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Let’s be honest: one of the main reasons you chose Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) was for the low maintenance. You wanted a floor that looks incredible but doesn't require a weekend's worth of work to keep it that way.
At Proximity Mills, we believe your flooring should serve your life, not the other way around. We’ve cut through the technical jargon and "specialty" cleaning gimmicks to give you a straightforward guide on LVT care and maintenance.
Review these LVT cleaning and maintenance tips below:
Luxury Vinyl Tile Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
The Foundation of LVT Care: Keep It Grit-Free
The biggest enemy of a beautiful floor isn't actually water—it’s dirt. Small particles of sand and grit act like sandpaper under your shoes, which can dull the finish over time.
- Frequent Sweeping: Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum (without the beater bar engaged) to pick up loose debris.
- Walk-Off Mats: Place mats at entryways to catch dirt before it ever hits your LVT. It’s a simple step that saves you hours of cleaning later.
How to Clean LVT Without the Streak
You don't need a shelf full of expensive, "premium" chemicals to get a great shine. In fact, many heavy cleaners leave a soapy residue that actually attracts more dirt.
- The Solution: Use a pH-neutral cleaner like Armstrong Once n'Done, specifically designed for resilient vinyl flooring. Avoid mop-and-shine products, which can build up a waxy film that’s difficult to remove.
- The Method: Use a damp microfiber mop. You want it damp, not soaking wet. While our LVT is designed for high performance and is waterproof from the surface, it’s always best practice to avoid letting large puddles of water sit on the floor for extended periods.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Part of LVT maintenance is knowing what not to do. Many "traditional" cleaning methods can actually harm modern high-performance materials.
- No Steam Mops: The intense heat and pressure from steam mops can potentially compromise the layers of your tile. Stick to lukewarm water and a neutral cleaner.
- No Abrasives: Never use steel wool or scouring pads. If you have a stubborn scuff mark, a clean tennis ball or a soft cloth with a drop of neutral cleaner usually does the trick.
Protecting the Surface
While LVT is incredibly durable, it isn't invincible. A little bit of prevention goes a long way in maintaining that "new floor" glow.
- Furniture Pads: Use felt protectors under the legs of chairs, tables, and heavy appliances.
- Avoid "Rubber" Backing: Some rubber-backed mats can cause a chemical reaction that discolors vinyl. Look for "non-staining" or woven mats instead.
Get Straightforward Quality, Simple Care with LVT Flooring from Proximity Mills
By sticking to a simple routine of sweeping and damp mopping with a neutral cleaner, your floors will continue to perform at a high level for years to come.
We always recommend you review our cleaning and maintenance instructions for your particular product for long-lasting flooring and quality results.
