the kitchen and hallway floor that butted up next to it had to be replaced for continuity. Sounds like the crew who installed it used glue. Often mistaken for laminate, vinyl is, however, more resistant to damage and … Shows every step we take! We used this on our wood floors as well as our LVP. It is one of those wonderful household substances that lightly clean vinyl floors to keep them looking fresh. This will last 2-3 washings for us. Trust me. It’s old…..1970’s old, and not so pretty but that doesn’t mean I can’t show the love to it by taking good care of it and part of taking care of it is cleaning it the right way. The best part about vinyl plank is that it’s incredibly easy to maintain, even if you have kids and pets making messes every hour on the hour. I am worried that the light “natural oak” look will show all the dirt, but the medium “gunstock oak” look will show all the scratches. I really want the consistency of having the same floor throughout to make my house look bigger, but it seems that maybe the LVP only belongs in rooms that don’t get much traffic, like a bedroom, living room or formal dining room. I just sweep then mop with Swiffer Wet Jet but i was looking to see if there was another alternative. However, I’d still like to know if I could use something like Bono professional which says it is safe on LVP floors? But why is this? We saved one of the instruction sheets from the 82 boxes we installed. I clean B&B’s. I just had new Armstrong LVP flooring installed. Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove lipstick, hair dye, and ink stains. Have I ruined the floor, or is this just a “near-miss”? Don’t buy furniture with rollers because these will scratch your floor (unless the furniture is on an extra large area rug of some sort). Loved it so much I had it installed through rest of house. Will the doormat keep the dirt out? Dawn soap leaves it dull and doesn’t disinfect enough for me. A once a week vacuuming and every two weeks mopping is all it takes to keep the shine. Today`s resilient flooring is a highly engineered combination of polymer materials. … I just mixed into a condo with vinyl plank floors and not sure how to wash them. This is a yes and no answer but hopefully with the info you need. Yes.. Very dissatisfied, 20 grand later. Maybe if you live in a house without pets/kids and walk around in clean socks it might stay clean for you for more than a day. Nope, you’re done! I Did NOT Use The Vinegar And Water On The Rest Of The House After It Had Dulled The Kitchen. Also, dirt can easily cling to soap scum, which could cause you problems down the line. Not shiny, very dull. I have the same problem with my Smartcore vinyl flooring. Any suggestions? I bought a great wool dust mop that just glides easily over the floors. It shows dirt spots but they clean easily. Don’t use vinegar. If your floors are light maybe try it on a spare sample of your flooring or in a discrete location. Thank you. I’m having the same issue! Make sure you are mopping with the wood and use a mop with a pad. Why a company would recommend this flooring is beyond me. on my LVP and it actually made it look spotty and I noticed that the oil and water did NOT mix and made droplets on the floor which I had to constantly go back over. Please clarify your suggestion of not using vinegar. I’m using o’cedar, promist max, with the flip option. So I soaked the area with vinegar to neutralize the odor but I think it harmed the finish. No matter what I’ve tried to clean them with you can see a residue or just hazy and dull look. My floor shows lots of spots &smears when the sunlight is on it. Manufacturers claim it is easy care for a home with kids and pets, and then say you have to keep the dirt and dust off the floor. Installers don’t normally talk customers into or out of products, they just put down what you bought. Now it has left a stain of film. Hey Pam, I appreciate the detail in this article. Please cleaning a business of 2800 sq ft . I have those clear shiny spots all over my house! Wet mops? The charge lasts through at least 4 larger rooms…of thorough cleaning. And yes it does leave spots. Use ZEP Wet Look Flooring Polish. For one thing, putting too much pressure on vinyl floors always leads to scuff marks. Home Depot floor person recommended Rejuvenate floor cleaner and Rejuvenate Shine-it Floor Polish. Additionally, cleaning vinyl floors with grooves, don’t forget to rinse the surface. Very diluted. I thought this floor was going to be so easy to maintain. Vivero Flooring Challenge. It says it’s a multipurpose cleaner that doesn’t leave residue. Use a regular sponge mop, squeezed tightly so the sponsee is damp. Directions say nothing acidic. Keeping up a