LVP usually scratches easily due to thin wear layers (under 12 mil) or because tracked-in grit and sand act like sandpaper under foot traffic and furniture legs. LVP is also softer than hardwood or tile, making it vulnerable to sharp objects and pet claws.
Here's how to protect your LVP flooring from scratches and wear without turning your home into a no-walk zone.
Yes, you can use Swiffer Wet products and the Swiffer WetJet on luxury vinyl plank (LVP). They are safe, convenient for quick clean-ups, and won't leave behind a sticky residue.
Yes, you can remove or significantly hide scratches on Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). The approach depends on how deep the scratch is, ranging from buffing with household items for light scuffs to using repair kits for deeper gouges.
Yes, WD-40 can help hide and mask light surface scratches on laminate flooring, as well as lift stubborn scuff marks. However, it is a temporary cosmetic fix that fills the scratch rather than a permanent repair.
There are many home remedies for effectively removing scratches from laminate flooring. For small, shallow scratches, ordinary toothpaste can be used. Apply it with a soft cloth in circular motions on the cleaned scratch, then polish with a clean cloth using water and a dedicated laminate floor cleaner.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is generally safe for laminate floors, but only when used in very small amounts and applied with a barely damp mop. Because it is a powerful degreaser, using too much can leave a cloudy, dull residue or strip protective finishes.
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser on Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), but only for spot-cleaning scuffs and stubborn stains.
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) scratch repair kits help restore damaged flooring without needing expensive replacements. Depending on the scratch, repair kits use color-matching putty, stain pens, or polyurethane pens to conceal superficial scuffs and fill in deeper gouges.
To fix deep scratches or gouges in laminate flooring, use a color-matched wax fill stick, laminate repair putty, or a manufacturer touch-up kit. Clean the area thoroughly, press the filler firmly into the gouge using a plastic putty knife, wipe away the excess, and let it dry/harden completely.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for vinyl floors—but only if you use it sparingly and rinse afterward. Because it is a pH-neutral cleaner, it safely cuts grease without stripping or fading the vinyl, but too much will leave a cloudy, dull film or a slippery residue.
The best mop for vinyl plank flooring is a microfiber flat mop or a gentle spin mop used with a pH-neutral cleaner. These mops allow you to control moisture, protecting your floors from water damage while the microfiber effectively traps dirt without scratching the surface.
Do not clean Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors with steam mops, wax, polishes, bleach, ammonia, or oil-based soaps. These products can permanently strip the protective wear layer, leave sticky residues, and warp the planks. Additionally, avoid excessive water and harsh abrasive scrubbers.
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.
Vinyl plank flooring typically goes on sale during major holiday weekends (e.g., Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday). You can also find deep "off-season" clearance markdowns in late winter (January–February) and late spring (May–June) when retailers clear out old inventory before stocking new styles.
Yes, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is increasingly used in high-end and million-dollar homes. While traditionalists still prefer hardwood or natural stone in formal areas, many affluent homeowners and custom builders now choose high-quality LVP for its durability, waterproof nature, and low maintenance.
Scratches are often caused by grit or debris caught under shoes or dragged across the surface. Moving furniture without pads, pulling appliances, or even playful pets can lead to visible scratches on vinyl planks. These marks may be shallow, but they can still affect the overall appearance of your floor.
WD-40 does not actually repair or erase scratches on your car’s paint. Instead, its oily, lubricant properties temporarily fill in light surface scratches and act as a solvent to remove paint scuffs left by other vehicles or objects. Once it washes off or dries, the scratches will reappear.
Yes, you can absolutely fix scratches on Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. The method depends on the severity of the damage:
The best cleaners for vinyl plank (LVP) floors are neutral pH, non-wax, and non-oil-based formulas. They lift grime without stripping the protective wear layer or leaving a sticky, dirt-attracting residue.
WD-40 can temporarily restore the shine and color of faded vinyl by penetrating the material and adding moisture. However, because it contains petroleum distillates, it will evaporate quickly and can eventually degrade the vinyl, attracting dirt and leaving an oily residue.
Yes, you can absolutely use Dawn dish soap to clean vinyl windows. It is gentle enough to avoid damaging the vinyl while being highly effective at cutting through grease, dirt, and grime.
Vinegar acts as a natural degreaser and deodorizer, but because it is acidic, it can strip the protective finish on laminate floors if used straight or too frequently. Over time, repeated harsh vinegar use will dull or soften the surface, making it look hazy or gummy.
To make dull wood floors shine like new, damp-mop them with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 10 parts warm water. This gentle solution cuts through dull, waxy residue without harming the wood's finish. Always wring your mop out until it is just damp, and buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth for a flawless, streak-free gloss.
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.