Homeowners are projected to spend a whopping $483 billion on home improvement projects in 2023. One of the biggest expenses you’ll encounter during home renovation projects is putting in new flooring. When you invest in luxury vinyl flooring for your home, it makes sense that you’d want to keep it in good condition.
The best way to make sure your floors look fantastic is to know how to care for them properly. Not sure how to do that? Read on to learn everything you need to know to take care of your brand-new luxury vinyl flooring in Chesapeake, VA!
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Protection 101
Once the vinyl flooring installation process is done, the first thing you want to do is to ensure that your new floor is protected. Your new floors are beautiful, but that doesn’t mean they need to be perfectly bare. One of the best ways to protect your floors is to cover them with decorative rugs and mats.
Place large rugs under heavy furniture like couches and beds. Moisture-absorbing mats in the bathroom and kitchen protect your floors from water damage.
Create a Vinyl Floor Maintenance Plan
Many people opt for vinyl floors over standard flooring because they’re easier to care for than hardwood flooring. That doesn’t mean that they don’t require special care, however. Creating a maintenance plan for your vinyl floors is the best way to keep your floors looking brand new!
Vinyl Floor Cleaner
The first rule of cleaning your vinyl floors is to steer clear of any cleaner that contains an abrasive. Abrasive cleaners not only scratch your floors up, but they also leave them primed and ready to take on more damage. Similarly, avoid any cleaner that contains vinegar or a mop and shine product.
Ideally, you’ll use products that are specially designed to clean vinyl floors. If you cannot find a product like that, then opt for a neutral cleaning product, instead.
Cleaning Tools
Everyone should have an array of cleaning tools in their arsenal. As the proud new owner of luxury vinyl flooring, you’ll want to make sure that your tools don’t cause damage.
Just like with your cleaners, you don’t want your tools to have any kind of abrasive quality to them. Skip abrasive sponges and steel wool. Instead, use soft, dry mops and cloths. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to keep debris off your floors as long as it doesn’t have a beater bar.
Polish Them Up
It’s hard to picture your shiny new floors looking anything but perfect. Over time, however, vinyl floors tend to become a bit dull. Don’t fret, a little elbow grease will shine them up again!
Try mixing a small amount of baking soda with your floor cleaner when your floors lose their shine. You can also use a bit of jojoba oil to polish the floors once they’re cleaned. Be sure to avoid wax because they cause major damage to the finish.
Don’t Sit on Spills
Try as you might to keep your floors clean and dry, accidents happen.
A little water (or wine, we’re not here to judge) on the floor isn’t going to cause a lot of damage. That’s one of the major perks of vinyl flooring, after all. Leaving the spill on the floor, however, is not a good idea.
As soon as you see a spill on the floor, clean it up. If you leave the spill on the floor, it might cause stains or water damage. Put down water-absorbing mats beneath your pet’s water bowl to prevent damage from accidental spills that you don’t see right away.
Nix the Shoes
Wearing shoes inside is a pretty controversial topic. This isn’t just because of the dirt and bacteria they track inside, but they can actually cause quite a bit of damage to your floors.
Shoes with high heels and heavy-soled work boots leave a trail of damage in their wake. Heels cause scratches and scrapes, and heavier soles leave dents.
Be sure to leave your shoes at the door when you enter your home, and don’t put them on until you’re about to walk out the door. Ask guests to remove their shoes when they come for a visit. All of these efforts will keep you a step ahead on your vinyl flooring maintenance.
Consider Your Windows
One of the biggest threats to your vinyl flooring is something you might never think about — the sun. UV rays from the sun can do serious damage and cause your flooring to fade and discolor over time.
Want your floors to look brand new for years to come? Then you need fight back against UV rays by installing blinds or curtains and keeping them closed when direct sunlight comes through the window. You can also install UV-blocking film on your windows for added protection for your floors.
Furniture Considerations
Another threat to your luxury vinyl flooring is the furniture you put on it. Dragging heavy furniture across the floor is a surefire way to end up with scratches all over your floor.
One of the easiest ways to counter the impact of your furniture is to lift the furniture completely when you’re moving it. That’s always easy, however, especially with things like chairs and tables. Instead, add felt tips to the legs of your furniture to protect your floors when you’re moving furniture.
On the Hunt for Luxury Vinyl Flooring in Chesapeake, VA?
Installing luxury vinyl flooring in your is a fantastic idea. If you want to protect your investment in your home’s flooring, then following the tips in this article is a must. With a little extra effort and proper vinyl floor maintenance, your flooring will look brand new for years to come!
Are you in the market for luxury vinyl flooring in Chesapeake, VA? You’ve come to the right place! Contact the sales representatives at Yates Flooring today to learn how we can level up the luxury in your home!
