How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become increasingly popular in homes due to its durability, water resistance, and realistic wood or stone looks. However, like any flooring, LVP requires regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Following proper cleaning techniques helps preserve your LVP flooring for years to come.

Supplies Needed

Microfiber mop/pad
pH neutral vinyl floor cleaner
Soft-bristled broom
Vacuum cleaner

Regular Maintenance

Daily maintenance helps prevent buildup of dirt and debris that can scratch or dull LVP floors. Here are some tips for keeping LVP flooring clean day-to-day:

Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum the floor regularly to remove surface-level dirt, dust, and grit. Going over the floor frequently prevents particles from grinding into the vinyl.
Immediately wipe up spills, especially liquids like water, oil, grease etc. Excess moisture can seep between the vinyl planks over time.
Use doormats at entryways to trap dirt and moisture from shoes. Shake out or wash mats often.
Avoid using rubber-backed mats as the latex can discolor vinyl. Choose mats labeled safe for vinyl floors instead.
Use felt floor protectors under furniture legs to prevent scratches. Periodically clean protectors to remove grit buildup.
Avoid dragging furniture or appliances across LVP floors to prevent scuffing. Lift and carry instead.
Keep pet nails trimmed to minimize scratching from claws.
Sweep or vacuum debris like pet hair, dirt or sand regularly so it doesn’t get ground into the vinyl.

Following these daily floor care steps will help keep LVP floors looking like new.

Weekly Cleaning

In addition to daily maintenance, LVP floors should receive a thorough weekly cleaning to remove any remaining dirt buildup or residue. Here is an easy routine for weekly LVP floor care:

1. Vacuum or Sweep Floor

Use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with proper hard floor attachments to thoroughly sweep or vacuum the entire floor. This lift dirt and debris that may scratch the floor if left to build up.

Get into corners, along baseboards, and under furniture to remove all dust bunnies or dirt accumulations.

2. Mix Vinyl Floor Cleaner

Fill a bucket with warm water, then add approximately 3-5 capfuls of pH neutral vinyl floor cleaner concentrate. Follow the cleaner label instructions for exact dilution ratio.

The warm water and cleaner will loosen and dissolve sticky messes or oily residues. Ensure the cleaner is specifically formulated for vinyl floors rather than wood or other surfaces.

Avoid using harsh cleaners, vinegar, ammonia or bleach that can dull or damage LVP flooring.

3. Damp Mop Floor

Dip a microfiber mop pad in the diluted cleaner and wring well so it is damp but not sopping.

Working in sections, mop the floor using a figure-8 motion to thoroughly apply the cleaning solution.

Rinse the mop pad frequently as it collects dirt. Change vinyl floor cleaning solution as needed to keep it from getting too dirty.

Work systematically from one end or side of the room to the other so all areas get covered. Let cleaned sections dry completely before walking over them.

4. Rinse and Dry Floor

Once the floor looks clean, go back over with fresh rinse water in the mop bucket. Wring mop well and rinse the floor to remove any leftover cleaning residue.

Let the floor air dry completely – no damp spots should remain when the floor is done. Do not walk on the floor until completely dry.

The vinyl planks should now look refreshed and shiny clean! Discard used floor wash water down a drain rather than pouring onto plants or grass.

Monthly Deep Cleaning

For a periodic deep clean, LVP floors can be steam mopped once a month or as needed to sanitize and remove stubborn debris. Here is how to deep clean LVP flooring with a steam mop:

Use a Vinyl-Safe Steam Mop

Ensure the steam mop is designed for use on luxury vinyl floors. The heat and steam should not exceed temperatures that can warp or damage the vinyl.

Pre-treat heavily stained areas like along baseboards with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or brush and vinyl cleaner concentrate before steaming.

Set to Lowest Steam Setting

To avoid over-wetting or damaging vinyl planks, use the lowest steam temperature setting. Steam mops often have variable steam control.

Start steam mopping on the lowest heat on a test spot and check the floor immediately for any issues before continuing.

Slowly Pass Over Floor

Carefully push and pull the steam mop over the floor at an even, steady pace. Do not let the mop stand in place or repeatedly go over the same area to prevent overheating.