consistent cleaning schedule that’s specifically designed for your vinyl plank. Gently rub off glue then use dawn dish soap and water to clean residue of WD40. I did the same when my dog pee and made a mess instead of taking the stain away. Remember, vinyl is vulnerable to water damage (just like hardwoodwood can get water damage too). Vinegar is also biodegradable and non-toxic, making it an eco-friendly option for your home. We went with CoreTec med/light in color, lone natural oak floors. The book that came with my luxury vinyl said No oil soaps or dishwashing detergents. Once they’re fitted, you don’t have to worry about the furniture causing dents or scratch marks on the vinyl floor. Apparently there are micro chips in some of the products, for example if glue was used, they are able to detect if the recommended brand was used before warranty is valid. It’s made for Vinyl flooring and it leaves the floor looking wet and shiny. I was told only minimal water with a drop of dish soap. Our warranty also said no soap or bleach and we heard vinegar was a no go too. Use steam cleaner. If I followed this article I would ruin my LVP with acidic vinegar and or alkaline Swiffer wet jet! Most regular vacuums have a smooth floor attachment. Use everyday and keeps dust, every dust, away! Next, wash it with clean warm water, dumping halfway.. So, why does dry mopping need to come first? Thanks. Trying to get the Rejuvenate off and find some way to like this as it is throughout my entire main floor. It doesn’t leave a residue so no rinsing. This has also cut down significantly on the amount of times I have needed to mop as well. Before we get to tips and tricks on the best ways to clean, let’s learn a bit about your brand new floors: Vinyl plank is a super versatile flooring option that has surged in popularity over the last few years. We just recently installed LVP in a white and light grey oak color. I too have vinyl planks. This is even more the case when you have kids jumping onto your chairs all the time. To make a vinegar solution, simply mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water and use a mop to clean the floor. My floors are a mess. Love our floor. I have to believe it’s easier on the floors, too, not having a broom pushing dirt around. Plant oils do not contain petroleum. The entire house… Once they are clean it’s very easy to maintain. It’s so dull looking. If your floors need a little bit more TLC than your daily routine, once you finish sweeping and vacuuming up dust, you can get out your trusty tile mop and bucket to finish the job. Here, you have to perceive how much the mop’s head … When dealing with vinyl floors, you have to keep any materials that can scratch it off the floor at all times. This infographic can be used free of charge as long as you include a working link back to this page.Click the infographic to see it in a higher resolution. Don’t all vacuums have brushes that spin or roll? For those days where your floor needs just a little more of a pick me up, add a bit of white vinegar to your soap and water solution to get that sparkle back. Vinyl is resistant to both water and stains, and comes in a variety of shapes, colors and patterns. The floor guy said that I could use the Swiffer wet jet. This way you can “catch” the remaining dirt from the air with your cleaner as you proceed with the vacuum work. We had this problem too and I drove me crazy. I’ve tried to get them up with just hot water and vinegar but it didn’t work. I did upgrade and spent a little more for a better grade but that was my choice. I add a few drops of baby oil (tablespoon) into warm water white vinegar and dawn dishwashing soap (just a few drops). After you use your wood cleaner, go back over it with clear water and a few drops of baby oil then a dry mop to rub in the shine. Whenever we walk in the house with sneakers on, you see the sneaker print on the floor. If you have water spots, it could be that the water in your area is very “hard”, meaning, it has a lot of minerals in it. Jennifer – I had someone come clean my VPL and they used Mop n Glo!!!! I need to clean this floor… What am I supposed to use besides water? To add shine to your vinyl floor, add a few drops of baby oil to the vinegar and water solution. Any suggestions? Do not use steam cleaners on vinyl plank flooring. I have central vac and have a floor attachment. I love the look, feel, and ease of it. Use vinegar in very small amounts. I also turn on ceiling fans to ensure rapid drying. I have been cleaning houses for 16 years. Don’t use steam cleaner. I will try the vinegar solution and see what happens. Using mild soap can also help loosen tough dirt or stains. Rejuvenate makes a cleaner