Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are durable and relatively easy to maintain, but the wrong cleaning method can leave residue, dull the surface, or damage the floor over time.
So, what's the best way to clean LVT and LVP?
Before choosing a chemical, pad, or piece of equipment, confirm what type of flooring you're cleaning.
LVT and LVP can vary in construction. Some floors are glued down, while others use floating or rigid-core systems such as WPC or SPC. Because maintenance recommendations can differ, always check the flooring manufacturer's care instructions when possible.
Before wet cleaning, remove loose soil with regular sweeping, vacuuming, or dust mopping. Sand, grit, and other abrasive particles can scratch or wear the floor as they're dragged across the surface, especially in entrances and high-traffic areas.
For routine maintenance, a neutral cleaner is generally a good starting point when approved by the flooring manufacturer.
Using too much chemical can leave residue behind and make the floor look dull or attract more soil.
Hydro-Force Viper 7 Neutral Cleaner is one option for routine hard-surface maintenance, while Hydro-Force Viper LVT Cleaner is specifically designed for luxury vinyl tile and other flexible vinyl flooring.
The same care should be taken when choosing a pad or brush. Mechanical agitation can improve cleaning results, but overly aggressive pads can damage the floor's surface.
For routine cleaning and polishing, Aramsco carries the 3M Scotch-Brite Clean & Shine Pad, designed to clean and improve shine on LVT, vinyl, and other hard flooring surfaces when paired with compatible equipment.
More aggressive doesn't always mean cleaner.
LVT and LVP are designed to handle routine cleaning, but excessive moisture can still create problems around seams, edges, and damaged areas, especially with some floating-floor systems.
Use only as much cleaning solution as needed and recover moisture promptly when using an autoscrubber or wet-cleaning system. Avoid leaving standing water on the floor.
Steam cleaning should also be approached carefully. Some LVT and LVP products allow steam under certain conditions, while others restrict or prohibit it.
Because heat and moisture can affect flooring differently depending on its construction and installation, always check the manufacturer's care instructions before using steam or other high-temperature cleaning methods.
If an LVT or LVP floor begins looking hazy or dull after cleaning, the problem may not be permanent damage.
Cleaning-product residue can build up when too much chemical is used, dilution ratios are incorrect, or dirty solution isn't fully recovered.
Before reaching for a stronger chemical or more aggressive pad, review the cleaning process first. Correcting the chemical concentration, improving recovery, or adjusting the cleaning method may be all that's needed.
Proper LVT and LVP maintenance doesn't have to be complicated. Identify the flooring, remove abrasive soil, use the right cleaner and pad, and control moisture throughout the process.
When in doubt, start with the least aggressive method capable of producing the desired result. The right products and process can help maintain the floor's appearance while protecting it for the long term.
For help choosing the right cleaning products, pads, or equipment for your next floor-care job, visit Aramsco.com or contact your local Aramsco representative.