Tips for Extending the Life of Your Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Do you have luxury vinyl flooring installed inside your home? If you haven’t changed out your flooring in a while, luxury vinyl might be a material you’re not quite familiar with.
This is nothing like the sheet vinyl you remember from your youth. In fact, most homeowners are pleasantly surprised at just how great luxury vinyl looks and feels to the touch. And they are even more excited with the results.
We had a client come in the other day curious about luxury vinyl planks. She’d been dreaming about hardwood for years, but knew it wasn’t right for her home. With a houseful of teenagers and an equal number of pets, her home was nothing but action. She’d given up on her hardwood dream after too many parties left too much drink and food on the floor. She knew hardwood would never survive … Maybe when she and her husband had an empty nest.
Don’t put your dreams on hold waiting for an empty nest. There are ways to get what you want now.
Our client found her solution with luxury vinyl planks. She got the hardwood look she craved with the ease of maintenance luxury vinyl offers. And she discovered she loves her luxury vinyl even better than hardwood – it’s perfect for her lifestyle.
Along the way, she discovered a few tips that help it look its best now and well into the future.
We thought we’d share them with you.
Regular Cleaning – Sweep or vacuum your luxury vinyl flooring regularly to remove dust and dirt that can scratch the surface. A soft broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment is ideal.
Use a Doormat – Place doormats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture, preventing them from being tracked onto your floors.
Wipe Spills Promptly – Immediately clean up spills to prevent stains or damage. Use a damp cloth or mop with a vinyl-friendly cleaner.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Use pH-neutral floor cleaners specifically designed for vinyl flooring. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners that can damage the surface. This means avoiding falling for marketing language on the most popular cleaning agents you’ll find in big box stores. The manufacturer knows best; always follow their guidelines. You’ll be much happier with the results.
Protective Pads – Place furniture pads or felt protectors under heavy furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents when moving them.
Limit Sun Exposure – Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause vinyl flooring to fade. Use blinds, curtains, or UV-resistant window films to protect your floors.
Manage Temperature and Humidity – This should be easy to do. After all, you live in your house; you’ll never have the variations you find outside in the Colorado environment. Maintaining a stable indoor climate is essential, as extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause vinyl to expand or contract.
Avoid Sharp Objects – Be cautious when moving heavy or sharp objects across the floor to prevent scratches and gouges.
Use Area Rugs – Consider using area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear on the vinyl flooring.
Trim Pet Nails – If you have pets, trim their nails regularly to prevent them from scratching the floor.
Be Mindful of Shoes – High heels and cleats can cause damage to vinyl flooring. Yes, the kids will have to check their shoes at the door. Encourage household members and guests to remove such footwear before walking on the floors.
Routine Maintenance – Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance, including occasional deep cleaning to keep your luxury vinyl flooring in top condition.
Use Furniture Gliders – When moving heavy furniture, use furniture gliders or sliders to minimize friction and reduce the risk of scratching or scuffing the floor.
Install Protective Baseboards – Consider adding baseboards or shoe molding to protect the edges of your vinyl flooring from scuffs and impacts.
Trim Plant Pots – If you have potted plants on your vinyl flooring, place saucers or trays under them to catch any water or soil that might spill and potentially damage the floor.
Avoid Standing Water – Vinyl is water-resistant, and depending on the manufacturer, may be waterproof. But it’s still a good practice to wipe up spills and standing water promptly, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Regularly Inspect Seams – Check for any gaps or separation between vinyl planks or tiles, and address any issues promptly to prevent water infiltration. If you order extra vinyl planks, you’ll have spare material to replace damaged tiles. This gives you added longevity with your flooring.
Don’t Wax or Polish – Luxury vinyl flooring typically has a protective finish, and adding wax or polish can create a slippery surface or dull the finish.
Be Cautious with Sharp Objects – Be especially careful when handling sharp objects like knives or scissors over your vinyl flooring, as they can cause punctures and scratches.
Avoid Excessive Weight – While luxury vinyl flooring is durable, avoid placing weighty objects in one spot for an extended period, as it can cause indentations.
Repair Damage Promptly – If you do notice any damage, such as scratches or gouges, address them as soon as possible by using a vinyl flooring repair kit or contacting a professional.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines – Always refer to the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions specific to your luxury vinyl flooring, as they can vary from one product to another.
How long should luxury vinyl last?
How long do you want your flooring to last? Customers have all sorts of expectations. We have clients tell us ten years, fifteen, twenty years and beyond.
But that’s the wrong way to look at it. We suggest you look backward to look forward. How long has your current flooring been in place? Most customers are tired of their surroundings and have a desire for renovation long before they’re ready to give up their flooring.
And that’s okay. Luxury vinyl will be there for that. When luxury vinyl is properly installed and maintained, you can expect anywhere from 20 to 30 years or more of lifespan. The higher quality product will provide better results.
For extra busy houses, you may even choose commercial-grade luxury vinyl. It tends to be more durable and can last even longer, exceeding 30 years in residential settings.
Of course, it depends on your needs, goals, and desires.
But no matter how you look at it, luxury vinyl is a good choice for your home’s flooring.
Want to explore more? Stop by and see our complete selection.
Luxury vinyl is a synthetic flooring material replicating the look and feel of natural materials such as hardwood, stone, or tile. It’s thicker, water-resistant, and higher quality than traditional vinyl.
Today you’ll find both luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl planks, commonly referred to as LVT and LVP. These products are waterproof, easy to maintain, and easy to install. They can take on a variety of looks, mimicking some of the most loved flooring options in the world, including hardwood and tile.