At Floor Concepts, we often get asked how to care for vinyl plank flooring to ensure it holds up to daily life and over time. The good news is that vinyl flooring is one of the most low-maintenance flooring options available, but even the most durable surfaces need routine upkeep. From routine cleaning tips to long-term protection strategies, knowing how to take care of your vinyl flooring properly will help you get the most out of your flooring investment.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is a type of hard surface flooring that is multi-layered and can be designed to replicate the look of hardwood, ceramic tile, or other types of flooring like stone. Vinyl plank flooring is often referred to as Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). In fact, these terms are used interchangeably for luxury vinyl flooring as the only difference between these vinyl flooring types is how the flooring is cut – in planks or tiles.
So, what is vinyl plank flooring? It’s a synthetic hard surface flooring option that consists of three main layers: the core, the print layer, and the wear layer. The core layer is the thickest layer and provides structural stability. The print layer is the design layer, which is how LVP mimics the look of hardwood, ceramic tile, or other styles of flooring like stone. The wear layer is the top layer that protects your floor from stains and scratches. This multilayer design makes your LVP flooring durable, versatile, and stylish.
When learning how to care for your vinyl plank flooring, it’s important to keep some of the main LVP pros and cons in the back of your mind. While LVP is durable and long-lasting (up to 25 years with proper care), you’ll want to remember that it can’t be refinished like hardwood.
With its durable multi-layer construction and stylish design options, it’s no wonder LVP has become a go-to choice, but how long can you expect it to last?
How Long Does Vinyl Flooring Last?
LVT can last up to 25 years with proper vinyl maintenance, although this will likely vary based on manufacturer, with the average lifespan often falling between 10 and 20 years. If you have questions about your vinyl flooring warranty, please consult your manufacturer.
Proper maintenance will play a significant role in how long your vinyl flooring lasts. While knowing how to care for your vinyl plank flooring will extend the lifespan of your LVP, other factors also contribute to its lifespan. These factors include the quality of the floor, how it’s been installed, and if the flooring is in a high-traffic area.
Don’t let the traffic level of the area cause you too much stress though; LVP is one of the best flooring for high traffic areas and pets because it’s both durable and long-lasting. In fact, LVT as kitchen flooring is a popular investment thanks to vinyl flooring’s water resistance and easy upkeep.
Durability is a major benefit of LVP, but even the toughest floors need a little help. Let’s look at how to care for your vinyl plank flooring and maximize its lifespan.
How to Protect Your Vinyl Flooring
An important part of LVP flooring care and maintenance is protective measures. There are many ways you can protect your LVP flooring. Here are some of the most common.
1. Floor Protectors and Furniture Pads
Floor protectors and furniture pads protect your LVP from tears and dents. Floor protectors are important to use when heavy furniture is going to be moved, as sliding heavy furniture across vinyl can cause tears and scratches. They are also important to use on furniture that is often moved, like chairs at a dining room table.
2. Doormats
Placing mats at each doorway will help lessen the amount of dirt and debris tracked into your home. Make sure to choose doormats that are unbacked to avoid stains or damage to your LVP.
3. Home Appliance Maintenance
Yes, home appliance maintenance is part of LVP flooring maintenance. Home appliances like your refrigerator can emit heat that can exceed 120 degrees if not properly controlled. A continuous flow of heat at this level can cause discoloration to your LVP over time.
4. Close Your Blinds and Curtains
Your blinds don’t have to be closed all the time, but that sunshine you love so much can cause your flooring to fade with prolonged exposure. During the day, when the sun is at its highest and shining directly on your floors, try to remember to close the blinds or curtains.
5. Avoid High Heels Inside
Your high heels can not only track in dirt, but they can cause damage to your flooring that would not be covered by your warranty. Try to avoid wearing them inside as much as possible to prevent damage to your floor.
How to Clean Vinyl Flooring
Our goal with this blog is to help you learn how to protect your vinyl floor and the best way to clean your floors. We’ve listed out some of our favorite cleaning tips, for routine, everyday cleaning as well as deeper cleans, to help you learn how to care for your vinyl plank flooring.
As a reminder, always familiarize yourself with your manufacturer’s guidelines before attempting to clean your floors, since some brands will recommend different products or methods, and carelessness may cause irreversible damage to your floors.
Routine Cleaning Tips for LVT
LVT is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to everyday cleaning, but it still requires regular upkeep.
1. Wipe Up Spills and Messes ASAP
To avoid stains that will lead to deep cleaning, wipe up any spills and messes with a damp cloth as soon as possible after they happen.