specifically for LVT floors. Before you attempt to figure out the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring, you must maintain it first. Watch Next. We all are happy. I have the LVP tiles with acrylic grout in the kitchen and mudroom. Help! For weekly cleaning, use Reichert’s spritz-and-dry mop … You got this! I’m thinking about just buying the cleaner, I just had my waterproof vinyl flooring installed I cleaned it just once with my steam mop now after reading moments I am worried if I could have caused any damage. When your vinyl flooring comes in contact with tough stains like makeup or ink, you need a tougher cleaning solution than your regular vinegar and water mix. It bears emphasis: use only as much water that is needed. Which begs the question: How do you clean vinyl plank flooring the best way possible? It works great with no effort! Don’t know why anyone likes this stuff. Basically water and a mop will do the trick. Gorgeous still 2 years later! A Swiffer is ok, but a better choice is a BONA brand product that sprays a floor conditioner specially made for luxury vinyl. With some daily love and care, your shine can be easily be upkept by following a few guidelines unique to your new flooring type. We have Coretec plus in Bicayne oak. we have a vinyl plank floor that isnt textured and its terribly hard to keep clean! Vacuuming or sweeping with a soft broom or even a dust mop is good for frequent touchups. We love it! I have only had the flooring for a year and a half and somehow it’s lost it’s luster. No streaks. Remember, vinyl is a sensitive material. For stubborn scuffs, try putting some WD-40 lubricant or jojoba oil on a towel and rub the area until the scuffs disappear. I wet the cloth then wring it out, tightly attach it to the mop head and proceed to wipe the floor (but always in the direction of the boards). Spills happen. I now wish I had spent more money and got real hardwood. The living area had rugs on it. Just had Armstrong Prizm Hard Core flooring installed. Nope. Use white vinegar & water. Have to admit, I had no idea how much dust & debris was hiding in my carpet until I started sweeping the LVP. I now wash socks with clothes that I don’t add fabric softener or fabric sheets. We have Coretec on around 1200 square feet of our main living area. Water damage is one of the common causes of structural damage to flooring. Zep seems to be a popular one. I was talked into it because of a flood mishap in the laundry room. Problem: my vinyl plank flooring has started to warp at joints: sides and ends!! I have used non-ammonia glass cleaner on my floors for years…both hardwood and LVP. The tips on cleaning are helpful with all the variants tried and trued. Moving large appliances or furniture inside your home may produce scuffs, dents, or marks on your floor if you’re not careful. Sure, vinyl is made to last long even when exposed to water, but expose it too long and you’re going to have a problem sooner or later, and one of the most common causes of water damage is roof leaks that sometimes go undetected for a long time. Never use a sponge mop to clean ceramic-tile floors. It’s a much weaker solution. Beater bars help remove or loosen the dirt through a vibrating action. The residue, after all, can cause your floor to crack and splinter. Easy to park and store. Dee, my v did the warping, or the floor mfg called it “cupping” I had mine installed August of 2018 and in May 2019 had to have it replaced. I have 3500 sq ft of Coretec and it’s the best thing I ever did. Will it just wear off or should I try to clean it with something else. I have cats and it gets the litter dust up and makes the floor look a little bit shinier. Your floor will thank you for it. I am not happy with my lvp flooring either it does always look dirty even if I washed it four times I am just not happy with it I don’t know what to do. Sure can’t afford to take LVP up and go back to carpet. On Amazon. They are the ones who removed the old and installed new flooring. It looks like ceramic tile but warmer and softer. Ok so I have CorTec Calypso vinyl plank flooring and love the color and feel underneath my feet! Leveling is a giant problem with LVP. I looked up the Shaw R2X cleaner on Amazon and it does clean hardwood, ceramic, and resilient flooring. FloorCritics.