Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is durable and highly water-resistant, but it is not indestructible. It can be damaged by excessive moisture, extreme heat, heavy impacts, abrasive chemicals, and scratching from pets or furniture.
One of the most significant risks to vinyl plank flooring care is the impact of heavy or sharp objects. High heels, dropped tools, or furniture legs, especially without protective pads, can easily gouge, scratch, or tear vinyl surfaces.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on vinyl floors. It is a safe, cost-effective way to cut grease and grime. However, you must use it sparingly—adding just 1 to 2 drops per gallon of warm water—and always rinse the floor with clean water afterward to prevent a dull, sticky film from building up.
To keep luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in top condition, avoid steam mops, high-heat cleaners, abrasive pads, bleach, ammonia, and oil-based cleaners. Do not use wax or varnish, and avoid using rubber-backed rugs, which can discolor the surface. Instead, use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring typically lasts 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the planks, the thickness of the wear layer, and foot traffic.
Yes. Both dry and wet Swiffer mops are safe to use on vinyl plank, as long as you're using cleaning pads that don't leave behind residue. Just avoid soaking the floor.
The versatility of LVP, particularly in mimicking the look of authentic wood or stone, has made it a favored choice both for higher-end homes and more affordable ones. “I love LVP flooring that mimics wood or stone, especially the wide and long planks. And so do buyers.
The healthiest flooring options for your home are those that are low-emitting, hypoallergenic, and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic adhesives. The absolute best choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivity are solid hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, and natural linoleum.
What are the most popular vinyl plank flooring colors in 2026? Light oak, greige, and soft brown tones continue to be favorites. These colors feel fresh and versatile, working well with neutral palettes, natural light, and the relaxed, airy look many homeowners are going for right now.
While Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is incredibly popular for being affordable, water-resistant, and DIY-friendly, it faces significant backlash, particularly from flooring contractors and interior purists. Common complaints include:
The best homemade cleaner for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors is a simple mix of warm water, a splash of vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. This budget-friendly solution easily cuts through dirt and grease without leaving a dull residue or damaging the floor’s protective wear layer.
You should generally avoid using Murphy's Oil Soap on laminate floors. While the manufacturer notes it can be used if heavily diluted, laminate has a hard, non-porous finish. Oil soaps can leave behind a dull, cloudy film that is very difficult to remove and easily attracts dirt.
The Problem: Windex contains harsh chemicals that leave a residue on records. It's among the vinyl record care products you should avoid, regardless of what the internet tells you. It damages your record's surface and label and may impact its long-term playability.
Water damage can look different depending on your flooring material. Watch for: Hardwood: Warping, cupping, or crowning; boards may separate or feel uneven; you might notice dark stains or a musty odor. Luxury Vinyl (LVP/LVT): Curling edges, lifting tiles or planks, soft spots from subfloor damage.
Standing water can still seep through and damage the subfloor if no waterproofing layer is installed. However, they can be prone to dents and scratching. Also, they may fade when installed in areas constantly exposed to the sun. Vinyl planks also can't withstand extreme temperature changes very well.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
The Pantone Color of the Year for 2026 is Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201). It is a soft, airy, and balanced shade of white chosen to represent clarity, peace, and a fresh start.
If you're wondering which colour floor shows the least dirt, the short answer is medium-tones like beige, taupe, and soft grey. These shades don't contrast sharply with dust, footprints, or pet hair, which makes floors look cleaner for longer in busy homes.
Joanna Gaines is known for her signature "modern farmhouse" aesthetic, relying on light wide-plank wood, vintage checkerboard tile, patterned cement, and earthy volcanic ash. She frequently uses durable, high-quality flooring materials that blend old-world character with family-friendly functionality.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
WetJet Vinyl, Tile & Laminate Solution is specially formulated to treat your high-end, luxury vinyl tile floors with care. It's the convenient way to maintain your floor's beauty.
Many potential buyers appreciate the high-end, natural look that is nearly identical to solid hardwood. While high-quality LVP can certainly make a home more attractive to buyers—especially compared to dated carpet or tile—it doesn't typically carry the same investment weight as real wood.