Cleaning and maintaining LVT flooring in commercial facilities starts with a deep understanding of the essentials, which is why our floor care experts compiled this need-to-know information on LVT and its upkeep.
Luxury Vinyl Tile: Understanding LVT from the Ground Up
When cleaned and maintained effectively, LVT flooring can be extremely beneficial for commercial facilities. With proper upkeep, facility managers and building owners who implement LVT can extend the life of their floors and enhance efficiency.
Let’s take a look at some common questions we receive around luxury vinyl tile flooring, including what it is and how to maintain it…
What is LVT flooring?
LVT is a type of vinyl flooring that stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile. Unlike vinyl sheeting, Luxury Vinyl Tile comes in tile or planks that are easy to install and replace.
LVT is composed of PVC vinyl layers, a realistic 3D print layer, and an extremely durable protective wear layer. In terms of appearance, it offers a textured look (similar to wood or stone), making it a great option for facilities looking for a traditional or modern appearance.
Is LVT good for commercial use?
In short, yes—depending on the type of facility. If your facility doesn’t currently have LVT, but you’re wondering “is LVT flooring worth it?” here are a few factors to consider:
- LVT requires less maintenance than other flooring types
- LVT mimics more expensive flooring at a lower price point
- LVT has lower installation costs than other flooring types
- LVT eliminates the high cost of stripping & burnishing
What are the drawbacks of LVT?
One of the most common challenges associated with LVT flooring is sticky dirt and grime that many standard cleaning processes and products leave behind or don’t remove properly. This can typically be addressed with a premium product like our LVT Daily Floor Cleaner Plus.
Another common challenge of LVT is the deterioration of its appearance due to micro-scratches most often caused by sand and grit being ground into the floor with heavy foot traffic. Again, the right product can help mitigate this problem and keep your LVT looking good!
What is the best way to clean LVT flooring?
Wondering what you clean luxury vinyl flooring with? Typically, LVT is a low-maintenance flooring that requires occasional cleaning and maintenance to prolong the life and appearance.
Best practice often includes a routine of sweeping or dust mopping to remove abrasive soils and debris from the floor, followed by use of a low-residue cleaner (we recommend the MAXIM® LVT Daily Floor Cleaner PLUS) and a microfiber mop or auto-scrubber to remove any surface film left behind during sweeping or dust mopping.
What is the best cleaner to use on LVT?
We recommend MAXIM® LVT Daily Floor Cleaner PLUS because it exceeds expectations compared to most standard floor cleaners on the market today. This product uses a special formula to bind to soils and holds them better, preventing the re-disposition of dirt during cleaning. As a result, this will extend the life of your floors by preventing micro-scratches and abrasions (the leading cause of LVT degradation) and provide an all-around improved appearance.
How long does commercial LVT last?
If you’re curious about the life expectancy of LVT flooring, here’s what you need to know: First and foremost, there are many variables that can affect the lifespan of your LVT floors, such as the type and volume of traffic it’s exposed to and the quality of manufacturer. However, you can typically expect LVT flooring to last 10-20 years before it needs to be replaced.
Why MAXIM floor care maintenance?
At Midlab, we believe a superior building maintenance program starts with high-quality, high-performance products. To provide premium-level protection and help repair everyday floor damage with ease, MAXIM® products are formulated to stand up against dirt, oils, abrasive particles, and grime on today’s most common surfaces, including LVT, LVP (luxury vinyl plank), VCT (vinyl composite tile), laminates, polished concrete, and linoleum.
Already have LVT in your facility?
Let’s chat! If your commercial facilities have newer flooring such as LVT or LVP, head to MaximFloorCare.com to see how a comprehensive MAXIM® program can help you clean, maintain, and restore your floors with ease!
