Best Way to Clean LVP Flooring: Keep Your Luxury Vinyl Planks Looking New

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has quickly become one of the most popular choices for homeowners and businesses looking for style, durability, and easy maintenance. But as simple as cleaning LVP might seem, using the wrong methods can actually shorten its lifespan or dull its finish. Knowing the best way to clean LVP flooring will help you protect your investment and keep your floors looking brand-new for years to come.

What Makes LVP Flooring Different

Before diving into cleaning methods, it helps to understand what makes LVP unique.

Unlike hardwood or laminate, Luxury Vinyl Plank is made up of several layers, typically a protective wear layer, a printed design layer that mimics wood or stone, and a waterproof core. This construction gives it superior resistance to moisture and scratches, but it also means certain cleaning products can damage the surface.

For example, harsh chemicals or steam can weaken the wear layer, causing dullness or warping. Manufacturers generally recommend using pH-neutral cleaners and avoiding anything with ammonia or bleach. In other words, gentleness is key. LVP is built tough, but it thrives best with mild care.

Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning LVP

Even though LVP is low-maintenance, some cleaning habits can cause more harm than good. Here are a few common mistakes and what to do instead.

Using a steam mop: The intense heat and moisture from steam can penetrate the seams and weaken the adhesive, leading to warping. Instead: Stick with a damp microfiber mop.
Using abrasive brushes or pads: These can scratch the protective layer, leaving dull marks that catch light and dirt. Instead: Use a soft-bristle broom or microfiber cloths.
Over-wetting the floor: Excess water can seep into plank edges and cause bubbling or discoloration. Instead: Wring out your mop so it’s only slightly damp.
Using harsh chemicals: Cleaners with bleach, ammonia, or wax can leave streaks or build up residue. Instead: Use a gentle, vinyl-safe cleaner or a homemade mix of warm water and mild dish soap.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your LVP flooring retains its natural shine and lasts for decades.

Step-by-Step: The Best Way to Clean LVP Flooring

Let’s go through a simple and effective cleaning routine that protects your floors and keeps them spotless.

1. Daily Maintenance

Small habits make a big difference. Sweep or vacuum daily to remove dust, sand, and debris — especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. Dirt acts like sandpaper on your floors, slowly dulling the surface over time.

When vacuuming, choose a soft brush or hard floor setting (avoid beater bars, which can scratch the wear layer). A quick daily sweep will help you avoid deeper cleanings later on.

2. Weekly or Deep Cleaning

Even with regular sweeping, your LVP will need a more thorough clean weekly or biweekly. Here’s how:

Mix your solution: Combine warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, or use a pH-neutral cleaner designed specifically for vinyl.
Mop with care: Dip a microfiber mop into the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and clean in small sections, following the plank’s grain for a smooth finish.
Rinse and dry: Rinse your mop often to avoid spreading dirt. Once done, go over the floor with a clean, dry towel or dry mop to remove any moisture.

This gentle process removes buildup without harming the floor’s surface or leaving streaks.

3. Spot Cleaning Stains

Accidents happen and LVP is forgiving when they do. For scuffs, apply a bit of rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth and rub gently until the mark fades. For sticky spills like juice or food, use warm water and a few drops of mild cleaner.

Avoid scrubbing too hard, and never use steel wool or abrasive pads. A microfiber cloth is usually all you need to restore the shine.

4. Professional Cleaning for Deep Restoration

If you notice your floors looking dull even after cleaning, it might be time to call in professionals. Over time, residue from household cleaners can accumulate, making the surface look cloudy.

Professional floor cleaning services – like Florida Floor Washers in Jacksonville – use specialized tools and safe, manufacturer-approved solutions to remove buildup without damaging your floors. They can also apply protective coatings that enhance shine and extend the floor’s lifespan.

Having your LVP professionally cleaned once or twice a year can make a dramatic difference in appearance and longevity.

How to Keep Your LVP Floor Looking New

Cleaning is just one part of the equation. Preventive care goes a long way toward maintaining your floor’s beauty.

Use entry mats: Place mats at every doorway to trap dirt and moisture before it reaches your floor.
Add felt pads: Stick felt protectors under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
Avoid high heels or heavy dragging: These can dent or scuff the surface.
Maintain humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels between 40–60% to prevent expansion or contraction.
Rotate rugs and furniture: Even sunlight exposure helps prevent fading or uneven wear.

With these simple habits, your LVP floor can stay vibrant and damage-free for up to 20 years or more.

When to Call a Professional Floor Cleaner

Even the most diligent homeowner occasionally needs professional help. Here’s when to schedule a service:

You notice dull spots that regular mopping doesn’t fix.
There’s sticky buildup from old cleaning products.
The floor feels rough or loses its sheen.
You’ve moved into a home where the LVP wasn’t well cared for.

A professional cleaner has access to equipment and solutions not available in retail stores. Florida Floor Washers, LVP floor cleaning Jacksonville, uses commercial-grade cleaning systems that safely deep-clean and restore vinyl flooring without residue or streaks.

Our company offers services like:

If your floors in Jacksonville or nearby areas have lost their sparkle, scheduling a professional clean can make them look brand-new again and help protect them for the long term.

Conclusion

Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring offers beauty, comfort, and practicality, but only when it’s properly cared for. The best way to clean LVP flooring is simple: sweep regularly, use a damp microfiber mop, and stick to mild, pH-neutral cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals, excess water, and steam, and your floors will reward you with lasting shine and durability.

When deeper cleaning is needed, let professionals handle it. With the right care and help from trusted experts like Florida Floor Washers, your LVP flooring can stay as stunning as the day it was installed.