LVP is durable and low-maintenance but not maintenance-free. Here's how to care for it properly.
Understanding Luxury Vinyl Plank Maintenance: Keeping LVP Looking New | D&D Interior Services Blog
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become one of the most popular flooring choices in Ontario homes for its durability, waterproof characteristics, and realistic wood appearance. Maintaining it correctly ensures it looks great for years.
Daily maintenance is simple: sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle attachment or brush roll turned off. Fine grit acts as an abrasive on the wear layer over time; removing it frequently prevents microscopic scratching.
Key Considerations
Mopping should use a damp (not wet) mop with a pH-neutral flooring cleaner designed for vinyl. Excessive water, especially around edges and at seams, can seep below the floating planks. Dry any water that reaches seams promptly.
Avoid oil-based cleaners, wax, and solvent-based cleaning products. These products break down the wear layer and can cause discoloration or cloudiness that's difficult or impossible to reverse.
Getting Started
Protect high-traffic areas with appropriate area rugs, particularly at entrances. Coarse debris tracked in from outdoors causes the most wear on the surface layer. Entry mats reduce tracked debris significantly.
Use furniture pads under all legs. Even with LVP's hardness, heavy furniture over time can indent the surface. Felt or rubber furniture pads distribute weight and prevent indentation.
Sunlight exposure causes LVP to fade over time, particularly in rooms with large south or west-facing windows. UV-filtering window film or judicious use of window coverings during peak sunlight hours reduces fading significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become one of the most popular flooring choices in Ontario homes for its durabilit...
- Mopping should use a damp (not wet) mop with a pH-neutral flooring cleaner designed for vinyl.
- Protect high-traffic areas with appropriate area rugs, particularly at entrances.
- D&D Interior Services serves Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas
- Get a free no-obligation quote — call or book online anytime
Sources & References
- Ontario Building Code — Relevant Standards & Guidelines
- D&D Interior Services field experience across Waterloo Region
