LVT Flooring Care Guide

Keeping Your Luxury Vinyl Tiles Looking Brand New

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring is a fantastic choice for its durability and stylish appearance. Proper care is essential to protect its surface, maintain its lustre, and ensure it remains a beautiful and long-lasting feature of your home for years to come.

Core Care & Maintenance

Daily & Weekly Care

A simple, consistent routine is all that’s needed to keep your LVT flooring in top condition.

What to use: A soft-bristle broom, a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor setting (no beater bar), and a microfibre mop.
What to avoid: Brooms with stiff bristles, vacuums with a rotating brush or “beater bar,” and abrasive cleaners.
Why it’s important: Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes daily dirt and grit, which can act like sandpaper and cause fine scratches over time.

Deep Cleaning

For a more thorough clean, follow these steps:

What to use: A well-wrung damp mop or cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for LVT flooring.
What to avoid: Soaking the floor with excessive water, steam mops (as the heat can damage the adhesive), and harsh chemical cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or abrasives.
Why it’s important: Using a pH-neutral cleaner will lift dirt without damaging the floor’s protective layer. Avoiding excess water prevents it from seeping into seams and loosening the adhesive.

Preventive Measures

Preventing damage is easier than repairing it. Follow these tips to protect your LVT flooring:

Doormats: Place non-rubber-backed mats at all entryways to trap dirt, grit, and moisture before it’s tracked onto the floor. Avoid rubber-backed mats as they can cause permanent discoloration.
Furniture: Use felt pads on the legs of all furniture to prevent scratches and dents. When moving heavy furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it across the floor.
Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause discolouration or fading. Consider using blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours.
Pet care: Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to prevent scratches on the surface of the flooring.

Troubleshooting & Stain Removal

For spills and stains, the key is to act quickly. Always blot the area immediately rather than rubbing, which can spread the stain. Always test any new cleaning solution on a hidden area of the floor first.

Common Stains (Food, Drink, Grease)

For most everyday spills, a damp cloth with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner is sufficient. For tougher stains:

Method: Create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and rinse the area with fresh water.
What to avoid: Abrasive powders and scouring pads that can scratch the floor’s surface.

Scuffs & Heel Marks

For black marks from shoes or scuffs:

Method: Use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or a specialised LVT cleaner on a soft cloth. Gently rub the mark until it disappears. Wipe the area with a clean damp cloth afterwards.

Tougher Stains (Ink, Marker, Nail Polish)

For stubborn marks, a stronger approach may be needed, but proceed with caution:

Method: Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or acetone-free nail polish remover to a clean cloth. Gently blot the stain, but do not rub vigorously. Once the stain is gone, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Sticky Residue (Gum, Adhesive)

To remove sticky substances without damaging the floor:

Method: Place a bag of ice on the sticky substance to harden it. Once frozen, use a plastic scraper or a credit card to gently lift the substance from the floor. Use a soft cloth with a small amount of mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue.