You’ve got your immaculate new LVT flooring installed in your kitchen – it’s perfect… and more importantly, clean! That gets you thinking, what is the best way to clean LVT flooring so you can preserve that “just-installed” flawless look?
It’s not as simple as giving it a good hoovering and there are considerations to make. Therefore, I have created a guide on how to clean LVT flooring below so you can avoid any mishaps, and make sure the investment lasts for years to come.
Understanding LVT Flooring
Let’s take a little look at LVT flooring first so you understand its composition as this will also help understand how to clean LVT flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles are made of multiple layers including transparent protective layers, an aesthetic layer to give the pattern and colour, and a core layer for padding and stability. Indeed, some types like rigid core LVT have a thicker core that makes them more durable.
Most LVT brands are water-resistant but not fully waterproof. Therefore, we have to use water with caution. Also, LVT flooring can be scratched and marked which means abrasive cleaning products and scourers should be avoided.
Routine LVT Flooring Cleaning
When looking at how to clean LVT flooring there is a pretty standard routine you can follow including:
- Sweep any excess dirt and dust with a soft-bristled brush.
- Hoover the LVT flooring.
- Lightly mop the LVT flooring.
Sweeping and hoovering should be done as and when it’s needed but most people will do this once per week. I advise just assessing the dirtiness of your LVT flooring by eye and hoovering and sweeping it whenever you notice an excess of dust or dirt. Don’t use a steam cleaner as this can cause damage to the tiles.
You should also lightly mop your LVT flooring once per week. Please note the emphasis on light. Don’t drench the floor with water as the tiles are not fully waterproof but water-resistant. Therefore, you can use a mop and water, but make sure the mop is drained properly in your bucket before washing the floor. Also, don’t apply too much pressure – be firm, but gentle.
LVT Flooring Cleaning Tips
The above cleaning routine is pretty comprehensive and answers the question of how to clean LVT flooring perfectly. However, we can go one step further and look at some tips to protect your floors, improve their longevity, and make your life easier.
1. Use doormats where appropriate!
You can save so much time and effort simply by having doormats in your house where appropriate. I’ve got a doormat at my front door, and one at my rear conservatory door.
Abrasive doormats will capture dirt and debris so that it isn’t trampled onto your LVT flooring. Obviously, you don’t want doormats in every room, but use them strategically and make sure everyone in your house knows to use them!
2. Clean stains using only mild detergent
While regularly hoovering, sweeping, and mopping your LVT flooring will keep it clean, you will inevitably get unexpected stains such as spilt food or mud from footwear.
To clean such stains, simply use a damp cloth with mild detergent and gently work the stained area. This should dislodge it with no issue due to the smoothness of the LVT flooring top layer. Never use abrasive scourers as these can mark the LVT.
3. Always check cleaning product labels for suitability
Things like furniture polish, bleach-based products, and soap-based products should generally be avoided with LVT flooring. This is because they can damage the tiles and even potentially affect the colouration and patterns.
If you are in doubt, just check the product label as it should have clear instructions as to what it can be used on! Failing that, check the company website or contact its customer support.
4. Move furniture to clean underneath it!
I have been guilty in the past of simply hoovering and cleaning around my furniture but please don’t do this! I learned my lesson when I pulled my conservatory sofa out and found a surprising amount of dust, dirt, and dead spiders!
You don’t have to move your furniture every time, but make sure you do this at least once per month so that the tiles underneath the furniture get a proper clear!
LVT Flooring is Easy to Maintain With the Right Approach
Cleaning your LVT flooring doesn’t have to be difficult and the key is knowing what you can and can’t do. The first step is obviously sweeping and hoovering and this should be done as and when it’s needed.
Periodically (once per week?), you should also lightly mop your LVT floor without soaking it. Never use abrasive cleaners, and always check cleaning products to make sure they are LVT flooring friendly! With these tips and processes, you can easily keep your LVT flooring looking like new.
