Luxury Vinyl Plank Cleaning Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Floors

Over the last ten years, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has been one of the fastest-growing flooring types. Many homeowners within Auburn Hills and the surrounding areas have seen the benefits and value of LVP because it is durable, affordable, and can resemble hardwood or stone flooring. 

Although you could say LVP flooring is one of the toughest floor coverings, it is not an indestructible product. In fact, improper cleaning could significantly reduce its overall lifespan, as well as fade the beauty of LVP flooring.

In this blog, we will uncover some of the most common luxury vinyl plank cleaning mistakes, discuss the harm they can do, and provide expert suggestions to maintain your floors, as explained by a flooring restoration company in Auburn Hills.

Mistake #1: Harsh Chemical Cleaners

Most homeowners assume more chemicals mean a deeper clean. However, powerful cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or rough cleaning pads damage the wear layer of LVP flooring. If you pit or wear down that top surface, it will be more prone to scratches, stains, and discoloration.

Better Approach: Use a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for vinyl flooring. If you don’t know which products will be safe, professional services such as floor cleaning in Auburn Hills can help recommend safer treatments.

Mistake #2: Soaking the Floor in Water

Water is one of luxury vinyl plank’s biggest enemies. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is water-resistant; however, too much moisture from spills or cleaning could seep into the seams or edges, loosening the adhesive or molding the planks. If you mop with an already sopping-wet mop, it could cause bubbling or peeling.

Better Approach: Say no to soaking the floor, and simply use a damp microfiber mop. Wringing out before cleaning is essential. Some companies provide specialized vinyl floor cleaning in Auburn Hills that uses equipment designed not to oversaturate a vinyl floor.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Dust and Grit

Dirt, sand, and small stones all act like sandpaper on your LVP floors. They wear down and scratch the surface over time. They not only scratch but also cause dull portions of the floor and make them harder to keep clean.

Better Approach: Sweep the floor or vacuum daily with a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum without a bar. It is much better for the longevity of your floors, and daily maintenance is the simplest means of ensuring the floor isn’t worn down over time.

Mistake #4: Using Steam Mops

Steam mops may sound like an efficient way of cleaning a vinyl floor; however, it is one of the worst things you can do to luxury vinyl flooring. The heat and moisture from steam can cause the planks to warp, peel, or detach by losing their adhesive bond.

Better Approach: Use low-moisture cleaning processes. If dirt or stains remain after your initial cleaning, a business that provides hard surface floor cleaning in Auburn Hills will help you safely remove any stubborn dirt.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Add Protective Pads to Furniture

If you drag a chair, sofa, or table across LVP floors, this will cause deep scratching, and sometimes you cannot clean this. Placing heavy furniture without pads on the base will cause permanent dents in the floor.

Better Approach: Use felt or rubber pads on furniture legs. Do not drag furniture on the floor; pick it up instead.

Mistake #6: Using Wax or Polish

Unlike hardwood, LVP does not require waxing or polishing. Furthermore, waxing or polishing leaves behind a flammable residue, is slippery, attracts more dirt, and can even discolor the floor.

Better Approach: If your LVP floors appear dull, call a professional. They can restore the shine without further damaging the floor.

Mistake #7: Not Having Regular Maintenance

Plenty of homeowners make the mistake of waiting until the floors look obviously dirty to clean them. At this point, the buildup has usually accumulated to the point that it has caused micro-scratches or staining.

Better Approach: Build a cleaning routine that works for you. Weekly dry cleaning and monthly deep cleaning will allow the floors to shine bright for the long haul. If you feel any uncertainty, use vinyl plank floor cleaning in Auburn Hills, and you can have professionals design routine maintenance plans for long-lasting protection and beauty.

The Long-Term Effects of Mistakes on Maintenance

It is tough to care for your floors and not notice, but neglecting these steps can definitely cause:

• Shortened Life Span: LVP has a potential lifespan of 15–20 years, but improper cleaning methods can shorten that time frame greatly. 
• Costly Replacement: Damaging planks and attempting to repair them or buying new planks can end up costing you much more than staying current with professional cleaning. 
• Diminished Value: Scratched, dirty, and dull flooring can have an adverse effect on the overall beauty or desirability of your home.
  

Expert Tips to Get Your LVP Floors to Look New

• Clean Spills Promptly: Liquids left standing may permeate into seams. 
• Rotate Rugs: Gives you the advantage of blocking sunlight and will also keep the area rug from discoloring. 
• Schedule Professional Cleaning: Although your great home ownership and care can only do so much, having occasional professional cleaning will guarantee that your floors look their best. 

Case Study: An Auburn Hills Resident

Recently, a homeowner in Auburn Hills noticed some dull patches on his LVP flooring. After only months of using a steam mop and ancillary LVP maintenance products, he assumed vinyl was tough enough to handle even high heat. However, the damage was visible and expanding. 

The resident contacted floor cleaning Auburn Hills and learned about the importance of cleaning with pH-neutral solutions and low-moisture care methods. The affected planks needed to be removed and replaced, but with the right products, the other floors were brought back to a nearly new condition.

This situation further illustrates how small cleaning mistakes, if unaddressed, can add up to costly repairs.

Conclusion

Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers Auburn Hills homeowners aesthetic appeal, durability, and affordability. The durability of luxury vinyl is dependent on proper ownership and maintenance. Since LVP is not invincible, using the wrong chemicals, steam mops, or water, and ignoring regular maintenance can jeopardize your investment.

Avoiding these commonly made mistakes and consulting the help of reputable water-safe floor cleaning for your LVP flooring can protect your floors for decades. When it comes to beautiful, durable floors, prevention and professional care are a match made in heaven.

About Pristine Clean

Pristine Clean is your local provider of professional floor and surface care. We specialize in vinyl floor cleaning Auburn Hills and many more professional cleaning services. Our highly trained cleaning technicians take a safe and effective approach to luxury vinyl plank, tile, hardwood, and more to preserve their beauty and longevity. 

Whether it’s deep cleaning, stain removal, or even regular maintenance, our experts provide premier service backed by our customer satisfaction guarantee! Feel free to contact us today to schedule a service.