The best way to clean vinyl plank floors is with a damp mop and a pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner. Avoid using too much water, as excess moisture can seep into seams and damage the subfloor. After mopping, dry the floor to prevent water spots and maintain its shine. The best mop for vinyl floors is a microfiber mop.
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.
Some LVP manufacturers warn against using swiffer products as the chemicals can cause deterioration. Also those products attract dirt. Just use a damp warm mop and no vinegar.
A good old-fashioned sponge mop and water work quite nicely to clean vinyl flooring. Vacuum and mop regularly, approximately once or twice a week, and address any spills, wiping them up pronto with a pH neutral cleaner.
Bona has everything you need for maintaining and cleaning vinyl floors; from vinyl floor cleaners to mops and vinyl floor polish. Whether you have luxury vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank or sheet vinyl flooring, Bona has you covered.
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.
For mopping, avoid using string mops and steam mops, which can cause water damage—vinyl plank floors, even those that claim to be waterproof, are not often water resistant at the seams, says Homer.
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.
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.
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.
The intense heat from a steam mop poses a few risks for vinyl flooring . Heat can cause vinyl planks or tiles to expand and warp, especially with prolonged exposure, leading to uneven floors or even gaps between planks.
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.
You don't need to dilute Lysol's multipurpose cleaner because you can use it at full strength on vinyl floors. Once you apply solution to the entire floor, allow it to sit for about five minutes to fully disinfect the floor. Frequently rinse and wring out the mop when it gets dirty.
The best mop for vinyl plank floors is a microfiber mop. Microfiber mops are gentle on the surface and effectively capture dirt and dust without scratching the floor. Additionally, they require minimal water, reducing the risk of moisture damage to the vinyl planks.
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.
While vinyl usually durable and low maintenance, it can be damaged by certain materials found in many rug pads. Rubber, both the natural and synthetic, is not safe to use with vinyl floors because it reacts with the chemicals found in vinyl and causes staining.
Vulnerability to Sharp Objects: Although it's resistant to scratches, sharp objects like heavy furniture legs or pet claws can still leave marks on vinyl plank flooring. Susceptible to Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration of vinyl plank flooring over time.
Yes, you can use vinegar as a natural and effective cleaner for vinyl plank flooring. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Vinegar helps to dissolve dirt and grime without leaving behind residue.
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.
Pro Tip: Avoid using wax polishes, abrasive cleaners, and harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can strip off the floor's protective layer over time. We also advise against using vinegar to clean your luxury vinyl floors.
There is no need to rinse after. It really helps maintain the floors.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are two different types of luxury vinyl flooring. LVT is vinyl flooring designed in a tile shape, whereas LVP is vinyl flooring designed in planks to resemble traditional hardwood floor planks.