Vinyl plank flooring, and particularly Luxury Vinyl Planks, also known as LVP, are very popular now. Vinyl is a synthetic material used, among other things, as flooring. It’s been around for decades, and companies constantly improve their aesthetic and efficiency.
Vinyl planks are known for responding efficiently when placed in high-traffic areas. They are also resistant to moisture (within reason). This is why, unsurprisingly, they are a great match for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Thanks to its popularity, you are now able to choose from hundreds of colors and patterns. Particularly vinyl planks, due to their shape, work great as faux wood.
LVP creates a finishing that is visually identical to a variety of wooden floors while adding the positive features of a synthetic floor in comparison to its more sensitive organic counterparts.
Let’s read some tips on what -not- to do when it comes to cleaning vinyl plank flooring.
Don’t overdo white vinegar on your vinyl plank flooring
White vinegar is a multi-purpose cleaning agent that works well with most materials and surfaces. However, at the end of the day, vinegar is an acid. If it’s used often, it can dull the finish.
Instead, do apply vinegar in a lower concentration. Create a mix of ¼ cup of vinegar and one tablespoon dish soap and dilute it on half a gallon of water. This will make a perfect mild floor cleaner without being too aggressive. If you’re consistent with cleaning this will do the job just fine.
Don’t use too much water or steam for your vinyl flooring
Even though vinyl planks are waterproof, because they are individual planks instead of a single roll, there are very small gaps between each plank.
Eventually, water will get into them and beneath your planks and you don’t want that for two reasons: it will loosen up the planks by melting the adhesive beneath them, and it will also create the perfect scenario for mold and bacteria to grow.
Instead, do use a minimum amount of water each time you clean. A microfiber mop only requires a bit of water and a cleaning agent to work with. You will mostly need regular sweeping and vacuuming to take care of your vinyl flooring.
And when you mop occasionally, make sure you don’t leave dripping water on it and that there’s enough airflow for the entire surface to dry properly.
Using a soft-bristled broom and a microfiber pad will help you absorb dirt and dust quickly without harming your surface.
Don’t use ammonia or bleach
Although effective, ammonia is a very abrasive agent that needs to be handled with care. Most surfaces and materials in your home right now probably do not get along with ammonia, and that includes your vinyl floors.
Ammonia is an alkaline compound and as such, it can damage the adhesive bonds between planks.
The same goes for bleach. Although less abrasive, there’s still a ton of materials that will stain when in contact with bleach. Just like ammonia, bleach is alkaline.
Instead, do use mild detergent or soap. Regular, multi-purpose, neutral detergent it’s all that your vinyl flooring needs to be taken care of.
Don’t let direct sunlight impact for too long on your vinyl plank flooring
Sunlight can cause yellowing because of the impact of UV rays. Plus, sunlight changes your vinyl flooring’s temperature and humidity. If this happens constantly every day and night, it’s going to be harmful to your surface.
Of course, this will depend on your location. For example, some areas in Texas can get drastic humidity changes over the year, depending on the area.
Instead, do open your windows when you’re not using a room so as not to let sunlight in your room all the time.
Conclusion
Vinyl Plank Flooring gives a lot of good reasons to be considered as the right flooring for your home. This synthetic material is able to offer superb resistance to traffic, moisture, and other day-to-day situations.
As always, do some research before deciding on a material, including its maintenance, pros and cons, pricing, and so on.
Make sure you know the effects of each cleaning product you’re applying on your vinyl floors (or any other area in your home) and remember, you can always hire professionals to clean your home and provide the right treatment for each kind of material and surface.