"Less frequented rooms, like a formal dining room, can be mopped every two to four weeks, depending on use." Avoid using string mops and steam mops, which can cause water damage on vinyl plank flooring.
Although vinyl plank flooring is designed to be water-resistant, it's not waterproof. Constant exposure to high levels of moisture from a steam mop can compromise the integrity of your vinyl planks, leading to costly repairs or replacements down the line2.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt & grit that can scratch the floor, and wipe up all spills promptly and thoroughly with a damp cloth or mop, washing with a mild detergent when needed. You can restore your floor's original gloss by vacuuming, washing & applying 2-3 coats of floor-restoring polish.
Our Swiffer Wet cloths are designed with a pH close to neutral. As well, these cloths have been tested to be safe for use on vinyl plank flooring.
Generally speaking, most luxury vinyl planks can be cleaned using soap and water and don't require a special LVP cleaner. A dishwashing soap like Dawn is the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring because it will cut grime and grease without stripping your floors or damaging the wear layer.
Material Matters: Opt for natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, or polypropylene. These materials are less likely to react with the vinyl and cause damage. Avoid Rubber Backing: Rugs with rubber or latex backing can cause discoloration on vinyl flooring due to a chemical reaction.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
LVP floors are designed to be low-maintenance, but several factors can make them look dull over time: Dirt and Dust Buildup: Daily traffic can lead to a buildup of dirt and debris. Even fine dust particles, when left uncleaned, can create a haze over your floors, making them look less shiny.
Our streak-free, residue-free, fast-drying vinyl floor cleaners clean every hard-surface floor type, including luxury vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank and sheet vinyl flooring, bringing out their natural shine and beauty.
Routine Care And Maintenance:
Do not use abrasive cleaners, such as steel wool or scouring powder, as these may scratch your floor. Do not use cleaning products that contain surfactants. Dish lotions, laundry detergents, Murphy Oil Soap cleaners should not be used to maintain your flooring.
A steam mop can be pretty tempting, but do not do it! Luxury vinyl plank flooring is not steam resistant. Yes, it can handle water at some levels but not steam. Vinyl is plastic at the end of the day and exposure to high temperatures can cause it to lose shape and it can ruin the top layer of your flooring.
In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup hot water, and 2 to 3 drops of dish soap. Wet and thoroughly wring out your microfiber flat mop pad with fresh warm water. Working in 3-foot-square sections, spray the floor with a light, even mist of the cleaning solution, and mop immediately with the damp head.
Hardwood floors that are not sealed or improperly sealed are highly susceptible to moisture damage. Steam is likely to seep into the interior of the wood, causing the floor to swell, warp, and even cause long-term damage. For this type of floor, we recommend using dry or wet mop cleaning method.
Neither natural or synthetic rubber or latex-backed rugs should be used on any type of vinyl flooring. They can react with the top layers of the vinyl floor and cause discoloration or staining, potentially resulting in permanent damage to the floor.
Pine-Sol is also safe for luxury vinyl wood plank flooring and vinyl tile flooring, so long as used with a dry mop and you do not saturate the floors.
If your flooring is waterproof, you can use a wet Swiffer safely, and can get a deeper clean than you'll get with a dry mop. Make sure that you use pads that feature a neutral household cleanser, rather than any harsh chemicals that could damage the flooring.
Best Cleaning Products For Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
There are numerous options when it comes to choosing an LVP cleaner; here are three top picks based on user reviews: Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner. Rejuvenate Luxury Vinyl Tile Floor Cleaner. Quick Shine® Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner.
Steam mops are not recommended for LVP flooring or any other type of flooring that is not water-resistant, such as hardwood or laminate. Excessive heat and moisture from steam mopping can damage these floors.
Natural Floor Cleaners
Apple cider or even white vinegar are great natural cleaners for vinyl flooring. To create your cleaning solution, mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of very warm water. Use this for mopping in place of a commercial cleaning solution. To clean up stains, consider creating a baking soda paste.
Yes, you can wet mop vinyl plank flooring, but it's important to use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one.
“Because the Swiffer Wet Jet has a pH level of ten, making it alkaline, it isn't suited for any delicate surfaces like marble that require a neutral six to eight pH cleaner,” she explains.