LVT flooring is designed to be durable and easy to clean, with a protective wear layer and unique PUR surface resisting everyday wear and tear. But even with these features, the right care is needed to maintain it over time. Some cleaning habits can actually cause damage and affect the longevity of your flooring. Here are some common ones you’ll want to avoid to keep your flooring looking its best.
LVT flooring is very durable, however irregular sweeping or vacuuming of your flooring can allow grit and debris to build up and scratch the surface as it is walked across. Sweep or vacuum your LVT regularly to keep this build up in check. Especially before mopping to prevent it being dragged across your floor during cleaning.
Whilst LVT flooring is water resistant and more than capable of handling the inevitable spills you can expect to find across any busy home. Pooling of water on your LVT flooring for long periods can cause moisture to seep through the seams of the planks or tiles and potentially cause damage to the subfloor or adhesive underneath. Cleaning up spills quickly reduces the risk of water damage and the possibility of stains or discolouration.
The same principle should be considered during mopping. Over saturating your floor during cleaning can cause water to sit on the surface. Always make sure you use a well wrung out mop, this will provide enough moisture to clean your LVT flooring without risking damage.
Whilst steam mops can clean LVT flooring well, the intense heat and moisture they produce can also cause problems. If left in one place for too long, steam mops can cause planks to warp and adhesive to melt, potentially voiding your warranty. Our advice? Staying away from steam mops in favour of a flat microfiber or traditional string mop.
The durable surface of LVT Flooring relies on the PUR layer to resist scratches, stains, and scuffs, however using the wrong chemicals can erode this shield. We recommend using Dr Schutz cleaning kit to protect this layer, maintain the warranty of your LVT flooring and prevent product build up which can dull its appearance.
The temptation to tackle tough stains with an abrasive brush is real, but this is your sign to resist. Abrasive tools can easily scratch or damage the wear layer and PUR protective surface on your LVT flooring. With the right cleaner, a soft cloth should be all that is needed to lift stains and leave your flooring looking great.
Heavy furniture can be tough on any floor, LVT included. Avoid scratches and marks by lifting heavier objects like tables and chairs, instead of dragging them. Adding furniture pads to the legs can also help reduce pressure and friction, providing an extra layer of protection.
A doormat acts as the first line of defence to dirt, grit and wetness entering your home. We recommend welcoming guests with a Hug Rug Door Mat, which are free from PVC and safeguard your LVT flooring from discolouration, aka plasticiser migration.
Finally, remember that not all LVT flooring is equal. Individual products and finishes differ and what’s right for one may not always be suitable for another. Always check your LVT manufacturers’ care instructions to make sure what you are doing is right for your specific flooring. Here is our full LVT flooring care guide.