2. Sweep or Vacuum on a Regular Basis
Sweeping or vacuuming your LVT on a regular basis will help remove dirt and other debris that can lead to abrasions or scratches.
3. Mop or Steam Clean Your LVT With Approved Cleansers
Occasionally you will need to clean your floors with a cleanser created for LVT. Avoid using cleansers that are abrasive or have wax products in them. Recommended products for LVT may vary by manufacturer, so check with your manufacturer’s care guidelines for best results.
A two-bucket system is a common method used when cleaning vinyl flooring. This allows you to rinse the floor as you go, an important step for maintaining the wear layer of your LVT.
Once you’ve finished mopping your LVT, wipe up any standing water to avoid it seeping through the edges and into the seams, which can damage the bonding glue.
Deep Cleaning Tips for LVT
Despite regular LVP flooring care and maintenance, sometimes your floors will need to be deep cleaned. Let’s look at some common scenarios that require deep cleaning.
1. Stains
Even with a wear layer, you may end up with stains on your LVT. A solution of warm water and mild dish soap or baking soda is usually effective for getting out everyday stains. Certain household stains (e.g., blood, ketchup, fruit juice, urine) may be more easily removed using a 1-to-1 mix of water and white vinegar. Saturate a cloth with the mixture and apply to the stain for up to one hour.
For more stubborn stains, like hair dye or nail polish, remove any excess immediately and blot with a cloth lightly soaked in mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol. Other stains, such as adhesives or grease, can be removed by scraping away the residue with a dull knife and then lightly rubbing the stain with denatured alcohol. Do not saturate the floor with any cleaners or water.
**Disclaimer: Before using these methods to remove stains, always apply the cleansing solution to an inconspicuous area of your floor to ensure the solution does not cause damage to your floor. You also should always refer to your manufacturer guidelines when deep cleaning, but especially so before applying anything harsh (like bleach) to your floors, as certain vinyl brands may be more vulnerable to some chemicals.
2. Scratches and Scuffs
How you care for scratches and scuffs in your floor will depend on how deep they are. If the scratches and scuffs are shallow, apply a finish or vinyl floor sealer after the area has been cleaned to hide the scratches. If your scratches and scuffs are deep, a spot-repair kit can help diminish the look of the scratch. Once again, it is best to check with your manufacturer for the best care products for your vinyl.
3. Dull Floors
Sometimes there’s no special reason to deep clean your LVT except that it removes stubborn dirt and grime. Deep cleaning every few months will help dull floors regain their shine and will protect the floor’s wear layer.
Other LVT Maintenance Tips
We’ve covered a lot in this guide, but we still have some more tips to help you learn how to care for luxury vinyl plank flooring.
1. Don’t Use a High-Speed Burnisher on Your Vinyl
For vinyl, it is usually best to avoid powerful cleaning machines. A high-speed burnisher can buff through the wear layer of your floor and damage the design layer. A high-speed buffer can also cause the layers of your LVT to separate, causing delamination. Always stick with gentler cleaning methods.
2. Control the Humidity In Your Home
If your home becomes too humid, moisture can seep into the cracks and edges, causing your LVT to warp over time. Open a window or place a dehumidifier in the rooms that often become muggy.
3. Consider Resealing Your LVT
LVT is a durable floor and the wear layer can last many years, but resealing your floors every couple of years can help maintain the stain- and scratch-resistance of your LVT.
Caring for your vinyl plank flooring doesn’t have to be complicated — just consistent and gentle. With the right cleaning routine and a few preventative measures, you can keep your LVT floors looking like new for decades. That’s why it’s important to learn the proper methods to care for vinyl plank flooring.
At Floor Concepts, we know the quality of your flooring is important. That’s why we carry durable, stylish vinyl plank flooring options from trusted manufacturers like Shaw Floorté, Stanton, and Southwind Flooring. Whether you’re updating a single room or your whole home, our team is here to help you choose flooring that lasts.
Floor Concepts provides local flooring solutions to greater Pittsburgh, PA and the North Hills, free in-home measurements and estimates, and worry-free installations. Book your free in-home measurement now or get in touch with our flooring experts today!
**Disclaimer: While these tips above are all helpful options to clean your floors, we recommend always checking and following the manufacturer instructions in order to properly care for your unique vinyl flooring. However, if you choose to not follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, Floor Concepts is not held liable for any damage to your flooring. Please contact the manufacturer about your warranty with any further questions.
