Comprehensive Care and Maintenance Guide for LVP Interlocking Flooring

Handling Furniture and Appliances

To prevent damage to your LVP flooring, follow these guidelines when dealing with furniture and appliances:

• Lifting Heavy Items: Always carry heavy items rather than pushing or pulling them across the floor to avoid scratches and damage to the interlocking mechanism.
• Inspecting Furniture Condition: Check the condition of casters, rollers, legs, and bottoms of all furniture before placing them on your flooring. Replace worn casters or rollers and remove any protruding tacks, nails, or similar materials. Ensure rust is removed, and any jagged or rough surfaces are smoothed out.
• Using Felt Protectors: Place heavy felt protectors under furniture to distribute the load evenly. The heavier the item, the wider the footprint should be to spread out the load. Protective pads are especially necessary for chairs on rollers.

Floor Protection

Implement these protective measures to keep your LVP flooring safe from dirt, moisture, and damage:

• Using Mats: Place mats outside and inside all entrances to collect tracked-in dirt, sand, pebbles, and moisture. Keep mats clean to maintain their effectiveness. Avoid latex or rubber-backed mats as they can permanently stain or damage the vinyl. Use mats labeled as 'non-staining'.
• Avoiding Tar and Asphalt: Prevent tracking in tar or asphalt from driveways, as these substances can discolor vinyl flooring.

Environmental Controls

Maintaining appropriate environmental conditions can prevent damage to your LVP flooring:

• Temperature Control: Keep the temperature between 65°-85° F (18.3°-29.4° C) post-installation.
• Sunlight Protection: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent expansion, buckling, fading, or discoloration. Use UV protective film, blinds, curtains, or shades to protect your LVP flooring from sun damage.
• Burn Protection: Protect your floor from burns by covering areas near fireplaces, open flame sources, and extremely hot items.

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Routine Care and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to preserving the beauty and functionality of your LVP flooring:

• Sweeping and Vacuuming: Regularly sweep or vacuum thoroughly (at least once per week). If vacuuming, do not use a beater bar. For robotic vacuums, ensure they do not cause abrasive contact and keep their wheels clean.
• Scuff and Soil Removal: Remove scuffs and excessive soil by gently rubbing with a recommended solution and a soft absorbent cloth. Avoid using highly abrasive tools or solutions, and never use an orbital buffing machine.
• Spill Management: Promptly remove spills to prevent staining and damage.
• Damp Mopping: Damp mop frequently using a pH-neutral resilient floor cleaner or a solution of ammonia and water (4 parts water to 1 part ammonia). Do not soak or saturate the flooring. Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area or on an unused sample before applying them to the entire floor.

Acceptable Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cleaners

Use pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for cleaning vinyl flooring. Examples of acceptable cleaners include:

• Rejuvenate Luxury Vinyl Tile Floor Cleaner
• ZEP Neutral Floor Cleaner Concentrate
• Ammonia and Water Solution: 4 parts water to 1 part ammonia (DO NOT mix stronger).

Cleaners and Tools to Avoid

Avoid using the following on Luxury Vinyl Flooring:

• Vinegar
• “Mop and Shine” products
• Soap-based detergents or oil soaps
• Abrasive cleaners or compounds
• Floor wax
• Vacuum with a rotating beater bar
• One-step cleaner/polishes
• Steam mops
• Harsh scouring or buffing pads or tools

Any spill should be cleaned immediately. The longer the spilled materials are left on the floor, the greater the risk of permanent staining.

By adhering to these care and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your LVP interlocking flooring remains beautiful and durable for years to come. Proper care will keep your floors looking pristine and extend their lifespan, providing a comfortable and attractive environment in your home.