How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Among the various flooring types available on the market, luxury vinyl plank, also called LVP floors, is quickly gaining popularity in residential and commercial applications. This rise in popularity is thanks to its versatility, affordability, and durability. Plus, they are easy to clean and maintain! But how do you clean luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors? 

Our team at Baker Bros has taken the guesswork out of the equation and has shared how to clean luxury vinyl plank floors. In this blog, we will also discuss the top tips to keep in mind before you undertake the simple task of getting your LVP flooring spick and span in no time. 

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): What's The Difference?

This article refers mainly to LVP floors instead of luxury vinyl tile, although they are similar. The main difference between these floor types is the distinct shape of each piece of flooring. 

Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT flooring, features a square tile shape, similar to porcelain, natural stone, or ceramic. This blog’s cleaning methods and tips are recommended for LVT and LVP floor types.

Tips to Note Before Cleaning Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors

Before you get your cleaning appliances and supplies out, you’ll want to learn about a few luxury vinyl plank flooring cleaning tips. These tips can help prevent damage and give you peace of mind, knowing your luxury vinyl plank floors will be safe.

Choose Mild Floor Cleaners

You’ll want to choose mild floor cleaners like dishwashing soap, diluted white vinegar, or warm water. Alternatively, you can mix your own homemade cleaning solution. To create the solution, use water and baking soda, and add a few drops of dish soap and vinegar.

Use Non-abrasive Tools

When selecting tools to remove dirt and dust from LVP floors, choose non-abrasive options. You do not want to scratch the flooring or cause scuffs or gouges. We’ve found that the best tools for this flooring type include a microfiber cloth, a wet and dry microfiber mop, or a vacuum without a beater bar.

Avoid Using Chemical Cleaners 

Chemical cleaners are a big no-no when it comes to cleaning LVP flooring. So, with this in mind, you’ll want to avoid mop-and-shine products that leave a film, ammonia-based cleaners, paste or liquid wax, commercial floor cleaners that are not labeled as safe for LVP flooring, stiff-bristled brushes, and steel wool. 

Avoid Using Excess Water

When cleaning your LVP floors, you must be cautious about using excess water. Using a gallon of water or more on your luxury vinyl plank floors can lead to excessive moisture—oh no indeed—which could seep into the floor seams, resulting in damage over time. 

So, be cautious about the quantity of water used when cleaning to ensure it doesn’t lead to standing or pooling water on the LVP surface. This advice can help preserve your LVP flooring material’s lifespan. Similarly, using hot water on your LVP floors isn’t recommended, as it can damage the finish—many of us have learned this the hard way; don’t be like us.

How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Simple Guide

Now, it’s time to get to the nitty-gritty of the article. Below is a simple guide on how to easily clean luxury vinyl plank flooring using varying cleaning solutions: 

Distilled Vinegar Solution

Mix a 1:1 solution of one cup of distilled white vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Mop the luxury vinyl plank floors using this solution. While mopping, rinse and wring out the mop frequently. Once you have finished mopping, allow the floors to air dry.

Liquid Dishwashing Soap Solution

Add a few drops of dish soap to a bucket half-filled with hot water. Use this solution to mop the LVP floors. Once mopped, allow them to air dry.

Baking Soda Solution

You can create a paste using warm water and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio for hard-to-remove stains. Once the paste is formed, apply it to the stains and gently rub it in. After you have rubbed the paste in, carefully wipe away any excess paste using a damp microfiber cloth. Next, dry the LVP floors using a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How to Clean LVP Flooring: Best Practices

As a property owner, it is your responsibility to use these best cleaning practices to protect and preserve luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in your daily cleaning regimen. Luckily, ensuring you care for your flooring properly is not hard. Let’s have a look:

Dust, Mop, or Vacuum the Flooring Regularly

You can help prevent damage to LVP flooring in high-traffic areas by using a dust mop or vacuum to remove dirt quickly before it becomes abrasive. Just remember to clean your dust mop so it doesn’t scratch your floor while you clean. 

In addition, when vacuuming, remember to use a non-abrasive attachment. We also recommend avoiding upright vacuums with brush rolls, as they are known to scratch LVP flooring. 

Prevent Floor Scratches and Wear Patterns

1. Use an Entry Mat

You should prioritize using correctly sized and well-maintained entry matting to prevent scratches and floor wear patterns. Entry matting is vital for protecting LVP floors and keeping coarse soils out.

2. Lift and Carry Furniture On LVP Floors

Lift and carefully carry your furniture rather than dragging or pushing it across the floor. If you drag or slide your furniture, it will leave scratches and gouges in the planking, which you often can’t fix. 

3. Use Area Rugs and Furniture Pads

Area rugs and furniture pads are recommended, as they offer additional protection for LVP floors. These might not seem necessary, but they are excellent at preventing scratches and damage. 

4. Avoid Using Chairs Equipped with Rolling Casters

If you have LVP floors, you must avoid using chairs equipped with rolling casters. However, if a chair is necessary—like your office chair, for example—floor protectors or area rugs must be used beneath it. 

Scrub The Floor With An Automatic Floor Scrubber

When choosing how to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring, use an automatic floor scrubber where possible. An automatic floor scrubber makes cleaning far easier, as it helps limit the re-depositing of dirt in the grooves of some LVP floors’ wood grain. 

Plus, when used correctly, the automatic floor scrubber will do all the work for you without possibly causing damage, so there’s less strain and effort on your end. It’s a win-win!

Contact An LVP Flooring Expert Today

Now you know how to clean luxury vinyl plank floors. Armed with this information, we hope to have made your life easier, or potentially easier if you’ve yet to decide on flooring for your home or business. 

Should you need help choosing luxury vinyl flooring or want more tips about caring for it or cleaning it, you can speak with us at Baker Bros. We are flooring experts and have helped numerous individuals and families find the perfect flooring for their needs. Simply drop by one of our locations and speak with an expert.