How to care for your LVT floors

Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are one of the most popular choices for flooring, thanks to their versatility, realistic look, and durability. Like most floors, regular maintenance can help you protect your home for longer, meaning you won’t have to spend on costly replacements and repairs. Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about caring for your LVT flooring, with advice for dealing with a range of common issues.

How to clean LVT flooring

It’s easy to keep your LVT floors clean by following a few simple rules. Here are our tips for cleaning LVT flooring, and keeping your tiles looking just as good as the day you bought them:

Sweep or vacuum regularly: Foot traffic leaves dirt and debris on your floors that can build up over time. By brushing dirt away or vacuuming your tiles frequently, you can prevent this build-up. Try to remove debris every few days, or at least once a week, and use soft bristled brushes/vacuum heads to avoid scratches to your flooring.
Use a gentle cleaning solution: Some strong cleaners can damage LVT floors – check to see if your cleaning agent is safe for your flooring type, then mix with warm mater and apply to your floor with a damp cloth or mop. Don’t use too much water when cleaning, as excess liquid can cause damage to your LVT.
Don’t scrub hard when cleaning: While LVT is very resistant to various types of damage, it’s better to err on the side of caution when cleaning. Avoid scratching your tiles by cleaning gently and avoiding abrasive brushes.

How to remove stains from LVT flooring

No matter how often you clean your LVT floors, stains are a fact of life that you’re likely to have to deal with. They’re especially common in busy households with children or pets. The best way to clean LVT floors is to get rid of stains quickly and effectively – here are our tips for cleaning them up before damage can be done:

Be quick: Clean stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. The longer your stain remains on your tiles, the harder it will be to remove.
Use a mild cleaner: Some harsh chemicals will damage your surfaces. Use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution, dabbing the stain instead of wiping it into your tiles. In a pinch, a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a few drops of water works as an impromptu solution.
Don’t scrub: Hard brushes can damage the area around your stain. Use soft cleaning tools instead, and don’t apply too much force when brushing.
Allow the area to dry: Wet floors can lead to accidents if they’re not allowed to fully dry before use. Ensure any liquid has dried up before walking on the affected area again.

Can you mop LVT flooring?

You can mop your LVT floors to prevent stains and keep your tiles looking clean, but it’s important not to use too much water. Make sure to keep your mop damp, wringing between uses, instead of soaking it in water and getting your floors too wet. If liquid seeps between your planks, it can cause damage to the deeper layers of your LVT.

When mopping, be sure to use a dedicated vinyl floor cleaner to avoid damaging your surface with harsh chemicals. Always check the label to be sure your cleaning solution is compatible.

Best cleaners for LVT

It’s important to use the right products for your LVT flooring when cleaning to prevent damage to your tiles. You can find a variety of vinyl floor cleaners for sale from brands like HG and Dr Schutz, but any specialist cleaner mixed into a mild solution should do the job for your LVT.

You should also pay attention to the right tool when applying your cleaner. A spray mop is a smart way to apply the right amount of cleaning solution, stopping liquid from damaging the deeper layers of your tiles. A damp sponge or cloth will also clean your floors nicely, but may take more time and effort for bigger cleans.

Do’s and don’ts for protecting LVT flooring

It’s important to make sure you know how to clean your luxury vinyl flooring and keep your tiles in good shape to avoid replacements. Here’s everything you should (and shouldn’t) do to prevent your floors being damaged.

Do

…use mats near doorways to stop dirt and debris getting on your floors. Rubber backed mats can discolour your LVT over time, so look into other non-slip backing options.
…use felt floor protectors under furniture that will be moved frequently, such as chairs and small tables, as these will prevent scratches. Be sure to replace your pads if they wear out.
…trim your pets’ nails to make sure they don’t leave scratches as they walk on your LVT floors.
…clean spills promptly to avoid stains and liquid damage.
…protect your LVT against UV damage by keeping it out of prolonged exposure to sunlight. Too much sun can cause your LVT’s patterns to fade over time, so consider installing UV-protective windows or drawing curtains and blinds to avoid damage.

Don’t

…use furniture with wheels, as these can leave dents and marks on your floors, especially with heavier items such as sofas. If you have no other option, place a protective rug under your furniture to avoid causing damage.
…drag your furniture when moving it. Always lift furniture that you’re moving in rooms with LVT, and place it gently once it’s in its new position.
…use high heels or sharp objects on your LVT. You can puncture the layers of your tiles with sharp items such as knives, stiletto heels, and nails. Encourage people in your house to remove shoes before walking on your LVT, and take care if using tools in areas floored with LVT.
…leave excess water on your tiles, as liquid can seep through to the lower layers of your LVT and cause damage. Only clean with damp cloths and mops rather than applying too much water, and be sure to remove spills as soon as possible.

Looking to install LVT in your home? Flooring King has a range of luxury tiles on offer to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you’re installing glue-down tiles, or opting for click LVT, you’ll find a variety of styles in our collection to fit any home. Take a look today and see how we can help you transform your home!