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Don’t use a knife or an abrasive cleaner to scrub away any stains because you’ll end up scrubbing away the laminate top of your vinyl plank along with it. — it’s LIKELY in both cases that a specific spot was bumped and damaged and caused both those curious incidents — in both cases the dishwashers had been successfully used for years without problem and in both cases the new VPF had JUST been installed and the dishwasher was used the first time afterward in each case. For example, a non-wax cleanser is specifically manufactured to clean floors that don’t have a waxed surface. Still can see dirty. Rinse your vinyl floor with clean water on a regular basis and you’ll extend its lifetime by a considerable amount. It will gently dissolve the paint spatters away, I guarantee. We don’t vacuum every day, more like 1-2 times a week. It sounds like you really have to baby it. Also be sure to break out your trusty microfiber mop at least weekly to do a deep cleaning. After living with it for almost a month, I’ve learned that for it to look its best, you have to immediately wipe up spills (Including water drops), and vacuum once a day to keep it looking clean. This information makes it easier to coordinate with pros. Take a spray bottle and fill it with half a liter of water. I pour a little in the squirt bottle, add water to dilute to a very pale blue and spray my floors mopping with a microfiber mop head. Thank you for any advice! The acidity in the vinegar helps remove dirt and grime without leaving a buildup of soap or wax. Hello Twinmom, OMG you too ? I have a wet bathroom (ie wet room) and Dan throw the water around, remove the paper bag and suck up all the water. Most detergents are actually abrasive, and may even leave your floor looking dirtier because of the chemicals that are in them. Moreover, the heat coming from steam mops can cause your vinyl floor to warp or bend, not to mention take away the shine from the finish. I have been using dry then wet swifter on my Motorhome which we had Coretec installed in. The man who came to finish the doorways of our new flooring said if it gets scratched—rub some olive oil on the scratch and it will go away. But, is it safe to polish the flooring, perhaps, once a year? It does give that dull floor a little sheen, It’s not perfect but I don’t cringe everytime I look at my brand new disgusting vinyl plank floor. Vacuums with a beater bar are more recommended for cleaning fluffy carpet instead. I bought quick shine multisurface floor cleaner and the finish on amazon. I bought a terry cloth sweeper/mop by Libman from Fred Meyer. If you have vinyl plank in your home and would like to share some tips on how you care for your LVP floors, be sure to leave a comment below. And unless it has been an especially dirty, rainy week, passing a simple dust mop made of a good microfiber is enough for the cleaning we do most often. It minimises the transfer of dirt and grit inside from outside, which helps reduce scratches and wear. As is often mentioned in this guide, vinyl flooring isn’t made for hard scrubbing. Would never go for COREtec again. Until we had to clean it. We were told it was low maintenance. That won’t take the shine off will it. I purchased a Katcher wet n dry vacum and it’s the best. Steam cleaning LVF can damage it And it can void the warranty. I figured if it didn’t last as long as Dyson, no biggie…I can buy 3 of these for the same price. Used a clearner stating good for vinyl flooring. While safe, a vinegar solution has enough acidity to loosen up dirt or stains. Something we learned before we inherited (as a buyer) VPF: both a friend and a family member, two separate incidents, lost their first (new) installation of VPF when their dishwashers (neither very old) flooded the kitchen right after the new flooring was installed. GOOD LUCK! Bad idea. You don’t want to use it on your floors because anything too acidic or alkaline can ruin them. Coretec says use a neutral cleaner. I am having the exact same problem! Hi, I have a cortex matte finish floor, I also have a large dog and a family of four. 3-in-1 Spray Mop Kit. Once dry apply the finish with separate microfiber mop head. My friend cleans her floors with water then goes over with Bona and her floors have been kept in amazing condition for many years of using Bona. I am afraid to try it on the whole floor. I’m looking for tips on what cleaning solution to use so I can’t help you there but this method cuts down my floor “sweeping” time by 90%. Babyganics Floor Cleaner Concentrate, Fragr – Ideal For Families With Infants and Toddlers. Scroll through the infographic (or print it out) so that you can start cleaning your vinyl plank flooring the right way. Before doing anything to your floors other than vacuuming and sweeping, it’s a safe bet to go and consult your trusty friend Google for floor specifics. Only a nonrinsing biodegradable cleaner that leaves no residue and requires no rinsing. It’s also less expensive than an iRobot which doesn’t have a mop. I installed plank vinyl in my house six years ago. My floors are the Mohawk