The best cleaner for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors is a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for vinyl or hard-surface floors. These cleaners cut through dirt and grease without leaving a dull residue or stripping the protective wear layer.
Good choices include:
Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes. Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions unless indicated by the manufacturer. Ammonia can break down the vinyl and cause it to crack. Don't drench your floors with water when cleaning.
What Can Damage Vinyl Flooring?
The best cleaning products for LVT flooring
General household cleaners can be too harsh and leave behind a film that makes floors look dirty more quickly. FILA's formula is designed specifically for LVT and laminate, cleaning effectively while protecting the wear layer and leaving a streak and residue-free finish.
Use a mild, pH-neutral floor cleaner designed for vinyl. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, ammonia-based products, or bleach, as these can damage the finish. Dilute the cleaner in water according to the manufacturer's instructions, and use a damp (not soaking wet) mop to clean the floor.
The following tips are recommended: Vacuum or sweep vinyl flooring regularly, and always before mopping. Deal with spillages and stains straightaway. Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur and deal with stains with a damp mop; stubborn stains can be tackled with a paste of baking soda mixed with water.
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.
Luxury vinyl flooring typically lasts 10 to 20 years, and high-quality products with thicker wear layers can last up to 25 years or more when properly maintained. The exact lifespan depends on product quality, foot traffic, and how well the flooring is cared for.
For deeper scratches or scuffs:
If you constantly wonder “why does my vinyl floor always look dirty”, several factors may be at play: Foot traffic and pets: Dirt, dust, and debris are tracked in daily. Heavy traffic areas get dirty quickly. Wrong cleaning methods: Overuse of soap, water, or harsh chemicals can leave a residue.
We do a dry mop when we see dust or dog hair so at least twice a week. We do the wet treatment once a week. That is what we were told to do by the flooring installer. Vacuum and mop with a damp mop hot water and vinegar once a week.
Our favorite is the Bona Premium Microfiber Mop. We use this mop to clean all types of flooring, including the luxury vinyl plank in our showroom.
Professional cleaners often use commercial-grade floor cleaning solutions that are specifically formulated to tackle various types of dirt and grime. These solutions tend to be more effective and concentrated than those available to the general public.
Another excellent way to refresh your vinyl floors is by using vinyl flooring wax. The wax fills in small scratches and scuffs, providing a smooth surface that reflects light better. Before applying the wax, make sure to clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
𝐋𝐕𝐏 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 & 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 🧹 Sweep or Vacuum Regularly – Use a dust mop or vacuum (without a beater bar) to remove dirt and grit. 🧼 Use the Right Mop & Cleaner – A microfiber mop or Tienco mop (on Amazon) works best. Pair it with a neutral pH cleaner like COREtec Cleaner Encore or a vinegar + water solution.
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.
Caring for Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring requires a simple routine focused on preventing scratches and avoiding excess moisture. Sweep or dry-mop daily to remove abrasive grit. Damp-mop weekly with a pH-neutral, vinyl-safe cleaner. Never use steam mops, harsh chemicals, or wax. Lift heavy furniture instead of dragging it, and use protective felt pads.
Prices can vary depending on the quality, thickness, and brand you choose. On average, luxury vinyl flooring costs between $2 and $7 per square foot.
Dish Soap and Water: A pH-neutral soap like Dawn is the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring because it cuts grime and grease without stripping your floors or damaging the wear layer. Mix about an ounce with a gallon of warm water and rinse afterward to avoid soap scum.
Use Jojoba Oil or WD-40 to get rid of scuffs – always our trusty go-to products. Place either of the products onto a soft cloth, rub the scuff marks, and watch it rub right off. Ta-da!
Finally, dip a mop into the solution and start cleaning. A few tips as you clean: don't soak the floor with mop solution and you don't need to rinse the floors after using this vinegar cleaner.
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.
Deep Cleaning of LVT
For stains, we recommend a heavy-duty flooring cleaner. For scratches and scuffs, there are a few options at your disposal. Depending on the depth of the mark, a little buffing can sometimes do the trick.
Mild cleaners like a distilled vinegar solution are more appropriate for luxury vinyl flooring. A mixture of warm water and white distilled vinegar goes in the bucket. The ideal ratio is one cup of vinegar per gallon of water.