How to Care For Engineered Vinyl Plank Flooring

Posted by Matt Morris on January 24th, 2019

When we switched our flooring from tile to EVP flooring, we discovered the maintenance was much different. We switched to vinyl flooring mainly because it was durable and budget-friendly. 

Not only that, but vinyl flooring has come a long way in the last forty years. Vinyl has always been a durable flooring material, but your choices were limited and frankly, looked cheap.

We switched to the luxury vinyl and wanted to make sure we could keep it looking as pristine as it did when we first installed it.

Over the last few months, I have learned a few tips and tricks on how to best keep it looking nice. I decided I wanted to share some of those tricks I have learned with you.

Sweep Every Day

Your vinyl (or really, most flooring) will last longer if you keep it clean. Dirt can get ground into the vinyl, which can make it scratch and wear out faster.

Avoid Exposure to the Sun

The sun can distort and stain your new flooring if it is exposed for long enough. It would take quite a long exposure, but be mindful of it. Consider pulling the drapes closed if you won't be home for an extended period of time.

Use the Right Cleanser

If you have non-wax vinyl, you need to wash your vinyl flooring with cleaner that is supposed to be used for non-wax flooring. Most vinyl is non-wax, but if you move into an older home you may have to deal with vinyl that requires waxing. 

In order to wash these floors, you want to use warm water and detergent. Rub the floor enough to loosen any caked dirt, but try not to rub.

If you rub too hard, you may rub the wax off of the floor and you will have to reapply wax.

Some detergents will say that you do not need to rinse after using. Personally, we always recommend rinsing. It won't hurt anything, and it may remove some harmful residue that you weren't aware existed.

Wipe Up Spills

Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Although vinyl is somewhat water resistant, it is not waterproof and will ruin your floors after a period of time.

Don't Soak Your Vinyl

Although washing your vinyl is definitely important, you don't want to soak ANY type of flooring. Luckily, Vinyl is probably one of the most water-resistant flooring options, but water can still seep down into the cracks and seams. 

It can then destroy the bond that holds down your vinyl, which in turn can cause the corners of the vinyl to curl.

Put Feet on Your Furniture

If you have furniture in the room where you have luxury vinyl, make sure that you put protective covers on the feet of the furniture. This is not just limited to coffee tables and chairs, but should also be added to refrigerators and couches. Although you are unlikely to move the latter two around often, a small nudge could still potentially dent your floor.

Use a Doormat

Using a doormat can help you keep your floor from getting dirty in the first place.

Take Off Shoes

Although it may be a little extreme, taking your shoes off can help avoid potential damage to your new EVP flooring. It's unlikely that your feet are going to cause any scratches or dents, but they may track more dirt around.

If you don't have time to sweep every day, take the time to remove your shoes after walking around outside.

I hope these tips will help you take better care of your luxury vinyl flooring. Good luck!