regal weathered barnwood planks. Use rejuvenate wax and cleaner. I’ve had Shaw LVT for years with no issues. The floors are scrubbed everyday to remove footprints. Remember to keep up a daily (let’s be real – weekly) sweeping or vacuuming routine to keep those small but sharp dust particles off of your varnish. Vinegar is acidic. Now that I have a system figured out that works, I am happy with my floor, but there is definitely a learning curve involved. You should also sweep or vacuum the floor on a regular basis, preferably daily. It was installed in May and we just mop with plain water and it looks great after. It looks very bad after they are clean and there is traffic in place. You won’t regret this product. So, let’s get right to it! Mine has been moped four times. I wouldn’t go back to hardwood, which we had previously. Don’t let these people scare you. I have new Lifeproof floors and can’t get scuffs out. Good luck! Again, only use soft materials when removing dirt and stains. 2 teaspoons of cleaner per canister. Clean the baking soda off the floor with a vinegar and water solution. . While safe, a vinegar solution has enough acidity to loosen up dirt or stains. The durability of vinyl compared to classic wood has made this flooring newcomer a staple in new home construction and renovations. The best way to prevent scratches or scuffs from ending up on your luxury vinyl floors to begin with is to sweep or vacuum your floors every day to remove any dirt or debris that could cause damage. 3 to 4 days once or twice a year. Once they’re removed, pick up your wet mop and wipe up your floor using a figure-8 pattern. Despite its reputation as a cheaper alternative to hardwood floors, vinyl flooring has many qualities that make it stand out. Now that cost me $1500.00…. Never had this problem with real hardwood. That sounds like a great idea. I just had 2000sq ft installed and am having the same issue! My floors started the same after about 7 months and the warranty covered it. When you are elderly don’t need more work. In light of this, make sure that you check the composition of every commercial cleaner you grab from the department store. Ceramic-tile floors can be cleaned easily with nothing but warm water, but be sure to sweep or vacuum first to remove any loose soil or grit. It doesn’t streak but with a microfiber mop I can still come up with dirt if I go over a spot with a damp cloth. If we have a pet issue we soak up urine with paper towels and then use Clorox wipes and then mop with rejuvenate. Some doormats actually make the problem worse by accumulating dirt over time and then using every visitor as a means to transport all that dirt into the home. Neither should you use vinegar. It is a medium/dark shade with a slightly variegated look. Don’t use either on your vinyl floor as it can damage the top layer and make it prone to cracks. Which one is good and how much are they? When it comes to removing food stains, baking soda paste has many things going for it. They look great, the air in the house smells fresh again, and I vacuum probably three or four times a week, because we have two dogs. What DOES leave marks are my boy dogs’ occasional ‘drippings’ (sorry, TMI), but they clean right up. After Reading These Conments, Maybe I’ll Use A Little Dawn Or Rejuvenate. What can I use to polish dark colored luxury vinyl planks? Quick Shine!!!! Once the scuff marks are gone, rinse away remnants of oil or lubricant with the usual vinegar solution. I did choose and upgraded plank, but only because I wanted to. Search for any of these features on your next purchase. I’m devastated as I heard so many good things about LVP and was so excited to have it installed! Thanks – Heidi. To date (it is Nov. 2, 2020) it has held up beautifully! I’m confused as I thought you weren’t supposed to use anything with a spinning brush on LVP, but so many people recommend vacuuming after mopping. Patricia. I always go in the direction of the planks, I can do 2 rooms before I need to give the cloth a good shake and then do the rest. I have CoreTec Harrison Oak vinyl plank flooring in about 2,000 sq. I too have life proof vinyl planks. What cleaners are you currently using and like? The kicker? I have the Roborock S6 and it is wonderful! Ended up having the installer (who put down the mop and glo) pay for a company to come out and strip the floor. I do, with the fiber ONLY roller that doesn’t have the plastic bristles. Manufacturers recommend daily cleaning. Now we’re onto the great debate: to wet mop or to dry mop? While apple cider vinegar works to clean away dirt, white vinegar disinfects your floor at the same time. We vacuum every few days and mop once a week with Zep Neutral floor cleaner. What