LVP Flooring Maintenance: Do's and Don'ts for Atlanta

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has caught on fast in Atlanta homes and businesses, and the reasons are easy to see. It looks good, it holds up, and it gives you a lot for the money. We have installed a lot of it around the city. LVP does not ask for much upkeep, but it does ask for some, and that upkeep is what keeps a floor looking like it did the day it went in.

Why maintenance matters

Regular cleaning keeps dirt, grime and scuffs from dulling the finish. It also holds down wear and tear, which adds real life to the floor and protects the money you put into it.

The warranty is the part people forget. Most manufacturers' warranties require you to follow their maintenance guidelines, and ignoring them could void your coverage.

There is a health side to it as well: a clean floor makes for a healthier indoor space for your family or your employees. And staying on top of the cleaning costs far less than repairing or replacing planks early.

The do's

Sweep or vacuum regularly

This is the first line of defense against everyday wear and tear. In high traffic areas like entryways, kitchens and hallways, aim for daily or every other day. A soft-bristle broom is the right tool, since stiff bristles can scratch the floor.

Vacuums take a little more thought. Use one designed for hard surfaces, preferably without a beater bar, or with the beater bar switched off if yours has one. Beater bars can scratch the surface and damage the wear layer over time. Most dirt, dust and grit gets tracked in from outside, so the entrances are worth the extra attention.

Wipe up spills right away

Accidents happen, and acting quickly is what keeps a spill from turning into a stain or water damage. Blot a liquid spill with a clean dry cloth or a paper towel rather than rubbing it, because rubbing can spread the spill and push it deeper into the texture of the LVP.

For a sticky or stubborn spill, use a damp cloth with a small amount of neutral pH cleaner made for LVP, or a solution of mild dish soap and water. Afterwards, wipe the area with a clean damp cloth to lift any residue, then dry it thoroughly so you do not leave water spots.

Use the right cleaner

The wrong one can dull, damage or even discolor LVP.

Check your manufacturer's recommendations first, since they often endorse specific products. Otherwise look for a cleaner labeled pH-neutral or formulated for luxury vinyl. A mild solution of dish soap and water (e.g., 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of warm water) is also often effective and safe.

When you mop, the mop should be damp, not dripping. Excess water can seep into the seams and potentially cause problems over time, so wring the mop out thoroughly before it touches the floor. Work in small sections and wipe each one dry with a clean dry microfiber cloth as you go.

Keep scratches and dents off the floor

Prevention beats repair here. Put felt pads or rubber caps on the legs of everything that sits on the LVP: chairs, tables, sofas, cabinets. Check them from time to time and replace them as they wear down.

Mats and rugs do the rest of the work. Put good quality, non-staining mats at every exterior entrance to trap dirt and moisture before it reaches the floor, and use area rugs in high traffic zones or under heavy furniture for another layer of protection. Make sure the backing is safe for vinyl floors, since rubber and latex backings can react with the vinyl. When you move furniture or anything heavy, lift it instead of dragging it across the floor. If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to hold the scratches down.

Watch the climate and the sunlight

LVP is more stable than hardwood, but extreme swings in temperature and humidity can still stress the material, so keep the indoor temperature and humidity steady. That is worth watching in Atlanta's humid climate. Prolonged direct sunlight can fade the floor and even contribute to thermal expansion, so use blinds, curtains or UV window film on the windows that take direct, intense sun.

The don'ts

Skip the abrasive tools and scouring pads

Steel wool, scouring pads and harsh brushes can scratch the protective wear layer, which dulls the finish and leaves the floor more open to damage. Even the rough side of a kitchen sponge can be too abrasive. Microfiber cloths, soft sponges and soft-bristled brushes are what you want.

Keep harsh chemicals, wax and polish off the floor

This is the important one for LVP.

Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners can strip the finish, cause discoloration and weaken the material over time. Most LVP has a factory-applied wear layer that does not need waxing or polishing, and putting those products on it can leave a sticky residue, attract dirt and make the floor harder to clean. If your LVP does call for a polish, which is rare on modern LVP, use the exact product the manufacturer recommends.

Oil-based soaps and floor shiners can leave a dull film or an oily residue that builds up over time and makes the floor slippery. Many "mop and shine" products contain acrylics or waxes that are not suitable for LVP and can build up into a sticky mess that is difficult to remove.

Don't soak the floor

LVP is water-resistant, but it is not foolproof once a lot of moisture is involved. Steam mops are out: the heat and the steam can potentially damage the adhesive, warp the planks or dull the finish.

Never leave standing water either. Wipe up spills and dry the floor thoroughly after mopping. Water that sits can seep into the seams and potentially compromise the subfloor or the LVP itself, which shows up as curling or swelling.

Check the backing on mats and rugs

Some rubber and latex backings can react with the vinyl over time and cause a discoloration, a yellowing, that is often permanent. Look for mats with non-staining backings, often made from natural fibers, felt or polypropylene. When in doubt, lift the mats and clean under them regularly so you can check for any sign of a reaction.

Lift heavy furniture instead of dragging it

Dragging a heavy piece is a sure way to scratch, gouge or even tear LVP. Get moving blankets or furniture sliders for the heavy items, and even with sliders, lift where you can.

Don't skip the occasional deep clean

Daily care does most of the work, and a deeper clean now and then covers the rest. How often depends on foot traffic, so think in terms of every few weeks or every few months. That can mean running your recommended LVP cleaner and a microfiber mop over the whole floor, then drying it thoroughly. It gets the ingrained dirt and residue that daily cleaning can miss.

A few more things worth knowing

Not all LVP is the same, so check the manufacturer's guidelines for your brand and product line. That information is usually on their website.

Good entry mats and furniture pads cost little and protect a lot of floor. Do not let a small scratch or stain sit until it turns into a bigger problem: deal with damage and spills as soon as you notice them. And if you are not sure about a cleaning product, or how to handle a particular stain, ask the LVP manufacturer or someone who installs it, like First Choice Tile LLC. We are happy to talk it through.

For your Atlanta home or business

Maintaining LVP does not have to be a chore, and the do's and don'ts above are most of what a routine needs.

A good floor starts with the installation and holds up with the care that follows. We install tile and LVP for home renovations, kitchen and bathroom work, and commercial flooring projects around Atlanta, and we can help you settle on the right flooring for the room.

If LVP is on the list for your next project, contact First Choice Tile LLC for a consultation and a free estimate.