Walking into an office or commercial space that boasts bright, shiny floors leaves a lasting impression on visitors. This is especially true when it comes to Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. LVT has the look of natural stone tile. Whereas, LVP mimics the appearance of real wooden planks.
Designed for use in an office space, this type of flooring is growing in popularity due to its high durability, waterproof qualities and modern look. Clients, colleagues and business partners take notice of these welcoming floors. Therefore, it's necessary to keep them looking their best. If neglected, their luster can easily fade away due to every day traffic.
LVT/LVP Flooring Care Basics
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring are both known for their resilience. However, even the toughest flooring requires proper maintenance. Routine cleaning and upkeep will help preserve the appearance and extend the life of your floors. Some of the most common issues that can dull or damage LVT/LVP flooring include:
Dirt and debris tracked in on shoes
Spills that are left unattended, leading to staining
Furniture and heavy items are being moved without care, causing scuff marks
Staying on top of these concerns helps protect your investment and maintain the pristine look of your flooring.
Regular Cleaning for LVT/LVP Flooring
Regular maintenance is key to keeping LVT and LVP floors in optimal condition. Vacuuming and mopping weekly will help reduce the buildup of dirt and grime. The frequency of cleaning may vary depending on the amount of foot traffic your space receives. However, a weekly cleaning routine is a good starting point for most commercial settings.
Avoid using vacuums with beater bars, as these can cause scratches. Instead, use a vacuum meant for hard floors or a soft-bristle broom to sweep up dirt.
For more thorough cleaning, you can mop the floors with a gentle solution. A simple mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner works well for most situations. If you’re dealing with tougher stains or dirt, use a specialized tile and laminate spray in combination with a soft-bristle scrub brush.
Avoiding Common Mistakes with LVT/LVP Flooring
When it comes to cleaning LVT and LVP floors, it’s important to avoid using products or techniques that could harm the surface. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of:
No wax products: Never use wax when cleaning LVT or LVP floors. Wax can dull the finish and make the floor look cloudy and more slippery.
Avoid abrasive tools: Using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals can scratch and damage the flooring. This leaves it looking worn over time.
Watch for excess water: While LVT and LVP are waterproof, excessive water can seep into seams and cause problems with adhesives or the subfloor. Always wring out your mop before cleaning.
If a spill happens, clean it up as soon as possible. Letting spills sit for too long can result in staining, even on resilient flooring like LVT and LVP.
Protecting LVT/LVP Flooring from Damage
It’s essential to take preventative measures to protect your flooring from damage, especially in high-traffic commercial environments. Simple adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your LVT or LVP floors looking pristine.
LVT and LVP flooring are highly water-resistant. They are excellent choices for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Their waterproof qualities guarantee that they won’t be damaged by spills or moisture. This is a common concern with other types of flooring like hardwood or laminate.
Use Floor Mats and Entry Rugs
One of the easiest ways to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto your floors is by placing floor mats or entry rugs at entrances. These will capture the bulk of the dirt and grime from people’s shoes before they even step onto your flooring. This simple step helps reduce wear and tear on your LVT/LVP floors.
Furniture Pads and Protectors
Furniture can cause scuff marks and scratches on vinyl flooring if not moved carefully. Adding protective pads to the bottom of chairs, desks, and other heavy furniture will prevent these types of marks. If you’re moving larger items, consider using furniture sliders to protect the floor while moving them across the room.
Rearranging furniture periodically can help distribute wear and prevent heavily trafficked areas from wearing out faster than others.
Dealing with Scratches and Scuffs
Even with the best care, small scratches or scuffs may eventually appear. Fortunately, these issues are often easy to fix. For minor scratches, you can use a specialized vinyl repair kit or even a DIY solution like rubbing a little olive oil or baby oil into the scratch. For deeper scratches or gouges, it may be best to contact a professional to assess the damage.
The Longevity of LVT/LVP Flooring
One of the key reasons LVT and LVP are popular choices for commercial spaces is their impressive lifespan when properly maintained. These floors are meant to be resilient. However, without regular upkeep, they can lose their appeal.
By following the tips outlined above, you can extend the life of your floors and keep them looking new for years. Regular cleaning, addressing spills and stains immediately, and taking protective measures will make sure your investment pays off over the long term. Create a maintenance schedule that includes both daily tasks (like sweeping) and deeper cleaning tasks (like mopping or spot cleaning) to keep your floors in top condition.
Maintaining the beauty and durability of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring requires consistent and proper care. At Cleantec, we specialize in understanding the unique needs of commercial spaces and bring tailored cleaning solutions designed to preserve the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your floors. Our services range from routine cleaning to specialized care, making sure that we address every aspect of your flooring needs.
Our team of experts is dedicated to assessing your specific requirements and coming up with the most effective solutions to keep your LVT or LVP floors looking their best throughout the year. With our commitment to quality, you can trust that your floors will not only maintain their appearance but also contribute to a clean and welcoming work environment for employees and clients alike.
Nobody wants their flooring to look terrible. We can help you prevent this and be proud of your flooring. Give us a call at (315) 463-5353 and our Special Projects team will assess your flooring needs. Contact us today.
Cleantec aims to offer helpful information to our clients and friends. We currently serve all of New York, including the Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, Rochester, Utica, and Buffalo regions. We also have operations in Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO; Muscle Shoals, AL; Tampa, FL; and Sanford, NC. Give our sales professionals a call at (877) 469-0543 for a free consultation and quote regarding janitorial services. Learn how we can help your business achieve your cleaning needs.
Cleantec ensures all staff members are thoroughly vetted conducting background checks and drug testing. In addition to providing professional cleaning services, we are also a supplier of specialized cleaning products and green chemicals. Please call (315) 463-5353 to place an order.
