Practical and resilient, it should come as no surprise that luxury vinyl flooring is sweeping homes across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Stylish, waterproof and built to handle everyday life, busy families with pets can’t get enough of it, especially in busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms. While vinyl flooring is durable on its own, a little regular care will keep it looking the same as the day it was installed.
At Hamernick’s, we make it easy for you to protect your floors and your investment. In our guide, we’ll walk you through simple daily routines, spill management and long-term maintenance tips to keep your vinyl floors looking amazing for years to come.
Why Proper Vinyl Floor Care Matters
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile (LVT) have a tough, protective wear layer that keeps them safe from scratches, dents and moisture damage. Regardless of that, consistent maintenance is essential to preserving the finish and preventing wear that can come from dirt, grit and spills. Regular cleaning keeps floors looking fresh and helps them perform how they should in rooms that get a lot of activity or moisture exposure.
Most modern vinyl floors are waterproof, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to clean up spills or ignore the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. In fact, this is essential to maintaining your warranty and protecting the surface of your floors.
Daily & Weekly Vinyl Floor Cleaning
Unlike other flooring products, vinyl flooring is already easy to maintain. That’s why even a few minutes a day is all you need to keep your floors looking their best. Here are our tips:
- Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Dirt and grit are like sandpaper to vinyl and can dull their finish over time. Sweep daily using a soft broom or clean up messes with hard-surface vacuum. Stay away from vacuums with rotating brushes or beater bars, which can scratch the surface.
- Dry Mop for a Quick Refresh: Use a microfiber mop or dry dust mop to pick up fine dust and hair between deeper cleanings. It will keep your floors smooth and shiny.
- Wipe Spills Promptly: Even waterproof flooring needs to be dried up. Blot spills with a a clean, dry cloth. Once dry, use a manufacturer-approved hard surface cleaner to prevent residue buildup.
- Mop Occasionally: Rinse your mop regularly when cleaning. Using dirty water spreads grime instead of removing it, leaving you with a dull floor.
Even the small things make a big difference. Taking a little time out of your day can extend the lifespan of your floors.
Spills & Stain Management
Daily messes are no match for vinyl flooring. However, long-term stains are easily preventable when you take care of them right away. If left for some time they might require services provided by flooring service providers. Here’s our advice:
- For Common Spills (i.e. water, juice or pet accidents): Wipe up spills with a soft cloth or towel. Clean the area with a damp cloth and a mild or manufacturer-approved vinyl cleaner. Dry to prevent slips and falls.
- For Sticky Substances (i.e. wax, gum or glue): Harden the mess with an ice cube wrapped in a cloth. Gentle scrape away any debris with a plastic scraper or credit card edge. Never use metal tools! Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and dry it up.
- For Oil-Based Stains (i.e. lipstick, paint or cooking oil): Take a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone-based) on a cloth. Then carefully spot clean and rinse with water.
For more specific stain removal instructions, check your manufacturer’s care guide as some cleaning products can damage the finish.
Deep Cleaning & Long-Term Maintenance
When it comes to daily upkeep, taking care of vinyl flooring is easy. However, like its counterparts, this material can benefit from the occasional deep cleaning to remove dirt that regular mopping might miss.
- Use Manufacturer-Approved Cleaners: Use pH-neutral vinyl-safe products. Harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach or vinegar can strip the wear layer and result in discoloration.
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: Vinyl flooring has a waterproof surface, but standing water can still seep into the joints and edges if you leave it for too long.
- Maintain a Regular Schedule: Deep clean your floors once per month in low-traffic areas and every one to two weeks in busier areas like the kitchen or entryways.
- Protect from Direct Sunlight: Over time, strong UV light can result in fading. Use blinds, curtains or UV-blocking window film to preserve the color of your flooring.
If your vinyl floors start losing their shine, don’t wax or polish them. These products can leave behind a sticky residue. Use a vinyl restorer recommended by the manufacturer.
Preventative Protection
How do you keep your vinyl floors looking their best? Here are a few smart habits:
- Use Doormats: Place mats at entryways to trap dirt and moisture before it reaches your floors.
- Furniture Pads: Attach felt pads to chair or table legs to avoid scratching or scuffing your floors.
- Avoid Sharp Objects: Pet nails, high heels and sharp furniture legs can mark or dent the surface. Keep them off vinyl floors.
- Be Careful When Moving Furniture: Always lift and don’t drag heavy objects across the floor. Use furniture sliders when necessary.
- Rugs in Busy Areas: Alongside adding a decorative touch to your space, area rugs reduce wear and add extra comfort underfoot.
Following your flooring installation, it’s important to take care to keep them in top shape and you can start caring for your floors right from the installation with our luxury vinyl flooring installation guide.
Caring for Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) vs. Plank (LVP)
Both LVT and LVP are easy to maintain. However, you have to keep the following differences in mind:
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): LVT consists of square or rectangular pieces designed to resemble tile or stone. Clean it using the same vinyl-safe methods of sweeping, light mopping and avoiding soaking.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP looks like natural hardwood, but uses click-and-lock floating installation. Sweep or vacuum the length of the planks to remove dirt that collects in seams.
Both vinyl flooring styles are fully sealed and do not use grout. This makes them easy to clean, while resisting moisture and bacteria buildup.
Long-Term Vinyl Floor Care
Luxury vinyl flooring can last for decades with proper care. Here are some ways to keep your floors looking their best in the long run:
- Maintain Indoor Climate: Keep the room temperature between 65°F and 85°F year-round to prevent expansion or contraction.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: We recommend using safe deep-cleaning solutions or professional cleaning services for long-term protection.
- Inspect Regularly: Keep an eye out for lifting seams or worn edges. Addressing these issues early on can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Taking care of your vinyl floors has its perks. Besides lasting longer, your floors will also continue to look amazing for years to come.
Keep Your Vinyl Floors Looking Beautiful
Vinyl floors make life easier. That’s why they’re one of the most popular choices here at the leading wholesale flooring supplier, Hamernick’s. With a little bit of care, they will look their best over time.
Need help choosing cleaning products or professional maintenance options? Visit one of our showrooms in the following locations to check out our premium flooring collection:
or contact us today to learn more!
