To clean luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, sweep or vacuum regularly, then damp mop with a pH-neutral floor cleaner or a mix of one cup of white vinegar per gallon of warm water. Wring the mop nearly dry, since LVP is waterproof on top but standing water can seep into the seams over time. Avoid steam mops, wax, polish, abrasive pads, and harsh chemicals, all of which damage the wear layer or leave a haze. Done right, LVP is one of the lowest-maintenance floors you can own. See our vinyl plank flooring page for the products we install.
- Sweep or dust mop daily in busy areas
- Damp mop weekly with pH-neutral cleaner or vinegar-water
- Wring the mop nearly dry, never flood the floor
- No steam mops, no wax, no polish, no abrasive pads
- Wipe spills quickly and use felt pads under furniture
- Place doormats to catch grit, the main cause of scratches
Routine Cleaning
Most LVP care is just keeping grit off the surface. Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum (with the beater bar off) every few days in high-traffic areas to remove the fine dirt that acts like sandpaper underfoot. Once a week, damp mop with a pH-neutral floor cleaner or a vinegar-water solution. Use a microfiber mop, wring it out so it is barely damp, and let the floor air dry. That is all a healthy LVP floor needs.
Deep Cleaning and Stains
For a deeper clean, mop with warm water and a manufacturer-approved cleaner, then rinse with a clean damp mop to remove residue that can dull the finish. For specific stains:
- Food, dirt, and grease: warm water with a little dish soap, then rinse.
- Pet accidents: wipe up promptly, clean with vinegar-water, dry the area.
- Scuff marks: a pencil eraser or a melamine sponge used lightly.
- Crayon, lipstick, ink: a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth.
- Dried gum or wax: harden with ice, then scrape gently with a plastic edge.
What to Avoid
The fastest way to ruin LVP is using the wrong products. Avoid these:
- Steam mops. Heat and forced moisture can lift the wear layer and damage the seams, and they void most warranties.
- Wax and polish. LVP has a pre-finished surface; wax builds up into a cloudy film that is hard to remove.
- Abrasive pads and scrub brushes. They scratch the wear layer permanently.
- Harsh chemicals. Ammonia, bleach, and pine-oil cleaners can discolor or dull the surface.
- Flooding the floor. Excess water seeps into seams and can reach the subfloor.
Preventing Scratches and Scuffs
LVP is scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof. Put doormats at every entry to catch grit, stick felt pads under furniture legs, and use a hard-floor caster or a chair mat under rolling office chairs. Lift furniture to move it rather than dragging it. These habits keep the wear layer looking new for years and are the same prep we follow on a fresh install, covered in our how to install vinyl plank flooring guide.
A Simple Maintenance Schedule
| How Often | Task |
|---|---|
| Daily (busy areas) | Sweep or dust mop grit and hair |
| Weekly | Damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner or vinegar-water |
| As needed | Spot-clean spills, scuffs, and stains right away |
| Monthly | Check and replace worn felt pads, shake out mats |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean luxury vinyl plank flooring?
Sweep or vacuum to remove grit, then damp mop with a pH-neutral floor cleaner or one cup of white vinegar per gallon of warm water. Wring the mop nearly dry and let the floor air dry. Avoid steam mops, wax, and harsh chemicals, and wipe spills up promptly.
Can you use a steam mop on LVP?
No. Steam mops force heat and moisture into the floor, which can lift the wear layer, damage the locking seams, and void the manufacturer warranty. Use a microfiber mop that is barely damp instead. LVP is waterproof on the surface, but heat and trapped water in the seams cause damage.
What is the best cleaner for vinyl plank flooring?
A pH-neutral floor cleaner made for luxury vinyl is best, or a simple homemade mix of one cup of white vinegar per gallon of warm water. Both clean well without leaving residue. Avoid wax, polish, ammonia, bleach, and oil-based or abrasive cleaners.
Can you use vinegar on vinyl plank flooring?
Yes. Diluted white vinegar, about one cup per gallon of warm water, is a safe and effective LVP cleaner that cuts grime without leaving residue. Use it with a barely-damp microfiber mop. Do not use undiluted vinegar or other strong acids, which can dull the finish over time.
How do you make luxury vinyl plank floors shine?
Clean off all residue with a damp microfiber mop and let the floor dry; a clean LVP floor has a natural low sheen. Do not use wax or polish to add shine, because they build up into a cloudy film. If the floor looks dull, it is usually cleaner residue, so rinse with plain water.