Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become a homeowner’s favorite for its durability, realistic wood look, and waterproof design. But even tough floors need gentle care.
If you’ve ever wondered how to clean LVP flooring without damaging it, this guide will walk you through every step so your floors stay spotless, shiny, and long-lasting.
What Is LVP Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is a modern and practical alternative to hardwood. It’s made of multiple layers a durable wear layer on top, a printed vinyl design layer that gives it the realistic wood look, and a strong, rigid core for stability and support. This combination makes LVP both stylish and highly functional.
Unlike real wood, LVP is water-resistant and can handle spills, humidity, and daily wear, making it ideal for busy spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. It offers the warmth and beauty of hardwood without the high maintenance or cost.
While LVP is built for everyday life, it still needs regular cleaning and care to keep its surface looking fresh and prevent damage. With simple maintenance, your floors can stay beautiful and last for many years even in high-traffic areas.
Why Proper Cleaning Is Important
Keeping your LVP floors clean isn’t just about appearance; it’s about protection and longevity. When dirt, dust, and grit build up, they can scratch the surface over time, causing your floors to lose their shine and look dull. Using too much water or harsh cleaning chemicals can also damage the protective wear layer, leading to peeling edges, stains, or even voided warranties.
By following proper cleaning habits with the right products, you’ll keep your floors looking new, maintain their smooth finish, and extend their lifespan for years. Regular care also helps preserve your manufacturer’s warranty, saving you from costly repairs or replacements later on. In short, a few simple cleaning steps can go a long way in keeping your LVP floors beautiful, safe, and durable.
Supplies You’ll Need to Clean LVP Flooring
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and cleaners on hand. Using the proper supplies helps protect your floor’s finish and ensures a spotless, streak-free shine.
| Tool / Cleaner | Purpose |
| Microfiber mop | Gently cleans without scratching the surface or leaving streaks. |
| Vacuum (no beater bar) | Safely removes dust, crumbs, and pet hair from between planks. |
| pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner | Provides a safe, effective cleaning solution for regular use. |
| Bucket with warm water | For mixing cleaning solutions and rinsing the mop. |
| Soft towels or dry mop | Used to dry the floor and add a polished finish after mopping. |
| (Optional) White vinegar | A natural DIY cleaner — mix 1 cup with 1 gallon of warm water for a gentle clean. |
How to Clean LVP Flooring: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum Loose Dirt
Before you start mopping, it’s important to remove all loose dirt and debris from your LVP flooring. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum designed for hard floors (avoid using one with a beater bar, as it can leave scratches).
Regular sweeping or vacuuming keeps grit, dust, and pet hair from building up and rubbing against the surface, which can make your floors look dull over time. A quick once-over each day or a few times a week helps maintain that clean, polished look and prevents small particles from damaging your floor’s protective layer.
Step 2: Prepare a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Next, it’s time to mix your cleaning solution. Fill a bucket with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of a pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner. These are specially formulated to protect your LVP’s finish. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or abrasive detergents, as they can dull the surface or strip away the protective wear layer.
If you prefer a natural cleaning option, you can make your own safe DIY mix: combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. This gentle solution effectively removes dirt and grime without leaving residue, making it perfect for everyday cleaning.
A mild cleaner keeps your LVP floors shining and ensures their protective coating stays intact for years to come.
Step 3: Mop with a Damp (Not Wet) Mop
After you’ve swept or vacuumed, it’s time to mop your LVP floors. Dip a microfiber mop into your cleaning solution, then wring it out thoroughly so it’s just damp, not dripping wet. Too much water can seep into the seams between planks and cause swelling, warping, or edge damage over time.
Mop in the direction of the planks to pick up dust and grime more effectively and maintain a smooth, streak-free finish. Rinse and wring the mop frequently as you go, especially if you’re cleaning a large area.
A light, even mopping will lift dirt without leaving water behind keeping your floors shiny, protected, and in top condition.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve finished mopping, rinse your mop in clean water to remove any leftover cleaner or dirt. Go over the floor once more with the damp (clean) mop to lift any remaining residue.
Next, use a soft towel, dry mop, or microfiber cloth to remove any leftover moisture. This step is important because even though LVP flooring is water-resistant, standing water can still cause streaks, water spots, or dulling over time.
Drying your floors immediately helps them stay spotless, streak-free, and looking freshly cleaned. Plus, it protects the seams and edges from unnecessary moisture exposure.
