Footprints are one of the most common household nuisances, but they’re especially troublesome on beloved luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. LVP is a popular type of flooring because of its cost-effectiveness and long-lasting durability, so it’s essential to keep your floors looking like new!
That’s why we put together this helpful guide that will teach you how to prevent footprints on vinyl plank flooring. So read on to learn all about how to make sure those pesky smudges don’t remain for longer than necessary.
9 Best Ways on How to Prevent Footprints on Vinyl Plank Flooring
1. Place Welcome Mats Outside and Inside of All Exterior Entrances:
It’s important to place mats on both the interior and exterior of your external entryways, as this will help catch any dirt or debris that might otherwise get tracked onto your floors. The mat should also be placed in a spot where people can easily see it so that they are encouraged to use it before entering the house.
2. Wear Clean Shoes Indoors:
Make sure to wear only clean shoes when entering your home, as this will help ensure that any dirt and debris stay outside and don’t get tracked onto the floor. If possible, leave your outdoor shoes at the door so that you don’t bring them into the house. You can also take off your shoes if you’re concerned about bringing dirt inside.
3. Vacuum or Sweep Regularly:
It’s important to vacuum or sweep the floor regularly, as this will help remove any dirt and debris that might otherwise be tracked around and cause footprints. Be sure to use a soft brush attachment with your vacuum cleaner so you don’t damage the floor. Vacuuming or sweeping at least once a week should be enough to keep footprints from appearing.
4. Use Rugs:
Rugs can be used to add style and comfort to your home, but they can also help prevent footprints on vinyl plank flooring. Place rugs in high-traffic areas of the house where people are likely to stand for long periods of time. This will help reduce the amount of dirt and debris that get tracked onto the floor.
5. Place Slippers in the Entryway:
Providing slippers for guests to use when they enter your home is a great way to ensure that their shoes don’t track any dirt or debris into your house. It’s also a nice gesture that shows you care about your guests’ comfort. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent footprints from appearing on vinyl plank flooring.
6. Wipe Shoes Before Entering:
Before entering your home, make sure you wipe off your shoes with a damp cloth or paper towel so that any dirt and debris don’t get tracked in. This is especially important if you’ve been walking in muddy areas or near construction sites. Wiping your shoes will help keep your floors looking like new.
7. Place Doormats Along Entryways:
In addition to placing welcome mats outside and inside the house, it’s also a good idea to place doormats along entryways as well. This will help catch any dirt or debris that might otherwise be tracked in from the outside. It’s best to choose a doormat that has a low profile so that it doesn’t interfere with the flooring.
8. Wear Booties:
If you’re hosting a large gathering, consider providing booties for your guests to wear when entering your home. Booties can help protect the vinyl plank flooring from any dirt and debris that might be tracked in, as well as reduce the amount of noise caused by footsteps.
9. Clean Spills Immediately:
It’s important to clean any spills immediately, as this will help prevent footprints from appearing on vinyl plank flooring. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe up the spill and then use a mild detergent and warm water to scrub any remaining residue away. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly after cleaning.
Following these nine ways to prevent footprints on vinyl plank flooring can help keep your floors looking like new for years to come. Additionally, regularly cleaning and maintaining the floors will help make sure that any dirt or debris doesn’t have a chance to build up and cause permanent damage. Investing in regular professional cleanings is also a great way to ensure that your floors stay in pristine condition. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy beautiful and durable vinyl plank flooring for years to come.
Additional Tips and Tricks to Prevent Footprints on Vinyl Plank Flooring
1. Place doormats at entryways and exits to collect dirt and debris before it reaches the vinyl flooring.
2. Use area rugs or carpets in high-traffic areas to reduce the amount of dirt being tracked onto the vinyl plank floors.
3. Clean up spills immediately, as they can cause staining if left on the vinyl flooring for too long.
4. If possible, avoid wearing shoes inside the home and encourage everyone who enters to do the same. Shoes can track in dirt and debris that will cause footprints on the vinyl plank flooring.
