Just finished a job where the homeowner used a cheap steam mop on their LVP

Installed that glue-down luxury vinyl plank for them about 8 months ago. Went back for a separate repair and the planks near the kitchen were buckling and the finish was completely hazy. The homeowner admitted they'd been using one of those $50 steam mops from the big box store twice a week. The heat and moisture wrecked the locking system and stripped the wear layer. It looked like a different floor. What's the best way you guys explain proper LVP care to clients so this doesn't happen?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray1736d ago

Twice a week with a steam mop? No wonder it's destroyed. That's just pouring water into the seams constantly.

leob586d ago

Used to think steam mops were totally safe for any floor. That comment about water in the seams really makes sense though. Guess I was wrong about how often you can use them.

morgan.jason6d ago

The real problem is calling them steam mops at all. My sister bought one thinking it was just a hot mop. The manual for her Bissell model said the steam reaches over 200 degrees. That's not mopping, that's basically injecting boiling water vapor into the seams. Even once a month is pushing it on any floating floor. I tell people to treat LVP like a fancy laminate, because that's what it acts like. A damp microfiber mop with plain water is the only safe bet for regular cleaning.