Step 5: Deep Clean Once a Month
To keep your LVP floors looking their best, plan a deep clean about once a month. Even with regular sweeping and mopping, dirt and grime can build up in corners, along baseboards, and under furniture where daily cleaning doesn’t always reach.
Use a manufacturer-approved vinyl floor cleaner or a mild, pH-neutral solution to gently lift built-up residue. Move light furniture if possible and clean those hidden spots that often get missed.
A monthly deep clean restores your floor’s natural shine, removes any dull film, and keeps the surface smooth and vibrant, helping your LVP maintain its “just installed” look for years.
What Not to Use on LVP Floors
To keep your Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring in great condition, it’s just as important to know what not to use as it is to know the right cleaning steps. The wrong products or tools can permanently damage the surface and shorten your floor’s lifespan.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Steam mops: The high heat and moisture can cause the planks to warp or lift at the edges, especially if water seeps into seams.
- Ammonia, bleach, or wax-based cleaners: These harsh chemicals can break down the protective wear layer, leaving your floors dull and vulnerable to stains.
- Abrasive pads or stiff brushes: Rough materials can create tiny scratches that make your floors look cloudy and attract more dirt over time.
- Floor polish or wax: LVP doesn’t need waxing; these products can leave a sticky buildup that dulls the finish instead of making it shine.
Always stick to pH-neutral, vinyl-safe cleaners and soft microfiber tools to preserve the beauty, shine, and warranty of your floors.
How Often Should You Clean LVP Flooring?
The right cleaning routine for your Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors depends on how much foot traffic each area gets. Regular, light cleaning keeps dirt from building up and prevents the surface from dulling or scratching.
| Area Type | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
| High-traffic areas (kitchen, hallway, entryway) | Sweep or vacuum daily, and mop 2–3 times per week to remove dirt and grime. |
| Medium-traffic areas (living room, dining room) | Sweep every other day and mop once a week to maintain shine. |
| Low-traffic areas (bedroom, office, guest room) | Sweep once a week and mop every two weeks for general upkeep. |
Extra Maintenance Tips for Shiny, Long-Lasting Floors
A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your LVP floors beautiful, shiny, and damage-free. Follow these easy maintenance tips:
- Place doormats at entrances: Prevent dirt, sand, and small stones from being tracked in; these can scratch the surface over time.
- Use felt pads under furniture: Add pads to the legs of chairs, tables, and heavy furniture to prevent scuff marks and dents.
- Wipe spills immediately: Even though LVP is water-resistant, cleaning spills right away prevents moisture from seeping into seams and causing damage.
- Avoid dragging furniture: Always lift and move items carefully to avoid scratching or bending the planks.
- Maintain indoor humidity: Keep humidity levels moderate (ideally between 35%–65%) to prevent expansion or contraction of the flooring material.
With these small steps, you’ll extend the life of your LVP flooring and keep it looking as beautiful as the day it was installed.
FAQ
1. Can I use vinegar to clean LVP flooring?
Yes, as long as it’s diluted properly. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. This gentle solution cuts through grime and leaves your floors clean without residue or streaks.
2. Can I use a steam mop on LVP flooring?
No. Steam and excessive heat can warp, lift, or damage the planks over time. Stick to a damp microfiber mop for safe cleaning.
3. What’s the best cleaner for vinyl plank floors?
Use a pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for LVP, such as Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner or Rejuvenate Vinyl Floor Cleaner. These are designed to clean without harming the protective wear layer.
4. How do I remove stains or scuff marks?
Try a small amount of baking soda paste on a soft cloth, or gently buff the area with a melamine (Magic Eraser) sponge. Always test on a hidden spot first to ensure it doesn’t affect the finish.
5. Can I wax vinyl plank flooring?
No. Waxing LVP floors can dull the surface, attract dust, and leave a sticky buildup. Your floors already have a built-in protective coating, no wax needed!
Conclusion
Keeping your Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors looking beautiful doesn’t take much, just gentle cleaning, the right products, and consistent care. A few minutes of weekly maintenance can make all the difference, helping your floors stay bright, smooth, and like new for many years.
If you ever need expert advice or professional floor maintenance, the team at PK Floors Plus is here to help. We provide local flooring services to keep your home shining from the ground up with quality, care, and precision you can trust.