is resilient flooring? Don’t drench your vinyl. Another option is to attach vinyl coasters to the furniture’s underside so that you can move the furniture with little effort and without causing any damage. – oil) on your floors!! A simple broom or vacuum will do just the trick. My flooring is a mat finish. It comes with a wet and a dry mop head. Also wish we had done porcelain or ceramic. I was told that a permanent marker is the best bet. It has a dull finish, and scratches so easily. Deep-Clean Twice a Year. Latex IS rubber! The mats can be washed, but they trap particles that can wear down the finish of your floor. Just a few drops of Dawn in a bucket of warm water is what is recommended, Many sites recommend the use of vinegar mixed with water and a few drops of baby or jojoba oil. Don’t know if it will ruin it. I got sick of seeing dust every afternoon when the sun hit just right. It worked okay. Please are there any suggestions? You’ve probably just put a thin film coating on top of the wear layer. Seems you just don’t know what to believe anymore. You would be amazed at how well they clean dirt and pet fur and get at edges of floor better than any vacuum. I have back problems and difficult for me to vacuum. I hate it. I’m a driver trainer and it’s great because I clean my cars and trucks with it also. I also have a serious question?? Poor customer service. I have asked this question over and over. It is technically an outdoor vacum or commercial grade but it’s easy to wheel around and no rollers in sight. With two doormats, you can prevent dirt or grit from entering the house twice as effectively. Horrible! It was Shaw flooring but came from Nebraska Furniture. Do you think it would work okay with a couple of deep shag area rugs? Never use a Steam Mop on floating vinyl planks as you are forcing steam in between the planks and eventually they will warp. Also having problems with every drip showing. Vinyl plank is not all it’s cracked up to be. Do you remember what brand and color you installed Barbara? This will clean away dirt, grime and germs; providing a sparkling clean, disinfected floor without any damage. A soft, nylon-bristle brush can help remove many types of stains, especially when used with common household solvents. If you are considering vinyl planking go with Flooret which is only sold online. Mixing a few drops of baby oil with apple cider vinegar works as well. Get a robovac… It takes care of a that daily thought process of ‘… the floor is dirty again… where’s the broom?”. Has anyone tried Fabuloso to clean Vinyl flooring? Just be sure to avoid flipping the mop over to use the abrasive scrubber. It keeps the shine for several weeks. The scent is also very gentle. Stiletto heels are notorious at creating dints in hard flooring too. According to CAli Bamboo, I have their luxury plank vinyl, you should not. And they all say they have been using the H2O floor cleaning system that is a steam system. They’re both awesome microfiber mop options for any kind of floor and won’t break the bank, either. be sure to check your manufacturer’ maintenance guide first – some specifically state not to apply any type of petroleum based product (i.e. Test first on a piece of your flooring to make sure it won’t dull the surface (it shouldn’t). I am curious about the robotic vacuum/mop. Have you tried GoofOff on an inconspicuous spot to take the paint splatter off? Try Glass Plus (or similar non-amonia glass cleaner) with a microfiber flat mop. I have to use a scrub brush to remove and sometimes bleach water! Keep those knives or any similar tool away from your vinyl flooring. Remember what we mentioned about dry dirt destroying finishes like sandpaper on the floor? Forget normal household vacums thus is the best I have ever owned. You may be wondering: how does this damage happen from just a little bit of dirt on the ground? Better yet, use two mops — one for cleaning, and another for rinsing. They are horrible to keep clean…I have never hated a floor as much as this one, and my entire house is done in it….oh, it still looks clean, until you take a paper towel to it after mopping it…its textured and its the worst…if you do go with a lvp…go with one that is NOT textured. Nasty! I have textured vinyl flooring in light gray planks. You’ve just been handed the keys to your first real home (complete with vinyl plank throughout, of course). For one, it’s versatile and easy to clean. We recently installed LVP and love it. We hate it. I have LVP from Lowes in every room.) Can we use a steam mop on our luxury vinyl plank? That’s why the best way to clean vinyl floors is to dry vacuum regularly, use warm water and a mop when you have to, and avoid volatile chemicals …