5. Vacuum or use a steam mop regularly to keep your floors clean and prevent the buildup of dirt and grime which can create footprints.
6. Choose a cleaning product that is specifically designed for vinyl plank flooring and follow the directions carefully.
7. Place furniture on rugs or mats to keep them from sliding around and creating footprints when moved.
8. When moving furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it across flooring surfaces which can cause marks and scratches as well as footprints.
9. Use felt furniture pads or furniture slides to help prevent scratches and marks on the vinyl flooring.
10. Consider using a soft-bristle broom or dust mop instead of a vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning, as vacuums can sometimes create static electricity that attracts dirt and debris. This will also help reduce the appearance of footprints.
Following these tips and tricks will help you keep your vinyl plank flooring looking and feeling like new! With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy years of beautiful, durable use from your floors.
Things You Should Consider to Prevent Footprints on Vinyl Plank Flooring
1. Use a quality doormat at each entrance to your home. This will help collect the dirt and moisture that can get tracked onto your flooring, thus reducing the number of prints you may find on your vinyl plank flooring.
2. Regularly sweep or vacuum up any dirt and debris that accumulates in your home as quickly as possible. It is important to remove any dirt or debris from your flooring on a regular basis in order to minimize the amount of prints that may be left behind.
3. Place rugs in high-traffic areas as this can help reduce the number of prints that appear over time. Not only will it provide an additional layer of protection against dirt and moisture, but also make it easier for you to clean up any prints that do appear.
4. Consider using a flooring protectant on your vinyl plank flooring. This will help reduce the number of prints that may be left behind by providing an additional barrier against dirt and moisture. It is important to make sure you use a product specifically designed for use with vinyl plank flooring in order to ensure optimal protection and performance.
5. Make sure everyone in your home is aware of the need to take off their shoes and any dirt or moisture they may have on their feet before walking on your vinyl plank flooring. This will help reduce the number of prints that may appear over time due to foot traffic.
6. Take care not to drag furniture across your floor as this can leave prints or scratches in the vinyl plank material. Make sure you use furniture sliders to move any large pieces of furniture in order to protect your flooring.
Following these considerations can help you keep your vinyl plank flooring looking its best for years to come. With a little bit of effort and some regular maintenance, you can ensure that your floor remains free from dirt and prints no matter how much foot traffic it experiences over time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Can I Do to Maintain the Appearance of My Vinyl Plank Flooring?
To best maintain the appearance of your vinyl plank flooring, you should sweep and vacuum regularly to remove dirt and dust that may collect on its surface. Additionally, use a damp mop or sponge with warm water and mild detergent when cleaning your floors to keep them looking new. Be sure to dry the surface immediately after cleaning with a soft cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the finish of your flooring.
Can I Put Furniture on My Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Yes, you can put furniture on your vinyl plank flooring. However, it is important to use protective pads or furniture coasters to prevent scratches and other damage. When you move the furniture, be sure to lift it instead of dragging it across the floor to avoid leaving marks. Additionally, make sure that any heavy furniture is balanced on all sides as uneven weight can cause it to sink into the surface and leave an indentation.
How Can I Prevent Footprints From Showing Up on My Vinyl Plank Flooring?
To prevent footprints from showing up on your vinyl plank flooring, you should keep the surface clean and dust-free. Additionally, it is important to use rugs or area mats in high-traffic areas as this will help reduce the amount of dirt that gets tracked onto the floors. Lastly, when walking on your floors, make sure to wear soft-soled shoes that won’t leave as much of an imprint.
Conclusion
Now you know that how to prevent footprints on vinyl plank flooring and the best practices to maintain the appearance of your flooring. Regularly sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping will help keep your floors looking their best while avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasives that can damage their finish.
Additionally, using protective pads or furniture coasters when placing furniture on your vinyl plank flooring is important as well as lifting instead of dragging it when moving it. Finally, keeping your floors clean and free of dust as well as using area rugs and soft-soled shoes can help prevent footprints from showing up on its surface. With these tips, you will be sure to keep your vinyl plank floor looking beautiful for years to come.
