Does Furniture Dent Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is a beautiful and quite affordable choice of flooring for any home. It can be used in any room. You want your vinyl floor to last for long, as it is a long-term investment. For this to happen, you must practice proper maintenance routines and keep it off dents. This brings about the question of what could cause dents.
So, does furniture dent vinyl plank flooring? Yes, the furniture will leave dents on your vinyl flooring. However, you can mitigate this by placing furniture gently, using padding and proper cleaning.
This article looks at how to protect vinyl plank flooring, how to move appliances, and other related questions. Read on for more insight.
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring that looks like wood flooring. It is affordable, and given its waterproof nature, it becomes ideal flooring for any family house.
However, as already mentioned, it is prone to dents, especially from furniture, a factor that can be avoided as seen below.
Ways to Protect the Vinyl Floor from Dents
Well, the easiest and best way to protect vinyl plank flooring is by using non-slip furniture pads (see Amazon). The pads help keep your furniture from sliding and denting the floor. Using pads is the cheapest way to keep the floor safe.
When placing furniture on the floor, avoid dragging. The best thing to do is lift and place gently on the intended spot. If the furniture is too heavy to lift, you can place some cushion such as a folded bed sheet and drag the furniture.
If your budget allows, you can invest in furniture sliders, which are meant for moving heavy furniture from one part of the room to another without causing scratches.The cushioning will help, as the furniture will not scratch the floor.
If the furniture has wheels, you can keep it in place using furniture cups like these. This way the furniture will not roll about causing unwanted scratches and dents.
Below are more tips to help prolong the life of your vinyl flooring.
- Use a Doormat
Having a doormat will ensure that your floor is clean and free from unnecessary dirt. You will avoid grit, chemicals and any dirt by making sure you have mats at all exterior doors. Additionally, you can have a no-shoes policy in your house.
- Clean the Floor Regularly
The more you clean your floor, the longer it will last. It will save you money and time by keeping the floor clean, and you will not have to hire professionals or use high-end chemicals. Sweep regularly using a soft broom as it is more convenient.
- Do not Use wax
Some floors are known as no-wax vinyl floors, and you should not use wax. The wax does not stick on the coating well, and it will leave a residue. It would help if you used a special polish instead and it will leave your floor shining for a long time.
- Rinse Well After Cleaning
You should be careful and make sure you rinse off all the soap and water after cleaning. If you leave the soap scum, it will start to collect dirt.
- Do not Leave Your Vinyl Floor too Wet
Though vinyl is waterproof, the same is not true for edges around the room. The water may slip through the edges of the floor and weaken the glue that holds the floor down.
How Soon Can You Place Furniture on a New Vinyl Plank Flooring?
It all depends on the method you will use during installation. Each technique will have differing recommendations. When using the full spread and perimeter adhered method, you should wait for two days.
When you use the floating method, you can move the furniture into the premises after a few hours.
However, you should allow the floor enough time to cure.
How Much Weight can Vinyl Floor Handle?
The vinyl floor is strong, and it can handle a lot of weight. You can place heavy refrigerators, pianos, and furniture. Well, most of the vinyl plank flooring can handle up to 500 pounds.
Are Ventilation and Temperature Important after you Install Vinyl Floors?
Another essential aspect you will have to consider is ventilation and temperature. If you install the floor during the cold season, you should be prepared to use a heater. The temperature should stay above 68 degrees Fahrenheit for two days. Checking the temperature is vital to help keep the adhesives together.
How to Remove Dents from Your Vinyl Flooring
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, something unfortunate will happen. You may forget to remove your shoes or drop something heavy, and this will leave dents on your floor. Here are a few remedies to try to fix the problem.
- First, you have to clean the area properly, removing debris and dust that may be causing the scratches. The best thing to use is a Vinyl Plank Floor Cleaner Spray.
- Heat the Iron box on the “cotton” setting. Take a wet cloth and place it over the dented area as you let the iron box hover on top of the towel but do not put it on top. Let it hover in the same spot for three minutes.
- Alternatively, you may heat the dented area using a hairdryer. However, it would be best to make sure that it is not extremely hot, making the dent even bigger. Once the area is heated, use a seam roller to make sure you roll out the dent.
If these methods are not successful, you should call a professional floor contractor who may employ other means such as replacing the dented plank.
How to Remove Stains from Your Floor
Your vinyl floor is set to get dirty from time to time. There is a way to remove stains from tomato sauce, ketchup, fruit juice, or wine using water and baking soda. Rub the mixture on the floor using a soft towel repeatedly until it is off. Remove the baking soda off your floor using vinegar.
For the tough stains, including crayons, ink, paint, and lipstick, you should rub alcohol on the stained part and scrub it off softly. Do not use abrasive brushes or steel wool because they will scratch your floors. If the stain is from nail polish, you should use nail polish remover.
For scuffs on your floor, you should spray WD-40 on a soft towel and gently rub it over the scuffed area. Repeat the process until the marks disappear. Use vinegar and water to get rid of the WD-40 solution on your floor.
Do not use paste wax polishes on your vinyl floor. The wax tends to leave a film on your floor, and it continues building over time. There is an alternative way to add shine to your vinyl floor. Pour several drops of baby oil into water and vinegar cleaning solution. Rub it on the floor gently until it is dry.
For the deep scratches, you may require to do the filling. The wax sticks work perfectly to fill in the aperture that is gouged inside the floor. They come in different shades, and you can blend two or more shades to get the perfect match for the floor. When filling, use a light touch and make sure you apply more than one coating.
Related Questions
How durable are vinyl plank floors?
Vinyl plank floors are long-lasting and highly durable. It is made up of a hard substance that is very robust, and it is wear-resistant compared to other types of flooring. However, that does not mean that they are indestructible. You should take great care to avoid scratching that will eventually lead to damage.
Can you install vinyl plank floors on the stairs?
Yes, you can install the floor on the stairs. The planks should be carefully glued down using construction adhesive glue and a stair nose transition. You should ensure you glue the stair nose and nail it to the subfloor to ensure the installation is stable.
Can a plank on the floor be replaced?
Yes, if there is a plank that is damaged, you can replace it. You can easily disassemble the planks by unlocking them and replace it with the other one.
See Also:
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