By Kim Brazell, Marketing Director, Flooring Depot of Panama City
You had Cousin Cindy and her husband, Teddy, and their four kids for dinner. Grandma and Grandpa came for Christmas too. Your house took a bit of a beating and now it’s time to get it ready for the new year. The Christmas tree and decorations have been taken down and stored away, but what’s the best way to clean those new luxury vinyl plank floors that you bought right before the holidays?
“LVP is a great family choice,” says Kristen Carter-Rowell, sales manager for Flooring Depot of Panama City. “They stand up to family life well. They are solid core floors and are scratch and stain resistant, mold and mildew resistant – and can be installed virtually anywhere in your home.”
Luxury Vinyl Plank, or LVP, is one of the most common types of floors here in Florida. They are durable, beautiful, kid-proof, pet-proof and waterproof, which is great for our climate and lifestyles. Your flooring is an investment, and you want them to look great for years to come. So, here are some practical tips to keep your floors looking their best.
Cleaning Tips for Waterproof Flooring
The best way to begin cleaning your floors is to sweep or run a dry dust mop over your floor to get rid of the dirt, dust and grit. Avoid treated dust mops as they may leave a residue behind which can dull your floor over time. For a more thorough clean, you’ll want a Ph neutral cleaner, so nothing with a floor polish or detergent in it. Do not use vacuums with rotating beater bars on hard surfaces. Stay away from steam mops, as the heat can cause the vinyl layer to curl up and peel off. Avoid using mop and shine products.
How often should I clean my waterproof flooring?
Do a once-a-week clean with a damp mop, using warm water and a neutral detergent. This helps to remove dirt and keep the floor in top condition. Keep in mind that you don’t need a big amount of water to clean your floor and note that light colors often need more frequent cleaning.
How do I remove spots and spills?
As with any flooring surface, you’ll want to absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by blotting with paper or cloth towels. Rinse with water if necessary and blot dry. Dried spots should be removed by gentle agitation and rinsed with water. Blot dry.
How do I keep my waterproof floor looking good?
The single greatest cause of damage to any flooring or floor finish is abrasion from dirt and grit. Wherever possible, use walk off mats at entrances and doorways. If mats are placed directly on waterproof floors, use mats without latex or rubber backings to avoid possible discoloration. Use non-staining floor protectors under heavy furniture, chairs, and tables. Use appropriate window coverings, as direct sunlight may fade the color of the flooring over time.
In addition to cleaning, here are some more tips for keeping your flooring looking great.
Furniture should have felt pads attached to the feet to avoid scratching the floor. Heavy appliances or furniture should sit on non-staining large surface floor protectors.
When furniture has castors or wheels on the feet, they must be suitable for resilient floors, large surface non-staining, and swivel easily. Do not use ball-type castors because they can damage the floor.
Office chairs with castor wheels should be equipped with wide, rubber castors and protective mats under the chairs.
Protective mats should be non-staining as rubber mats may discolor the floor.
All furniture pieces should have floor protectors under them.
The product should never be exposed to temperatures exceeding 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposure to long periods of direct sunlight. Blinds or drapes should be closed during peak daylight. Exposure to excessive heat and light can thermally degrade the floor.
Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and dust. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar to vacuum the floor as this can cause floor scratches. Do not use hard bottomed electric brooms without padding as they can scratch the floor.
Following these helpful tips can help you maintain and love your floors for years to come.
Visit us at flooringdepotofpanama.com.
