevent dirt and debris from tracking onto the floor.
5. Use pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratches and damage to the floor’s surface.

DON’TS:

1. Do not use a steam mop to clean LVP floors, as the high heat and moisture can damage the floor’s surface.
2. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool pads; they can scratch and damage the floor’s surface.
3. Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, or vinegar, as they can discolor, stain, or damage the floor’s surface.

General Maintenance Tips for LVP Flooring

Maintaining a clean and attractive LVP Floor takes some general maintenance to ensure the longevity of your LVP floor and its aesthetics.

To keep your floor looking its best, follow these steps:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove loose dirt.
• Use a non-abrasive, “no-rinse” floor cleaner.
• Use a damp mop and very little warm water to avoid over-saturating the floor.

Pacific Modular: The LVP Flooring Specialists

Pacific Modular is a company that specializes in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. You are guaranteed excellent items and customer service. 

Meet the team of experts dedicated to helping customers find the perfect flooring solution for their needs. Contact Pacific Modular today for all your commercial flooring needs.