How to Take Care of LVP and Laminate Floors

Thank you for choosing Tile Center for your new LVP or laminate flooring installation. We’re proud to be part of your home improvement journey and want to make sure your new floors continue looking great for years ahead. This care guide covers everything you need to keep them clean, protected, and performing at their best regardless of where they’re installed.

Daily & Weekly Cleaning

Staying on top of routine cleaning is the most effective way to preserve the look and longevity of your floors:

Sweep or vacuum every day to clear away fine dust and abrasive grit before it works its way into the surface. Always use a hard floor setting on your vacuum and keep the beater bar disengaged.
Follow up with a dust mop or damp mop weekly, using a microfiber mop head paired with a pH-neutral floor cleaner formulated for your floor type.
Never introduce excess water to the floor, particularly with laminate. Steam mops are off-limits entirely, as the combination of heat and moisture can warp planks and weaken the adhesive or locking system over time.

Tip: Always start dry before going wet. Remove loose debris first, then follow with your damp mop.

Spill and Spot Cleanup

LVP and laminate offer solid stain resistance, but neither is completely stain-proof. Getting to spills quickly is the best way to prevent lasting marks:

Soak up wet spills right away using a clean cloth or paper towel. Follow with a light rinse and dry the area completely.
For residue that has already dried, work the area gently with a damp cloth to loosen it, then rinse and blot until dry.
Stubborn stains such as oil, marker, or crayon can often be lifted using isopropyl alcohol applied to a clean white cloth. Work carefully and avoid saturating the joint lines.
Keep detergents, abrasive scrubbing pads, and harsh chemical cleaners away from your floors, as these can leave a dull film or cause surface deterioration.

Note: Stains that are left untreated for an extended period may become permanent. Act as quickly as possible for the best outcome.

Protecting Your Floors from Damage

Even resilient flooring benefits from a few thoughtful protective habits:

Attach furniture pads to the base of all table, chair, and sofa legs before placing them on your floors.
Use a chair mat or floor pad beneath rolling desk chairs to protect against the repeated pressure and movement of caster wheels.
When relocating heavy furniture or appliances, always lift rather than drag. For larger pieces, use plywood runners or similar protective materials to distribute the load.
Do not apply tape directly to the floor surface. If floor protection is needed during renovation work, secure any coverings to the baseboards or walls instead.
Set walk-off mats at every entry point to intercept dirt and moisture at the door. Select mats with a non-rubber, non-latex backing to avoid discoloration of the floor beneath.
Limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause fading and thermal expansion in planks over time. Window films or blinds are an effective and simple solution.

Tip: Keeping protective pads under stationary heavy items helps distribute their weight and prevents deep impressions from forming in the surface over time.

Climate & Temperature Considerations

LVP in particular, especially floating floor installations, is sensitive to significant temperature swings:

Keep indoor temperatures within a range of 55°F to 85°F to avoid stress on the planks and locking system.
Sustained heat from direct sunlight, space heaters, or steam exposure can cause planks to expand, buckle, or pull apart at the seams. Cold extremes can have the opposite effect, causing contraction and gapping.
Laminate flooring shares similar sensitivity and performs best in a stable, climate-controlled indoor environment year-round.

Deep Cleaning and Long-Term Maintenance

For high-traffic areas or occasions when a more thorough clean is needed:

Select a pH-neutral hard surface cleaner specifically formulated for vinyl or laminate flooring. Avoid using products intended for other floor types.
Polish and shine products, including those marketed as “mop and shine” solutions, should be avoided as they leave behind a buildup that dulls the surface and can create slippery conditions.
After a deep clean, if any rinsing is needed, dry the floor quickly using fans or by increasing air circulation through the space.

Some disinfecting products contain compounds such as quaternary ammonium salts that can gradually degrade your floor’s finish with repeated use. When disinfection is necessary, choose a product with a neutral pH that is confirmed safe for use on your specific floor type.

Your new floors from Tile Center are designed to hold up through years of everyday life. Consistent cleaning, fast responses to spills, and a handful of protective habits are all it takes to keep them looking the way they did on installation day.