How To Disinfect Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Floor?

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the importance of disinfecting surfaces. Covid was a time when Americans were searching for the most effective way to keep their families and themselves safe from COVID-19 and other viruses, highlighting the struggle we faced when trying to find answers to the most basic questions like how to disinfect vinyl floors. As flooring professionals, we searched for information to help our customers feel safer during the pandemic, with help and information on disinfecting flooring. While lifeproof flooring is safe from scratches, dents and dings, it's not safe from viruses, so today we're going to examine the best method for disinfecting luxury vinyl flooring.

How to Disinfect LVP Floors

Since the CDC states on its website (as of Aug 7th, 2020) that "it may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then by touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes" we know that in order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 and other similar viruses, we need to make sure that the surfaces we touch are clean and disinfected. One of the largest manufacturers of LVP, Karndean, recommends cleaning their LVP flooring with a pH-neutral cleaner, to protect the finish on the floor. However, a pH-neutral cleaner doesn't disinfect a surface, it only cleans it. Again the CDC states that the best way to kill germs is by using a disinfectant, not just a cleaner. The good news is that just by cleaning surfaces, you are removing harmful germs, thus lowering their number and the risk associated with spreading infections. Recent CDC studies have shown that disinfecting surfaces (including lifeproof vinyl flooring) have little to no impact over regular cleaning and maintenance. With that said, we want to stress that disinfectants contain chemicals that are harmful to your floor, and while you can use them to clean the floor, they will permanently damage the finish. All manufacturers have guidelines on how to clean LVP floors and what to use to clean them and those guidelines are a good place to start if you're unsure where to begin.

How to Clean Vinyl Floors Yourself

If you're still wondering what you clean LVP flooring with, you can either buy a commercial cleaner made for LVP flooring or you can make a gentle cleaner at home. You can easily clean luxury vinyl, and possibly disinfect the surface by mixing 1 gallon of warm water and 1 cup of white vinegar. This DIY vinyl floor cleaner is recommended by Karndean as well where they also state that "routine maintenance with Karndean Clean will safely kill and remove germs from the surface of the floor, effectively killing Coronavirus COVID-19, when used properly." Again, we stress that you should first check with the manufacturer of the flooring to see how they recommend you clean their vinyl plank flooring before applying anything to the floor. Steam mops should never be used to clean vinyl plank floors as the heat can damage the surface. Using microfiber pads is generally safer for the finish of lifeproof vinyl plank flooring.

How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring After Installation

Routine cleaning and post-installation cleaning are 2 different things. After installing vinyl plank flooring, you may have a lot of loose debris, maybe some dust and perhaps even a few staples or some glue left over depending on how the flooring was installed. To begin, pick up any large or sharp items that could damage the floor. Pay special attention to removing nails, screws or staples, as these can scratch or gauge the new floors. Sweep the area thoroughly to remove any loose debris, then mop the floor using a normal vinegar and water solution. If there is leftover glue or residue on the floors, you'll want to consult the manufacturer's guide for removal steps.

So while we don't have a clear-cut answer on how to disinfect LVP flooring, we do know that keeping a regular cleaning schedule with water and vinegar, or a manufacturer recommended floor cleaner is the best way to clean vinyl floors and disinfect your luxury vinyl plank flooring without causing permanent damage. It should be noted that cleaning should be done wearing reusable or disposable gloves to protect your hands and minimize the spread of germs. Even if you use the best cleaner for vinyl floors, after cleaning them you should wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

If you're hoping to learn how to clean LVP flooring or get tips on lifeproof floor cleaning, you've come to the right place because Georgia Carpet has all the tips and tricks you need to keep your flooring looking like new. Whether you're wondering what is the best cleaner for COREtec flooring or just need tips on cleaning vinyl plank flooring, you'll find them here.