Work in sections until the entire LVP floor has been steam cleaned. Again, allow each section to fully dry before walking on it to prevent moisture seepage between planks.

Dry Immediately After

Immediately follow up with a dry microfiber mop pad to absorb condensation and moisture from the steam.

Go over the floor again with fresh rinse water and dry completely. Check for any remaining damp spots.

The heat and steam should loosen and sanitize stuck-on messes, leaving the LVP flooring super clean. Avoid over-steaming, and only mop once a month or as needed.

How to Remove Common LVP Floor Stains

Accidents happen, and LVP floors can get stained from spills, foods, chemicals or other materials. Here are some tips for removing common stains from luxury vinyl plank flooring:

Food/Drink Spills

Immediately blot liquid spills with a clean rag or paper towel. Avoid scrubbing as this can spread the stain.
Spray stained area with vinyl floor cleaner and let sit 5 minutes.
Rub gently with a soft scrub brush or microfiber cloth in a circular motion.
Rinse with clean water until no more stain lifts up.
Foods like coffee, tea, juice or greasy foods may require repeated cleaning.

Oil-Based Stains

Sprinkle some baking soda over the oil stain and let sit 10-15 minutes. This will absorb and draw out some of the grease.
Spray vinyl cleaner onto the stain according to label instructions.
Rub gently with a soft brush or lint-free cloth in a circular motion.
Rinse clean with water and repeat process if needed until oil is fully removed.

Ink, Markers, Crayon

Use a non-abrasive scrub pad dampened with isopropyl alcohol to gently rub stain.
Rinse area thoroughly with warm water and air dry.
Repeat as needed, reapply alcohol and scrub to fully lift pigment.

Disinfecting & Pet Stains

Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.
Lightly spray over stained or dirty area, let sit 5 minutes.
Wipe clean with a soft cloth, rinse with water and allow to fully dry.

Scuffs and Scratches

Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape any material lodged in scratch.
Rub over scratches lightly with extra fine steel wool in direction of grain.
Wipe clean and buff with soft cloth.

For severe stains, contact a professional LVP floor cleaner for best results removing the stain without damaging planks.

How to Clean LVP Flooring After Installation or Construction

LVP planks often get covered in a fine layer of dust, dirt and debris during flooring installation or from construction projects. Here is how to deep clean brand new LVP floors after install:

Wait 72 hours after installation for planks to fully adhere before wet cleaning.
Thoroughly sweep or vacuum up loose dust, grit and materials.
Mix a solution of cool water and pH neutral vinyl floor cleaner concentrate per label instructions.
Use a microfiber mop dampened with the cleaner to wash the new flooring. Frequently rinse mops as they pick up debris.
Follow up by mopping just with clean, cool rinse water to remove residues.
Allow flooring to completely air dry before walking on it. Check for dust in baseboards/corners.
Buff dry with a soft cloth, moving in direction of vinyl planks to finish.

The new LVP floor should now have a shiny, clean surface ready for use once completely dry. Construction dust won’t damage the durable flooring if removed properly.

How to Clean LVP Flooring Before Replacing Planks

If you need to remove and replace a few damaged LVP planks, properly cleaning the floor first makes a big difference. Follow these tips:

Remove furniture or appliances from the area for easy access.
Sweep then thoroughly mop flooring using vinyl cleaner and rinse water.
Use a brush or scrub pad on stuck-on dirt or construction debris in corners.
Let floor fully dry before prying up planks to avoid moisture getting under uninstalled planks.
Try to leave baseboards/trim in place for cleanest look.
Vacuum up dust as old planks are removed to keep it contained.
Once new planks adhered, mop flooring again if any remaining dirt or adhesive.
Let dry fully according to vinyl manufacturer instructions before replacing furniture.

Proper LVP floor cleaning prior to repairs helps create a smooth transition between old and new planks for a seamless appearance.

Top LVP Floor Cleaners to Use

Having the right vinyl floor cleaner makes a big difference in safely and effectively cleaning LVP floors. Here are some of the best cleaners for LVP flooring:

Bona Stone Tile & Laminate Cleaner – pH neutral and safe for all finishes. Cuts through grease and soils.
Zep Neutral Floor Cleaner – Non-toxic and gentle on vinyl plank coatings. Concentrate dilutes for economy.
Method Squirt + Mop Floor Cleaner – Plant-based cleaner with fresh scent. Residue-free formula.
Arm & Hammer Clean Shower – Affordable cleaner that cleans vinyl floors without dulling.
Pine-Sol Floor Cleaner – Cuts through dirt, grease, and stains. Leaves light lemon scent.
Mr Clean Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner – Strong cleaning power with streak-free results.

