TL;DR: Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) offers an affordable way to achieve a high-end look, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Daily care includes sweeping or vacuuming with a soft-bristle brush and using a damp microfiber mop. For spills, blot immediately and clean with mild soap or vinegar. Weekly deep cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner and monthly inspections for damage are essential. If maintenance becomes overwhelming, consider professional cleaning services.
Who doesn’t admire the elegant look of a dark chestnut floor or the luxury of marble tiles? One thing we don’t admire is the exorbitant price tag of these flooring solutions. Luckily, today’s homeowners can achieve the same luxurious look at a fraction of the price, thanks to luxury vinyl floors.
This material can mimic any style of flooring you like. It’s increasingly popular with US homeowners, selling over 4.493 billion square feet in 2023 alone. But if you want to keep it looking lush and expensive, you must treat it as such and put some effort into maintaining it. Luxury vinyl flooring is pretty durable but will quickly lose appeal if neglected.
That’s why we’ve prepared a few superior maintenance tips for luxury vinyl floors that you can incorporate into your cleaning routine. Let’s see how you can keep your LVF looking luxurious and expensive.
Why LVF Needs Regular Maintenance
People buy luxury vinyl flooring for their homes because it of the low maintenance and high durability. They also falsely assume that they can just mop it occasionally and forget about it because of those qualities. However, LVF needs care and attention, just like any other floor.
If you maintain your luxury vinyl floor poorly, it will show signs of neglect, like scratches and dents. It will also lose some of its vibrancy and start dulling. Regular maintenance will maintain the original appearance that attracted you to LVF in the first place. It will also extend its lifespan, so you don’t have to consider putting in a new floor for a while.
Proper care involves a regular cleaning routine incorporating the right products and techniques. These steps will help you enjoy the beauty and durability of the LVF for many years.
Daily Maintenance Tips
Even though LVF is a low-maintenance flooring option, a little daily attention can make all the difference. It doesn’t require much time, and once you establish a routine, it becomes a simple and quick task. By incorporating these simple steps into your daily habits, you can keep your LVF looking pristine and minimize the need for more intensive cleaning sessions.
Regular Cleaning Routine
Follow this straightforward daily cleaning routine to keep your LVF in top condition. Begin by gently sweeping the floor with a soft-bristle broom. It removes loose dirt and debris that can scratch the floor when they move around. Using a slightly damp microfiber mop will give you a much deeper clean. Avoid soaking the mop, as excessive moisture can damage the flooring.
If you prefer a vacuum, use it only on the hard floor setting to prevent any potential damage. Avoid vacuums with beater bars or rough brushes.
Removing Spills and Stains
Knocking over a cup of juice or dripping food on the floor is part of daily life. Still, your quick action can prevent these spills and accidents from permanently staining the finish of your LVF. When a spill happens, immediately blot it away with a clean cloth that can soak up all the liquid.
Drop some mild dish soap into water to make your own LVF-safe cleaning solution. Use this mixture with a soft cloth to wipe away the spill. Wipe it clean again and go over it with a cloth to dry the spot. You can also use a mix of vinegar and water for common stains like food, beverages, and pet accidents. Apply it sparingly, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth. With these steps, you can effectively manage spills and stains, keeping your LVF in excellent condition.
Weekly and Monthly Maintenance
Now that you’ve tackled the smaller cleaning tasks, it’s time to focus on some bigger maintenance tips. Consistency is key here. If you stick to this routine, it will only take a few moments each time, but it will make a big difference to the appearance and well-being of your floors. This section will outline the essential weekly deep cleaning tasks and monthly maintenance checks that will keep your floors in top condition.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Luxury vinyl floors benefit from a weekly deep cleaning. This practice removes dirt and grime that regular sweeping might miss. Use a pH-neutral cleaner meant for vinyl floors so you don’t damage the top layer of the flooring. Sweep away or vacuum all the loose dirt, dust, and larger particles.
Next, use a damp mop with the recommended cleaner, and don’t saturate the floor with water. Excess moisture can seep into seams and cause damage. Use a a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the stubborn spots. Never use abrasive tools and harsh chemicals, which can scratch or dull the finish.
Monthly Maintenance Checks
Performing monthly maintenance checks helps you catch minor issues before they leave significant scars on your floor. Inspect the floor for discolorations, fading, scratches, and dents. If you find minor scuffs, use a vinyl floor repair kit to touch them up.
Check for loose or lifting edges and reapply adhesive if necessary. To prevent uneven fading and wear, periodically move your furniture and rugs. This simple action ensures that different areas of the floor experience uniform usage, which helps maintain its overall appearance. Addressing these small issues will prevent larger problems and keep your LVF in excellent condition.
Preventative Care
Taking preventative measures is more effective than tackling the aftermath. The same goes for luxury vinyl flooring. If we take steps to prevent the damage from happening, we won’t have to worry about fixing it. Some effective preventative measures include:
- Protecting High-Traffic Areas: Use area rugs and runners in high-traffic zones. Apply furniture pads to prevent scratches. Rugs and runners provide a barrier between shoes and the floor, reducing wear and tear. Furniture pads prevent scratches when moving or adjusting furniture.
- Control the Environmental Factors: Use dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity and humidifiers in dry conditions. Consistent humidity levels prevent the flooring from expanding or contracting, which can cause damage.
- Immediately Deal with Damage: Identify minor damage early and apply DIY solutions for repairing small scratches and scuffs. Simple repairs can often restore the floor’s appearance without needing professional intervention.
- Occasional Professional Maintenance: Schedule professional cleaning services periodically. Experts can deep clean your floor, removing any significant dirt accumulation. Afterward, your day-to-day cleaning will be much easier, as it only needs regular wiping and light cleaning.
Have The Best Looking LVF in Boise, ID
Maintaining your luxury vinyl flooring doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular mopping and vacuuming, coupled with monthly maintenance, will keep it looking pristine. However, if your busy schedule makes it hard to keep up, signs of wear and tear can quickly appear.
Here at Idaho Cleaning Services in Boise, we offer specialized luxury vinyl cleaning that revives your floors and keeps them in top condition. With over 40 years of experience, our family-owned business uses high-quality products and equipment to provide thorough and efficient cleaning.
We are fully insured and committed to customer satisfaction. Each time you call, we give your floors the best care possible. If you want a free service estimate, call us today, and let us make your luxury vinyl flooring look as good as new again!
