Can you use a regular mop on vinyl floors?

Author: Kirk Schneider  |  Last update: Monday, September 22, 2025

Yes, you can wet mop vinyl plank flooring, but it's important to use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one. Excessive water can seep into seams and edges, causing damage. Always wring your mop well before use and dry the floor afterward to prevent any water damage.

What is the best thing to mop vinyl floors with?

You can use a microfiber mop or cloth dampened with warm water and a mild cleanser designed for vinyl floors. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, bleach, ammonia, or vinegar, as they can damage your floor25. You can also use a spray bottle to apply the cleaning solution to your floor and wipe it with a microfiber cloth.

What not to clean vinyl floors with?

Vinyl Flooring “Don'ts”
  • Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers to clean your vinyl floor.
  • Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. ...
  • Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes.
  • Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions.

Can you mop vinyl flooring with water?

To be safe when choosing the best cleaner for vinyl flooring, use a small amount of water. Too much water may seep through the cracks. That could cause bubbling, corner curl or unsightly blemishes on your floor. To avoid this, simply make sure you're working with a lightly dampened cloth or mop.

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

Enemies of Vinyl Flooring
  • Dirt and Grit: Acting like sandpaper, dirt and grit particles can scratch the wear layer of the vinyl, especially at entryways and high-traffic areas. ...
  • Sharp Objects: Dropping sharp objects like knives or tools can puncture or gouge vinyl.

How to Clean Vinyl Plank Floors (LVP) Like a Pro

Is Dawn dish soap safe for vinyl floors?

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.

Can I use Swiffer wet pads on vinyl plank flooring?

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.

How often should I mop vinyl plank flooring?

Wipe up any spills or stains right away. Damp-mop weekly with a mild, non-abrasive floor cleaner and a microfiber mop.

Can I use pine-sol on vinyl floors?

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.

What happens if vinyl flooring gets wet?

Signs of water damage on vinyl flooring include bubbling, warping, lifting of planks or tiles, and discoloration.

Why are my vinyl floors still dirty after mopping?

One of the most common issues with LVP floors is residue left by improper cleaning products. Soap-based and oil-based cleaners, while often effective on other surfaces, can leave a sticky film on LVP flooring. This residue dulls the finish and attracts more dirt, making the floor look dirty.

Will vinegar damage vinyl floors?

While vinegar is a common ingredient in many homemade floor cleaners, it shouldn't be used on certain household surfaces because it can cause damage. Fortunately, luxury vinyl flooring isn't one of those surfaces. In fact, apple cider vinegar makes an excellent vinyl floor cleaner.

What mop cleans the best?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: SALE. Bosheng Mop and Bucket Set at Amazon $50 $40. ...
  • Best Spray Mop : OXO Microfiber Spray Mop at Amazon. Jump to Review.
  • Best Sponge Mop: OXO Butterfly Mop at Amazon $33. ...
  • Best Spin Mop: SALE. ...
  • Best Steam Mop: SALE. ...
  • Best Vacuum Mop: Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac at Amazon $320.

Is Bona cleaner good for vinyl floors?

Bona's hard surface floor cleaner is the best floor cleaner for laminate, vinyl, tile, stone and other hard surface floors.

Can I use fabuloso on vinyl floors?

Fabuloso is safe to use on most types of flooring, including linoleum, vinyl, sealed wood, and tile. Specifically, it's safe to use on all non-porous materials since it will only sit on top of the surface. It also has a neutral pH balance, which means it won't negatively interact with most floors.

Is Mr. Clean good for vinyl floors?

DO NOT use All-Purpose or Multi-Purpose cleaners, detergents, abrasive cleaners or “mop and shine” type products (such as Bleach, Pine-Sol, Clorox Soft Scrub, Fabuloso, Rejuvenate, Mop & Glo, Mr. Clean, Murphy's Oil Soap and similar, unapproved cleaners), as they will dull the finish and sheen of the flooring material.

What is the best thing to clean vinyl floors with?

Vinyl flooring should be dry-mopped or vacuumed daily or weekly and—when a deeper cleaning is needed—damp-mopped with a pH-neutral cleaning agent formulated for use on vinyl or with a mild solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water mixed with two to three drops of dish soap.

Do you have to rinse Pine-Sol off floors?

Never let Pine-Sol sit on the floor in your home. Immediately wipe up any spills or excess liquid. After cleaning with diluted Pine-Sol, make sure you rinse thoroughly. Using a damp mop with plain water after cleaning can help ensure no residue is left behind.

What type of cleaner can you not use on vinyl floor?

You should also avoid using vinegar or special "mop and shine" products since these can leave a layer of film behind. Never use any type of wax polish on vinyl floors, either. Instead, choose a gentle, neutral cleaning product or something that is specifically designed to keep vinyl flooring clean.

Can you use a Swiffer mop on vinyl plank flooring?

A: Great questions. 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.

What type of mop is best for vinyl floors?

Microfiber mops are ideal for vinyl plank flooring. They are soft enough to prevent scratches and can be used dry to pick up dirt and damp to clean without too much moisture.

Are vinyl floors hard to keep clean?

LVT is comprised of a resilient vinyl backing, photographic film layer, emboss layer and protective coating or wear layer. This is one of the primary reasons LVT is so easy to clean and maintain; the wear layer doesn't require floor wax.

How often should I mop a vinyl floor?

How Often to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring. Like the other floors in your home, you should plan to remove crumbs, dust, and debris from your floors at least once a week.

Is steam mop good for vinyl floors?

While steam mops offer a deep clean for many surfaces, they are not be the best choice for vinyl flooring due to the potential risk of heat and moisture damage. Instead, stick to our recommended cleaning practices with regular vacuuming and mopping with a damp microfiber mop and gentle cleaner.

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