Luxury Vinyl Tiles are a popular flooring surface, made to look like natural wood or stone. They are made from multiple layers which are designed to create a highly durable, attractive floor. LVTs are popular in many modern households as they offer the aesthetic of other fashionable floors with a smaller price tag and higher durability.
They also have excellent waterproof properties that make them suitable in areas of the house where solid wood is not an option, like bathrooms and kitchens.
What Are Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs): How to Clean LVTs
If you’ve recently installed Luxury Vinyl Tiles in your home, you may want to ensure you’re cleaning them in the best way to preserve the flooring and keep it looking as good as new.
Fortunately, these floors are renowned for being easy to clean. If you’re in a household with children or pets, you may be relieved that you don’t need to take any special measures to maintain these floors.
As with most floors, regular vacuuming or sweeping is recommended. While removing dirt and debris, you can also look at which floor areas are getting more worn. If you notice that some areas are getting dirtier or being worn down more than others, you can invest in a rug or doormat to protect the floor and preserve the life of your LVTs.
After sweeping or vacuuming, you should use a damp mop or cloth to clean the floor. Although LVTs are often waterproof or water-resistant, if they become seriously wet, there can still be damage to the floor. This is why it is important to wring out your mop before use and have enough moisture to lift any dried-on dirt.
Before selecting what product to use, you should check with your manufacturer to see if they have any specific cleaning instructions. Certain chemicals may be too harsh for your floor, so it is worth searching for a specially formulated LVT floor cleaner or using the brand recommended by your manufacturer.
How to Remove Stains from LVTs
Even when we take all the care we can, our floors can become stained. Try to remove the stain using a damp cloth, applying a bit of pressure if needed. If that fails to lift the stain, you may want to try adding some manufacturer-approved flooring cleaner. Ensure not to soak the floor, but continue with a damp cloth.
If these aren’t working, you may want to choose a brush to try and remove the stain. One that uses silicone bristles is the best choice to avoid damaging the floor.
What Are Luxury Vinyl Tiles: General Maintenance for LVTs
To keep your floor in top condition, there are a few steps you should always follow:
- Place doormats at all entrances to help trap dirt and moisture;
- Lay rugs in areas that see more wear;
- Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sunlight hours to prevent fading;
- Avoid wearing shoes indoors where possible;
- Use a mat in the bathroom to avoid the floor becoming too wet when exiting the bath or shower;
- Don’t drag furniture or heavy objects over LVTs;
- Only use manufacturer-approved floor cleaners.