Avoid soap-based cleaners, citrus oils, harsh chemicals, bleach or vinegar that could damage vinyl floors. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area first.

Tips for Cleaning Textured or Embossed LVP Floors

Textured and embossed LVP flooring adds realistic wood or stone grain patterns. The textured surfaces can trap more dirt and require a little extra care when cleaning. Here are some tips:

Vacuum textured floors with a soft brush attachment to lift debris from crevices.
Mix vinyl cleaner solution in a bucket for mopping rather than just spraying liquid on the floor. The extra moisture helps dissolve grime in embossed low areas.
Use a soft bristled scrub brush on badly soiled spots and grout lines. Scrub gently in direction of grain.
Check for dried mud or dirt buildup in crevices that may need pre-treated before mopping.
Rinse embossed floors thoroughly after mopping to prevent cleaner residue being left behind in textured areas.
Allow extra dry time after cleaning textured LVP before opening to foot traffic or replacing furniture.

With a little extra attention to dirty crevices, textured and embossed luxury vinyl floors can be kept looking like new.

FAQs About Cleaning LVP Flooring

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about keeping LVP floors clean:

How often should you mop LVP floors?

LVP floors should be swept daily and mopped weekly for routine cleaning. Monthly steam mops also help sanitize and deep clean.

Can you use vinegar to clean LVP floors?

Vinegar is too acidic for LVP flooring, and can dull the finish or damage vinyl over time. Use a pH balanced vinyl floor cleaner instead.

What is the best way to mop LVP floors?

Dip a microfiber mop into diluted vinyl cleaner and wring out well. Use a figure 8 motion as you mop, rinsing the mop often. Follow with a rinse and dry completely.

Can you use Lysol wipes on luxury vinyl plank?

Lysol or other disinfecting wipes contain chemicals that can streak or stain vinyl floors. A steam mop is a safer option for sanitizing LVP floors.

How do you clean tough stains off LVP flooring?

Use a soft brush or non-abrasive scrub pad with vinyl floor cleaner concentrate. Gently scrub stained area, then rinse with clean water. Repeat if needed for stubborn stains.

Is it okay to use a Swiffer on LVP floors?

Swiffer sweepers are fine for quick cleaning between moppings. But the wet Swiffer pads may not adequately clean LVP floors compared to a vinyl cleaner diluted in water.

Can you use a Magic Eraser on vinyl plank flooring?

The melamine foam material can rub away vinyl’s protective coating. Instead use a soft scrub brush with vinyl cleaner to safely lift dirt from LVP floors.

How often should LVP floors be waxed or polished?

LVP does not require waxing or polishing, as the vinyl wear layer has the protective coating. Don’t use wax for LVP floors, but routine cleaning is still needed.

Regular, thorough cleaning is essential for keeping LVP floors looking beautiful over years of use. Following these floor care tips will help maintain the appearance and durability of luxury vinyl plank flooring. Be sure to use cleaning products designed specifically for vinyl floors for best results without damage. With the proper techniques, LVP can handle busy households while retaining its like-new sheen.

Conclusion

Sweep and vacuum LVP floors frequently to prevent dirt buildup that can damage the vinyl surface.
Use only pH balanced vinyl floor cleaners, avoid products with bleach, vinegar or citrus oils.
Microfiber mops are recommended over sponge mops for cleaning luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Thoroughly rinse floors after cleaning to remove residue that can attract dirt over time.
Immediately clean spills to prevent staining, and frequently clean up pet accidents.
Steam mops effectively sanitize and deep clean LVP floors when used properly at low temperatures.
Cleaning LVP flooring properly from installation and during repairs ensures planks stay tightly bonded.
Textured LVP may need extra attention when mopping to lift grime from the embossed areas.
With regular cleaning and immediate stain removal, luxury vinyl plank flooring can stay looking pristine for decades.