How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors

Cleaning luxury vinyl plank flooring regularly helps preserve its appearance, prevent scratches, and maintain indoor air quality.

Sweep or vacuum the floor daily, damp mop weekly, and deep clean once a month to keep it looking its best. Read on to learn how to clean luxury vinyl plank floors.

Table of Contents: 

• What You Need
• Daily Maintenance and Preventive Care
• Weekly Cleaning Routine
• Deep Cleaning Techniques
• Pleated Blinds
• Stain Removal for LVP Floors
• Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
• FAQs

What You Need

• Soft-bristled broom
• Microfiber mop
• Vacuum cleaner
• Neutral pH cleaner
• Warm water
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Doormat

Daily Maintenance and Preventive Care

Daily upkeep is essential to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on your luxury vinyl plank floors. Here’s how to care for them daily:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly: Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor attachment to remove dust and dirt. This is done to prevent scratches and ensure the surface stays clean.
• Use door mats: Place mats at all entryways to trap dirt and moisture before they reach the floors. Encourage family members and guests to take off their shoes before getting into the house.
• Wipe spills immediately: Luxury vinyl plank floors are water-resistant, but it’s important to clean up spills as soon as they occur to avoid staining or warping.
• Avoid dragging furniture: Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving chairs, tables, or other heavy items.

Weekly Cleaning Routine

A weekly cleaning routine helps LVP floors look their best:

• Dust mop or vacuum: Begin by removing loose dirt and debris. A microfiber dust mop or vacuum with a hard-floor attachment works well.
• Damp mop the floor: Use a microfiber mop and a bucket of warm water mixed with a few drops of a neutral pH cleaner. Avoid soaking the mop; it should be slightly damp, not wet.
• Focus on high-traffic areas: Pay extra attention to areas like entryways, hallways, and kitchens, where dirt accumulates.
• Dry the floor: After mopping, dry the floor with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent streaks and ensure no water is left behind.

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Occasionally, your luxury vinyl plank floors may need a deeper cleaning to remove stubborn dirt or restore their shine. Here’s how to deep clean:

• Use a specialized cleaner: Go for a vinyl floor cleaner and apply it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Scrub stubborn spots: For areas with ingrained dirt, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface. Avoid using abrasive tools that could damage the floor.
• Steam cleaning (with caution): Only some LVP floors are compatible with steam cleaning, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. If permitted, use a low-temperature steam mop to avoid overheating and warping the planks.

Stain Removal for LVP Floors

Despite your best efforts, stains can occasionally occur. Use the following techniques for common types of stains:

• Food and drink spills: Clean up spills immediately with a damp cloth. For dried stains, use a vinyl-safe cleaner and a soft sponge.
• Grease or oil stains: Apply a small amount of dish soap mixed with warm water to the affected area. Gently scrub until the stain is removed.
• Ink or marker stains: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing aggressively to prevent spreading the ink.
• Scuff marks: Remove scuff marks by rubbing them with a tennis ball or an eraser. Alternatively, use a damp cloth with a small amount of baking soda.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

To protect your luxury vinyl plank floors, avoid these common cleaning mistakes:

• Using harsh chemicals: Avoid cleaners with ammonia, bleach, or abrasive ingredients, as they can damage the protective layer.
• Over-saturating the floor: Excessive water can seep into the seams and cause warping. Always use a damp mop, not a wet one.
• Using abrasive tools: Steel wool, scrub brushes, or scouring pads can scratch the surface of your LVP floors.
• Neglecting manufacturer guidelines: Always follow the care instructions provided by your flooring manufacturer to avoid making warranties void.

FAQs

The Final Word

Cleaning luxury vinyl plank floors is straightforward and requires minimal effort compared to other flooring types. Proper maintenance protects your investment and keeps your home looking polished and inviting. 

If your LVP flooring is worn out and needs replacement, get in touch with Family Interiors. With over 45 years of experience, our seasoned pros offer free in-house estimates and serve customers throughout San Diego county.